Three Things That Translation Is Not
Not too long ago, people did not globe trot quite as often as they do today. Finding a well-known company from your country overseas was a rare treat because many companies had not yet extended their reach beyond their own front door.
Globalization Has Made the World Smaller
Today, globalization has made the world a smaller place. Anyone with the desire and means can travel to far flung regions. Businesses who once never ventured past their country’s borders can now be found in remote areas, catering to those who live and shop locally. And this is why translation has become, and continues to be, a major player in the globalization game. Let’s dispel some common myths about this important industry.
1) Translation is not about speaking.
Translation converts written material from one language into another; it does not work with the spoken word. A professional translator must be able to both read another language fluently, and be a good enough writer to express the information into the desired language. Much of the translation work is done on a computer, and revising the work before it becomes final is an important step to getting the best quality.
2) Translation is not strictly about words.
The goal of a translator is to have people read the translation as if it were the original written material.
Words are obviously important; CollegeGrad explains that “the goal of a translator is to have people read the translation as if it were the original written material.” But this means more than just swapping out one word for another. It means that translators need to understand the audience they are writing to in order to “properly transmit any cultural references, including slang, and other expressions that do not translate literally.”
3) Translation is not going away.
Common Sense Advisory projected that “the global market for outsourced language services and technology [would] reach US$46.52 billion in 2018.” With the rise of globalization and extended reach, the market for translation will continue to grow. With the myriad options in the language services industry, how can a company that needs translation make sure they choose the right partner? Finding the right translation company to meet your business needs requires knowing exactly what that firm can do.
Choosing the Right Translation Partner
At ITC Global Translations, we know exactly what our translators are capable of. We handpick our team to ensure that the words, references, and subtle nuances of every language are translated seamlessly. Our specialists work with a dedicated, in-house department that selects, evaluates, and manages our vast linguistic network. When you need a professional translator who is familiar with your specific industry, in whatever language you seek, and can write in ways that speak to the culture, contact us. As one of the top 100 largest language service provider in the world, we’ll be happy to make your world a bit smaller.
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