Document translation is a delicate and intricate process of transforming text from one language to another. Translation is necessary for all kinds of fields, from pharmaceutical, business and medical documents among others. Experts who have a good mastery of languages, the original language and the one that the document is translated to carry out the process. A successful translation will leave no hint of the original language that the document was in before translation.
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The translation experts have to pull off a flawless translation that result in a smooth and natural read of the new document. In order to do this, they have to understand not only how the language is written but also how it is spoken and thought. Translation has enabled businesses to sell products and services to international markets, appeal to overseas audiences and help immigrants understand legal documents better among other things. So how exactly does the translator convert every single aspect of a document into a new language? Let’s take a closer look at the process:
- Background of information
Once the translation agency receives the document, they first need to learn the background information about it so they can find the right professional translation specialist to work on it. things like the intended use of the document, the target audience, the nature of the document whether formal or informal and the language that it should be converted to are just some of the back ground details that they need to understand before selecting the right person for the job. Most agencies often have a team of experts each with a mastery of different languages. Sometimes the experts work together for effective translation.
- Translating the document
Contrary to what many people imagine the process to be like, translation is not done on a word for word basis. In order to achieve the correct grammar and meaning of the document, the translator has to read through and sometimes translate huge blocks of word at a go. This is because the descriptive nature of one language may not be the same as the other. It may take you fewer words to say something in French than in English while delivering the exact same meaning.
- Editing
Once the first translation is complete, second expert, completely fluent in the language, reads through the document. After working on something for a long time, it becomes difficult to spot the glaring errors in your work that someone else could easily pick out. This is why editing is done by a different language expert. The second translator has to pick out grammatical and spelling errors as well as compare the target and source versions of the document for a smooth read. A third reader will be brought in to go over the document one last time just to make sure everything is in place before it is presented to the client.
- Client review
After a complete and error free translation, the document is presented to the client who can go over it before accepting the final work. If the client is satisfied with the translation, they will accept and pay for a job well done.