Source texts come in all shapes and sizes.
They are not always well written and not always intended for translation in the
first place. Translators will always do their best, but customers shouldn’t
automatically assume that a badly formulated source text can somehow be
conjured into a creative and captivating target text. Here are a few
tips for customers when they consider having documents and texts translated
into another language.
Think
International
If your source text is primarily targeted
at a domestic readership, it will not have the same impact at an international
level. Your text may need adapting to reflect the social, cultural and economic
nuances of the foreign market. For example, is an English text aimed at British
or American audience? Or is it intended for a wider readership which uses
English as a second language?
Clarity,
brevity and style
Write clearly in your own language. Avoid
long sentences. Ask yourself if all the information is relevant. What is the
audience? Will it keep the reader’s attention and interest? Get a colleague to
check your text for style, clarity, spelling, punctuation, etc. before you even
submit it for translation. Finalise your source language text before committing
it for translation. Remember, last-minute changes can be expensive.
To get maximum impact, tell the translator exactly
what the translation is for. A speech will require different use of language
than a product information sheet or news article. A good translator will always
adapt the style.
The
native-speaker principle
You may pride yourself on how well you can
speak a foreign language.
But speaking is not writing! Never overestimate your
written command of a second language. Resist the temptation to do it yourself.
False friends are snakes in the grass! Clumsy use of a foreign language will be
a turn-off. If you do decide to do it yourself, always have your text checked
carefully by a competent native-speaker, especially if the document is intended
for publication.
Background
information
Translators are resourceful, but remember,
they may not always be familiar with your business culture and language.
Provide the translator with as much reference material as possible
(illustrations, internet links, wordlist, glossaries, list of abbreviations,
previous translations, etc.) Use a single contact person who deals with the
translator exclusively.
Plan
ahead
A translation should never be an
afterthought, but part of the production chain. It is not simply a mechanical
conversion of words into another language. A translation requires time and
effort, sometimes more than is initially anticipated. Allow enough time for
questions and feedback before the translation can be finalised.
Lay-out
Is your text intended for publication or
print? Remember that the length of a translated text may vary in length to the
original source text. This is an important aspect in situations where space may
be restricted.
And,
of course, last but not least …
By now, this should be abundantly clear but resist the urge at all costs to use Google Translate and other automatic machine translation tools!
