In simple terms, translation is the process of rendering written content from one language to another language. But, not every translation will be as good, or as accurate as another. Good translation relies on having a qualified and experienced translator who is capable of achieving the following.
The translated content must be accurate, with the same meaning and intent as the original, with no errors or omissions.
But, it must also replicate the correct tone and spirit as the original content.
The Most Important Aspect of Translation
Perhaps the most important part of a good translation is to have the same meaning and effect as the original content.
In any language, small changes can completely alter the meaning of content. In a business setting this can be detrimental, especially if you are translating important information or statistics.
So, before anything else, a good translation must have the same meaning as the original content.
Without this, you could unconsciously be saying something completely different once your work has been translated.
Technical accuracies are inevitably linked to the accurate meaning of a text. These are another key part of a good translation.
This applies to even the smallest detail in your content.
Not only do each of the words need to have the correct, accurate meaning, but all of the grammar needs to be correct and in the right places. Missing out small things like this can completely change the meaning of your content.
So, a good translation requires attention to detail as well as a complete and in-depth knowledge of both languages.
Hand in hand, technical accuracies and an accurate meaning will result in a good translation. But, there’s even more that goes into the process.
Tone of Voice
A good translation will capture the same tone and spirit as the original content.
This is especially true in content that is being translated to be published. Tone is just as important as meaning in many ways.
A translation that has the same tone as the original content will ensure that your words have the exact same effect on any of your readers. You don’t want original content to be inspiring and moving but translated content to be dull and unmotivating.
Plus, a translator is almost never the author of the original content. So, a good translation will replicate the tone and voice of the author that is being translated.
This can take a degree of skill. So, you’ll need to invest in a good translator.
The Translator
To achieve a good translation, you need a good translator.
The best translators will be able to do everything we have mentioned here.
Choosing a translator with plenty of experience and qualifications means that you are more likely to get a good translation. Some businesses may consider using just anyone that can speak the target language. But, doing this can result in inaccurate translations. Or worse, ones that are technically accurate but that don’t reflect the original intent and tone of your content.
A professional translator will have the experience and ability to replicate your content exactly as it should be.
In some situations, it could be hard for a translator to get a technically accurate translation whilst keeping the exact same tone and meaning. But, a good translator will know just how to strike the right balance.
Good translation, if all of these factors are achieved, does not seem like a translation at all. In fact, it will seem as if the content was originally written in your target language.
A good translation could be read by a native speaker with no indication to them that the content has been translated. Communication with readers in the target language should feel natural and easy with a good translation.
Why you Need Good Translation
Good translation matters. Especially when global interconnectivity is an important part of your business.
As different parts of the world become more interconnected, it’s important that communication is as easy as possible. And the most successful businesses will be the ones that have the best translations.
So, in summary, achieving a good translation requires a number of layers.
It needs to convey the same meaning, tone, and spirit as the original content. This is important both to preserve the mark of the author. It is also important to serve the same purpose as was originally intended.
Your reader, ideally, will not be able to tell that they are reading a translation. A good translation is imperceptible to its audience. And a good translator can guarantee that.