Language translations can’t be that difficult, right? All you have to do is match up each word with their corresponding equivalent in the target language and you’re done. That, of course, is an idea promoted only by those who actually haven’t actually translated a full document. In fact, some of the people I’ve heard argue for it don’t even speak a second language well.
Dictionary Translations. Unfortunately, language isn’t an exact science. While an English word will have its corresponding version in French, matching a sentence word per word doesn’t mean you’re going to derive the same meaning. In fact, you’re more likely to end up with a weird sentence instead. This is how old language translation software used to work and it leaves much to ask for.
Context Translations. A new development in language software is using context to define translations. Instead of matching statements word per word, it uses the framework of the entire piece to create its foreign language equivalent. While the system is not perfect, it’s considerably better than pulling each corresponding word and putting them together.
Becoming A Translator
If you really don’t want to hire an outside party to do your language translations, then your best bet is to learn to become one. It’s not going to be easy, of course, but it’s doable. If you’re looking to learn, then you’ll need the following:
- the best translation software you can find (to write first drafts from which you will build on)
- a set of language tools (including software, phrasebooks and dictionaries)
- a specialized knowledge of the specific industry you will translate documents about, particularly those local to the countries whose language you’ll be doing translations for