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Translation Problems and Solutions

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Top 10 Translation Problems and Solutions

Problem #1: Structure of the Language

The structure of sentences in English and other languages may be different. This is

considered to be one of the main structural problems in translation.   

The culture practiced by the speakers of each language may also be vastly different. In

many languages, certain terms may be completely absent… This is one of the most common

challenge faced by a translator on its daily basis, also one of the main reasons why translation is

difficult. 

For example, in English the adjective is placed before the noun, but in French the

adjective comes after the noun. In Arabic and some other languages, the subject pronoun is part

of the verb, and that determines the subject gender and the voice of the sentence.

The translator has to know the exact structure in each language, and use the appropriate

structure, and they have to ensure that the translation is performed without changing the

meaning as well. 

Solution #1: Limit your Expertise

Gain expertise only in a couple of languages that you are already well-versed with.

Make use of grammar checkers, translation memory tools and other techniques to ensure that you

have maintained the structure in the target language without changing the meaning or sense of

the source document.

Problem #2: Culture


The culture practiced by the speakers of each language may also be vastly

different; Often, colloquialism is woven into formal language, making the translator’s task very

difficult indeed.

The larger the region where the language is spoken, the more the dialects there are likely

to be, and the more colloquial words you are likely to find – except in technical documents

translations, legal document translations, or translations of medical transcripts.

For example, the British are famous for their dry, biting sarcasm, which is their brand of

humor. However, this kind of sarcasm may not be appreciated in not just a country speaking a

different language, but even another country where they speak English.

Solution #2: Research and Investigate

Scan the internet to learn the most popular colloquialisms used in that language, and

familiarize yourself with the most commonly used dialects. This can give you a fair idea when

you need to translate.

Soak in the culture as much as you can through movies, TV shows, magazines and books

in that language. Movies and TV shows will be especially helpful in recognizing local culture

and dialects.

Problem #3: Compound words

A compound word is a combination of two or three nouns and adjectives. They could

be closed of three forms – closed form, like notebook; hyphenated like long-distance, or open

form like fighter pilot. Some compound words are pretty straightforward, and mean exactly what

they say – like afternoon; some mean only half of the term, like say bellboy, and some mean
nothing of their original words – for example deadline. In such cases, it can get very tricky for

the translator.

Solution #3: Focus your Knowledge

Any translator needs to choose their niche. You should not try to be jack of all

trades; select one or two subjects, and become expert in them.

Familiarize yourself with the compound words most commonly used in your subject area, and

learn the translations. Use translation memory and other software to make your job easier.

Problem #4: Verbs made up of two words

In English there are several verbs that are made up of two words – usually, a combination

of a verb and a preposition. For example: break up, break down, break into, break in, break off,

break apart, break away; these all mean different things, though the common verb is break.Here

the preposition which follows immediately after gives it a completely different meaning. It is

highly unlikely that translating the two words into the target language will give you the same

meaning.

Solution #4: Avoid Literal Translation

Think of finding an appropriate word in the target language for the phrase or the verb in

its entirety rather than attempting a literal translation.

Problem #5: Missing terms


Missing terms are very common translation issue. In some languages, certain terms may

be completely absent – this has also to do with culture, as those objects may not be used by the

people, or those actions or activities may not be permitted or simply not performed.

This is a potentially difficult situation for the translator, and poses another

important structural problem worth of discussion. Let’s suppose the term child adoption has no

related word in another language, because such a thing just doesn’t take place in that area.

Solution #5: Confer with the Client

In such cases it is best to confer with the client and then come to a decision as to the best

course to take. They may suggest retaining the word of the source document, or they may

suggest a new term themselves, or may even ask you to come up with a newly coined term that

gets as close to the actual meaning as possible. Whatever the case, be always ready to deal with

translation feedback.

Problem #6: Words with several meanings

There are several words in the English language that have different meanings based on

the way they are used in the sentence. Words are sometimes spelled alike and pronounced alike,

but have different meanings, like break (a plate) or take a coffee break. Words that have the same

spellings but different pronunciations like to lead a conference, or a lead pencil.

There are also words that have different spelling but have the same pronunciation, like break and

brake, grate and great, and so on. There are hundreds of such words in English, and also idioms,

metaphors, similes and so on. However, those words may be different in other languages.
Solution #6: Read Carefully

The translator has to be very vigilant, and carefully read the source text to fully grasp the

meaning. Only after that should they begin the work of translation; otherwise, it can lead to

embarrassing mistakes.ie. Translation problems.

Problem #7: Technical Knowledge

Regarding Technical Knowledge, Translators are first and foremost, linguists; though

they do have good knowledge of certain subjects, they are usually not the top experts in the field.

In fact, it’s very rare that you find a say, doctor, who is also an expert linguist. Translators

usually specialize in certain niches, and gain subject matter expertise. But sometimes that may

not be enough for some types of specialized translation; some documents may be full of

technical jargon, or talk about specific procedures or activities in detail. This can pose a problem

for translators.

Solution #7: Ask for Help

If the matter is very technical you may need a lot of time – more than usual, to complete

the task. You could contact the client for some pointers if you’re stuck, or consult a local expert

you know well, and ask them for help.

You would also need to read up and educate yourself to gain deeper knowledge, or to keep in

step with the new developments happening in that field.

Problem #8: Limited Time


Limited time is the most common problem that translators face every single day, because

most clients need the translated work quickly; they have no time to lose.

If it is a straightforward document, then you may be able to finish it within the deadline. But

when it is a technical or legal document full of technical terms or if there is a lot of dialect and

colloquialism involved, it could take longer.

This can be very stressful for you as a translator, when your client is breathing down your back

to get the translated documents.

Solution #8: Use Technology

Use as many technologies as you can – translation memory software, computer aided

translation software and more, to speed up the process as much as possible.

Problem #9: Personal Challenges

Personal challenges, as opposed to linguistic challenges, are those arises because of the

environment around the translator. All the challenges we discussed above are linguistic

challenges.

Apart from those, a translator faces several other challenges in their line of work. These

include but are not limited to: proper internet access, competition from other

translators, competition from machine translation, and the dilemma of pricing your

services appropriately.

Solution #9: Know Yourself

 Know yourself, dissect the problems and face them one by one.

For each one will need to figure out how to get around these problems and do your best to

minimize them. Remember that you can always ask someone for help.
Problem #10: Quality Vs Expense

This is the most common translation problem faced by clients who

need Translation Services:

The biggest challenge for the client when facing a translation is to strike a balance

between cost and quality. It is especially important in the case of translations of technical or

medical manuals, or legal documents. You can barely afford to have any mistakes or near

mistakes in such documents, as it could lead to misinterpretation by the readers and wrong usage

– and that could result in damage to the equipment, or harm to the user; which could in turn have

even further ramifications, like loss of reputation for the manufacturer, legal hassles and so on.

Solution #10: Be the Best Translator

There is no easy answer to this problem. Here are some things you can try, though: Do a

comprehensive search online, and shortlist a few providers. Get quotes from all of them and

compare rates, experience and previous customer reviews. Strike a balance between the two, and

come to a decision. Another thing you could do is to use the same provider for all your

translation work, so that you have more bargaining power.

Please watch also the video below.

Problems and solutions (literary translations)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfjwKPIx480

Reference
Top 10 - Translation Problems and Solutions | TranslateDay
Retrievedfromtranslateday.com

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