Maintaining The Original Meaning During Translation
I mentioned some basic rules for translation in last article. Continuing our discussion from where we left, lets come to next principle. I have found many new translatorsspoiling their work by putting wordsinto their translation exactly as they find in dictionary. Always remember words are not always used as they are given indictionary. Actually every writer creates his/her own meanings when he/shewrites. So cautiously read the text to get to that writer specifically mean before starting your translation, twice or thrice if needed. Note there is no short cut to this; you need to read more and more to obtain this skill. Truly speaking, do not think of becoming a good translator until you have a very strong grip at both languages.
Never rely on one dictionary. A professional translator must have several dictionaries. It is possible that if one dictionary does not have your desired meaning, second one or perhaps third one has. If you are doubtful about a word, do not pick its meaning from one dictionary; always try to check with more than onedictionaries in such situation.
Do not rely only on word meanings; check its definition, history, synonym and even acronym. In this way you can get to the actual meaning which the writer intended to deliver. If you can not find a proper word, use a sentence instead to clarify it. Using dictionary is not always helpful; sometimes you have to go to internet to find out the meaning of word. Always search define word so that you can actually get the idea behind the word. You need to know the linguistic philosophy of the word in order to translate it properly. Usually definition of a word can guide you more what you are looking for. Also try to check it into phrases and idioms although it is seldom desirable.
Above mentioned tips are most effective in literary or academic translations where words are used beyond their normal meanings.In case of technical translations (such as manuals, instructions and IT translations; actually website translation is a diverse topic and need a separate article to discuss with) you need to adopt a whole different strategy.
Never rely on one dictionary. A professional translator must have several dictionaries. It is possible that if one dictionary does not have your desired meaning, second one or perhaps third one has. If you are doubtful about a word, do not pick its meaning from one dictionary; always try to check with more than onedictionaries in such situation.
Do not rely only on word meanings; check its definition, history, synonym and even acronym. In this way you can get to the actual meaning which the writer intended to deliver. If you can not find a proper word, use a sentence instead to clarify it. Using dictionary is not always helpful; sometimes you have to go to internet to find out the meaning of word. Always search define word so that you can actually get the idea behind the word. You need to know the linguistic philosophy of the word in order to translate it properly. Usually definition of a word can guide you more what you are looking for. Also try to check it into phrases and idioms although it is seldom desirable.
Above mentioned tips are most effective in literary or academic translations where words are used beyond their normal meanings.In case of technical translations (such as manuals, instructions and IT translations; actually website translation is a diverse topic and need a separate article to discuss with) you need to adopt a whole different strategy.
