Human translation, carried out by proficient translators, possesses several important characteristics that distinguish it from machine translation and contribute to its quality and effectiveness. Here are some key characteristics of human translation:
Contextual Understanding:Human translators have the ability to understand the context of the source text, including cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and the intended meaning behind the words. They consider the broader context in which the text is situated.
Cultural Sensitivity:Translators take cultural differences into account to ensure that the translation is culturally sensitive and appropriate for the target audience. They avoid language that might be offensive or misunderstood in the target culture.
Subject Matter Expertise:Skilled human translators often specialize in specific subject areas (e.g., medical, legal, technical) and possess the domain knowledge required to accurately translate technical terminology and jargon.
Language Proficiency:Human translators are typically bilingual or multilingual professionals with a high level of proficiency in both the source and target languages. They are skilled in grammar, syntax, and language mechanics.
Transcreation:In some cases, human translators engage in transcreation, which involves not just translating words but recreating the message in a way that resonates with the target audience. This is common in marketing and advertising.
Creativity and Style:Translators have the ability to convey the author's tone, style, and voice in the translation, making it read naturally and fluently in the target language.
Proofreading and Editing:Human translators often proofread and edit their translations to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to language conventions.
Quality Control:Professional translation services may have quality assurance processes in place, involving multiple reviewers to verify the accuracy and quality of translations.
Customization:Human translators can tailor translations to specific audiences or purposes, taking into account the needs and expectations of the client.
Adaptability:Translators can adapt to changes or updates in the source text, ensuring that the translation remains accurate and relevant.
Privacy and Confidentiality:Human translators adhere to ethical standards and confidentiality agreements, ensuring that sensitive or proprietary information in the source text is protected.
Communication:Translators often engage in communication with clients or subject matter experts to clarify ambiguities in the source text and ensure a more accurate translation.
Human Touch:Human translation brings a personal touch to the process, allowing for a deeper understanding of the source material and the ability to convey nuances and emotions in the translation.
While machine translation has made significant advancements and is valuable for certain tasks, human translation remains the preferred choice for critical and context-sensitive content, such as legal documents, literature, marketing materials, and important communications. The characteristics listed above highlight the unique qualities that human translators bring to the field of translation.
Translation is a complex process that only humans are able to do, because it is not a scientific calculation or a mathematical equation that could be programmed into an intelligent machine. The process involves the work of a professional linguist/translator, usually a native speaker or one who has studied the target language extensively. The translator will translate the original text into a version that captures the spirit and meaning of the original using the right tone and style suitable for the target reader of the translated text.
The second step involves a professional editor. The editor revises, refines, and perfects the translator’s work, ensuring it fits the technical expressions of the subject matter. He also ensures that it contains proper punctuation, grammar, and other language elements unique to the target language.
The third and final step is for a professional project manager to review the final work to ensure that it is in the correct format and ready for delivery to client.
Human translation is characterized by linguistic nuance, cultural sensitivity, and context comprehension. Translators possess deep language expertise, ensuring accurate conversion of content while preserving the original tone and meaning. They adapt to diverse contexts, capturing idiomatic expressions and maintaining coherence. Human translators consider cultural nuances, avoiding potential offense or misunderstanding. They exercise subject-specific knowledge, tailoring translations for technical or specialized content. Human translation is flexible, adapting to register, style, and audience, making it essential for complex documents, literature, and communication requiring a personal touch that machine translation often cannot replicate.