UNDERSTANDING THE TRAPS
Whatever kind of translating you need done, being exact is the most important factor. Any errors could wind up turning into huge misunderstandings that could present tons of problems.
The first step is understanding that there are traps in translation. Using any random translation service will not do because not every word is always translated exactly. Phrases often take on different meanings in different languages. When the translation comes through, it is not always guaranteed that each version will read that same.
Some failed translations are even funny. When using an Ulta Vista translating machine, Kentucky Fried Chicken’s phrase ‘Finger licking good’ translates into ‘Come out and eat your fingers off.’
It is easy to laugh at such an error. But for businesses that depend upon advertising, something like that can be embarrassing and even lead to a loss of sales.
When using computer software for translation, there are too many problems to mention. But there are also issues with human translators. That is why Bay Area International Translators uses only native speakers who are well-versed in the finer points of their language.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIALECT
When it comes to translation, knowing dialects is very important. Hiring a Spanish translator to translate Spanish is not always good enough. For example, the Spanish that is spoken in Madrid is much different than the Spanish that is spoken in Mexico City. Using a Mexican translator for Spanish that comes from overseas simply won’t do.
It is not hard to find examples of failed Spanish translations. One incident happened in Spain when Coors’ slogan of ‘Turn it loose’ was translated into ‘Suffer from diarrhea.’ That probably wouldn’t sell too many beers in any country.
That is just one example that there is more to translation than just converting words. There needs to be an understanding of the exact language.
Translation can even play a major part in something as simple as housewares. The popular store IKEA has over 300 stores spread out over 38 countries and uses 25 different languages. IKEA’s translations need to be exact for the purpose of avoiding legal issues, putting together instruction packets for its products and marketing its products.
MORE TRANSLATION TRAPS
Problems with translation can wind up leading to courtroom battles. One example of that took place last year in New Orleans when a civil lawsuit alleged that a group of city schools failed to provide translated documents to parents of non-English speaking students. This is a prime example of how poor translations can hurt students whose families speak very little English. Without translated documents, school systems can actually hurt a student’s progress.
Another problem is translators who ask zero questions. Chances are, there are always going to be fuzzy parts of translation. These are parts that are a bit confusing or incoherent. Some services will just work through the fuzzy parts and use guesswork. But the world’s best translators will not hesitate to ask questions. They break down every sentence so that each word is exact. This is a standard upheld by every translator at Bay Area Translation Services.
Traps in translation have even made their way beyond death. A man who has a house willed to him in a different country usually needs a translated death certificate to claim his property. Any glitches in translation could make that a difficult process. It could also lead to unnecessary trips out of the country.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
Price is always a concern of any consumer. That includes consumers looking to hire a professional translation service. Those consumers should be careful of package deals or amazingly low prices. Quality translation requires a lot of skill and time. That is not to say a good translation service should require you to take out a second mortgage. However, quality translation will build value into your business. For that reason, it’s not a smart move to pinch pennies.
Traps in translation are different, but all have something in common. Every one can be avoided by enlisting the services of a reputable and skilled translator. Settling for anything less will often lead to a waste of time and money.
Bay Area Translation Services houses the highest quality translators who are among the very best at their craft. There are no traps in our translation, only precision.