Continuing from part I.
- Computer translations are as good as human translations
Yes, it’s true that computational linguists have made incredible progress in computer translation technology, but that does not at all mean that human translators have become obsolete. Computer-based translators use algorithms and databases to create translations, but they do not have the kind of creative analytical skills that are needed to result in a text that does not only convey the appropriate message but also comes off as a fluent and stylistically appropriate piece of writing. Humans’ ability to analyze is also critical when it comes to things like homonyms, idioms, and slang.
- A professional translator can translate any document in a language they know
Some documents can be translated by any translator who is proficient in the appropriate language, but other documents may have very technical or specialized jargon. A translator who is used to translating legal documents will not at all be able to successfully translate an engineering blueprint or a medical journal article. First of all, the translator will not be at all familiar with the appropriate vocabulary and its usage. Second, the translator may have difficulty even understanding the original document, which makes it nearly impossible to create any translation. Finally, the translator will have no knowledge of typical standards in the field or industry for language, terminology, formatting, etc. Some translators are highly specialized in a certain field, and some have more generalized abilities and can dab on the surface of many different fields. Either way, very specialized documents will be difficult for any translator who hasn’t had a lot of experience in the field.
- Good translators never use dictionaries
The origin of this myth is easy to see – someone who is fluent in a language should not have to resort to a dictionary; since translators must be fluent in both of their languages, it follows that they shouldn’t need the aid of a translation dictionary. However, this is far from the truth. Of course, while translators should have a thorough command of their language and its vocabulary and grammar, this does not mean that they must have an unfaltering knowledge of every single word in the language. This is especially true when a translator is working in a new industry or a very technical field and encounters a word they have never heard in their second language or may not even know the meaning of in their first language!
- Translating is the same as Interpreting
Though most people outside of the field consider translation and interpretation as interchangeable terms, they actually describe two completely distinct processes. Translation is the transfer of a piece of text from one language to another. Interpretation is the transfer of spoken word from one language to another. So, translators take a document and then write or type the translation while interpreters listen to someone talking and then relay it orally in the second language. Though some processes, such as sight translation, involve both spoken and written word, most cases of translation and interpretation involve only its respective form of communication. Most linguists are only qualified to do one or the other, so a translator should not be asked to perform interpretation services and vice versa.
Are there any other translation myths you have heard? Please correct any misconceptions in the comments below!
____________________________________________________________________
You may also be interested in the following:
Ebook: Top Ten Tips for Interpreters and Translators
Article: When should names be transliterated?
Article: The World’s Ten Most Translated Authors
Article: Why Translation Mistakes Happen
_____________________________________________________________________
