Professional translation involves knowledge of some basic, yet very important factors. These are the ones which are usually missed-out in the scurry of finishing the actual project. The end result of skipping on minor concepts usually leads to a work, that neither makes for a good read nor does it sometime makes for any sense. The reputation too is up for a toss, both for the client and the translating services. There is a general rule that is followed when it comes to translating, in journalism or otherwise. One always need to consider the concept of Five ‘W’s’ – who, where, why, when and what.
To elaborate my point, let me describe the five building blocks first.
Who: For whom is the work translated? Who is the actual target audience? – Professionals, general people, students! This helps in deciding the nature of the language flow that can be used. A complex language may not go down pretty well with some, while the use of a simple language may just put off the professionals alike. So findings on this info beforehand will be of great help in preparing the work.
Where: where is the translated work going to be used? In the same country of its origin or in a foreign place. Geographical differences arise in almost all of the languages. Same languages, although used in different nations, do differ in terms of its actual use. This needs to be taken care of while preparing the translation.
Why: Why is the translation required? As with ‘who’ in the previous point, this too determines the flow of language. A work used for selling purposes just cannot be similar to the general ‘neutral’ tone.
When: When is it required? The time taken for translating few words is much less compared to lengthy transcripts running into number of pages. ‘Haste makes for a waste.’ Thus is same when it comes to translating, it just cannot be hurried.
What: What is going to be translated? The material could be anything from a website that needs a translation to books on varied of genres, marketing materials; just about anything. Do get to understand about the work first.
Research on the part of the translator is always expected. It is thoroughly essential for the work to be done in a properly well manner. The answers to these above described questions will certainly give your translation partners the background they need, so that the intended (translated) message is clearly received by all your audiences, wherever they happen to be!