Language Translation
Translation is the act of converting information in one language into another language. It can also be applied to the conversion of a code or cipher into plain language.
The information to be converted can be in written form, printed form, digital form or as an audio recording. The difficult part of translating one language into another lies in the fact that the rules of grammar between the two languages can be quite different. So can idiomatic expressions. Thus, a literal or word-for-word translation is sometimes difficult if not impossible to achieve. When referring to a translation, we are most often talking about an act performed by human beings, although there has been some software programs created that permit languages to be translated by computers.
The ideals for translation are fidelity vs. transparency
Fidelity, or faithfulness and transparency are competing qualities that are considered the ideal considerations in translation. Fidelity, in the translation sense, is the extent to which any translation can accurately present the meaning conveyed by the original or source language into the desired language without unduly influencing it. Transparency describes the extent of how the translation will seem to a native speaker of the target or new language and how well it supports grammar, syntax and idiomatic expressions. In word-for-word machine translations, the resultant is often so incorrect as to have its primary value in humor.
Equivalence is also descriptive of translation effectiveness
Fidelity vs. transparency has also been considered in terms of formal or dynamic equivalence. Dynamic equivalence is the conveyance of the primary thought in the source text, while formal equivalence defines the translation’s ability to covey the textual ideas in the form of a word-for-word or literal translation. The difference between the two represents a range of translation approaches. Competent translation therefore, refers to the blending of dynamic and formal equivalents. In some instances, the translation may actually embody both.
If I am fluent in two or three languages, can I become a translator?
Probably so if you also possess attention to detail and awareness of some of the subtle differences between expressions in these languages. There is always a demand for good translators by government entities, international bodies such as the United Nations, and multi-cultural business organizations. In recent years, the growth of the Internet has also created a demand for translators as independent contractors or freelancers who can handle specific translation projects for companies (outsource buyers) who prefer to outsource their translation projects rather than to employ full-time in-house employees for reasons of cost efficiency. There are websites right now on the Internet that are composed of one or more principals who contract with worldwide translators to be available for their projects. There are still other websites where buyers post their translation projects for freelance translators to bid on.
Accreditation and certification are also available for translators.
Although not a legal requirement, the American Translator’s Association offers an accreditation system where you can receive certification as a translator. The real value of having this is enhanced credibility when applying for employment. Some countries also require evidentiary documentation that states that a translator is legally competent to translate for legal equivalence.
