Translation services are defined as a transition of one piece of text into another language in which someone with the knowledge of two languages takes the words and context of a part of a document and then puts it into another language so more readers can read it. These are not services that every person will seek out in their lifetime, but those who do may not completely understand what translation services are, what type of translation is needed, or even where to start looking. If you need translation such as Christian Translation Services or uncertain if that is the route you need to go, then this article should help in some ways, but the focus will be book translation services.
Book translation services are just what they sound like, the translation of entire books. This is not a service that many use or need because having an entire book translated requires a great deal of time, skill, and depending on length, can be costly. Many books are never translated because it can be such a struggle to find those that do this type of translation well. One of the most translated books in the world is the Bible, which falls under the heading of Christian translation, but even the Bible has not been translated into every language due to the amount of time and ability it requires. The same is true for most books. Unfortunately, when books are not translated into new languages, culture is not shared as openly.
Sharing Author’s Perspective With A New Culture
Books that are written by authors in a native language are a part of that author’s world. These books often have cultural references and allow the reader to glimpse into that world from the author’s perspective, even in fiction writing. If the books are never translated, the audience is limited to those that speak the language it is written in that can also read in that language. While this may not be something many people consider, it is something that would expand our thinking and possibly offer a larger worldview for many.
Keeping Message Intact While Translating
Now that you understand why something like book translation services Christian Translation Services is important, let’s move on to what it means to have a book translated in full for a new audience and into a new language. To have an entire book translation is, as mentioned, a lengthy process. This is in part because it goes beyond just the translation of word. Unfortunately, many people do not understand this fact. Think of it as reading a web page that has been automatically translated. It is obvious it was written in another language and while you may be able to gather the main information, it is difficult to read. If a book was translated in a direct Christian Translation Services word to word translation, it would also be difficult to read and a great deal of information would be lost. So, when professional book translation is needed, it goes well beyond just the words being transferred to a new language.
Incorporating/ Removing Cultural References While Translating
A professional book translator will have mastered the original language and the language of translation. They will spend time reading the book and then begin the lengthy process of translating not just words, but the author’s voice and message. This is not easy. Many will also need to translate jokes, references to culture, and other ideas that may be highly unfamiliar to the new language audience. The goal is not just to translate Christian Translation Services words, but ideas, the storyline, and the same or a very similar voice to the original writing.
Authors can help in some ways to make the translation easier. This can include things like making the text as concise as possible, removing specific cultural references, or taking out jokes that may be offensive in other cultures, but this also may take away from the text. This is why so few books are translated in full. This Christian Translation Services is also not possible in many fictional books because the story is based on the references used and a white washing of the text takes away the meaning. The point is that book translation services are important and a great way to share information in a meaningful way, but it is not a simple job, nor one just anyone can handle. If you are looking for a professional translator for an entire book, know what you need ahead of time and then start the search for professionals.
How to Choose the Right Translator?
- Choose Translators Who Understand Cultural Significance
It is also important to choose a translator that knows the culture of the translation language. This is because translation is not just about changing the words into a new language, but about conveying a message in a way that maintains the author’s voice, but is still relevant in the new language and culture. This may mean altering some examples to be more culturally relevant without changing the message or altering images to fit into the new language context. If the book has jokes or cliques that do not translate appropriately, these may also be altered to promote the same message, but with different terminology or examples. If the translator does not know about the culture of the language in which they are translating then mistakes can be made that end up coming across as offensive in the new language. This can affect book sales negatively. - Consider the Type of Translation Offered
You must also choose a translator that specializes in the type of translation that you need. Not all translators are equal in that not all are able to handle full book translation. In addition, not all translators use full human translation, some prefer to use computer assisted translation tools or full computer translation. While full computer translation should be avoided, the use of some translation assistance tools can be appropriate and speed up the translation process.
Computer assisted translation tools, also known as CAT tools can be helpful to translators when it comes to time management and the way in which they work. These tools split large multilingual documents into segments that are stored in a database known as a translation memory. The translation memory allows previously translated materials can be reused when they arise once again.For some translators, this can speed up translation and increase accuracy overall. However, these are best used for specific words or recurring expressions that need to remain consistent.
The gold standard is still complete human translation, especially for longer items like books. This is because books are written with emotion and need to maintain the author’s voice throughout. It can be difficult for a translator to maintain this if working with CAT tools. The choice is still up to the person Christian Translation Services paying for the translation and what will work best for their product.
Authors can help in some ways to make the translation easier. This can include things like making the text as concise as possible, removing specific cultural references, or taking out jokes that may be offensive in other cultures, but this also may take away from the text. This is why so few books are translated in full. This is also not possible in many fictional books because the story is based on the references used and a white washing of the text takes away the meaning. The point is that book translation services are important and a great way to share information in a meaningful way, but it is not a simple job, nor one just anyone can handle. If you are looking for a professional translator for an entire book, know what you need ahead of time and then start the search for professionals.
How to Choose the Right Translator?
- Choose Translators Who Understand Cultural Significance
It is also important to choose a translator that knows the culture of the translation language. This is because translation is not just about changing the words into a new language, but about conveying a message in a way that maintains the author’s voice, but is still relevant in the new language and culture. This may mean altering some examples to be more culturally relevant without changing the message or altering images to fit into the new language context. If the book has jokes or cliques that do not translate appropriately, these may also be altered to promote the same message, but with different terminology or examples. If the translator does not know about the culture of the language in which they are translating then mistakes can be made that end up coming across as offensive in the new language. This can affect book sales negatively. - Consider the Type of Translation Offered
You must also choose a translator that specializes in the type of translation that you need. Not all translators are equal in that not all are able to handle full book translation. In addition, not all translators use full human translation, some prefer to use computer assisted translation tools or full computer translation. While full computer translation should be avoided, the use of some translation assistance tools can be appropriate and speed up the translation process.
Computer assisted translation tools, also known as CAT tools can be helpful to translators when it comes to time management and the way in which they work. These tools split large multilingual documents into segments that are stored in a database known as a translation memory. The translation memory allows previously translated materials can be reused when they arise once again.For some translators, this can speed up translation and increase accuracy overall. However, these are best used for specific words or recurring expressions that need to remain consistent.
The gold standard is still complete human translation, especially for longer items like books. This is because books are written with emotion and need to maintain the author’s voice throughout. It can be difficult for a translator to maintain this if working with CAT tools. The choice is still up to the person paying for the translation and what will work best for their product.
Book translation services serve a vital importance, not just for authors looking to expand their reach and increase sales, but for the general population. Imagine how different life and culture would be if Shakespeare’s plays had never been translated or if the Bible had not been translated and shared. Culture grows, expands, and changes because we are willing to cross boundaries and share in one another’s lives. The internet has made this easier, but it originated with the translation of books which continues today. Never fear translation services, especially if you have written a worthwhile book that deserves to be shared with those around the world.
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