5 Different Types of Foreign Language Translation

Many people are unsure of what exactly translation is and what are all the different types of translation that exist. So, I thought I would provide a brief overview of each aspect of translation. 

1.  Machine translation
Also known as automatic translation, this is any translation that is done without human intervention, using software, hand-held translators, online translators such as Babelfish, etc. Machine translation is extremely limited in quality and usefulness.

2.  Machine-assisted translation
Translation that is done with a machine translator and a human working together. For example, to translate "honey," the machine translator might give the options le miel and chéri so that the person could decide which one makes sense in the context. This is considerably better than machine translation, and some argue that it is more effective than human-only translation.

3.  Screen translation
Translation of movies and television programs, including subtitling (where the translation is typed along the bottom of the screen) and dubbing (where the voices of native speakers of the target language are heard in place of the original actors).

4.  Sight translation
Document in the source language is explained orally in the target language. This task is performed by interpreters when an article in the source language is not provided with a translation (such as a memo handed out at a meeting).

5.  Localization
Adaptation of software or other products to a different culture. Localization includes translation of documents, dialog boxes, etc., as well as linguistic and cultural changes to make the product appropriate to the target country.

Source:  About.com

IteroText Translation Services is Growing and Moving

The team here is all a buzz for our big office move tomorrow from Troy, Michigan to our new facility in Bloomfield Township.

The market has allowed us to move into our very own building with more than double the square footage of our old offices.  This is an exciting time for the IteroText team - but we have been very busy working, packing and cleaning. 

This move will allow us to serve our clients better with additional resources. 

 

Our new contact information is:

IteroText Translation Services

1573 S. Telegraph Road

Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Phone:  248-239-1144

We will be hosting an open house once we get settled.  We hope you can drop by for a visit soon!

7 Foreign Language Translation Trends

Globalization is on the rise, the dollar is weakening and the demand for translation is up.  The translation industry isn’t feeling the economic crunch like many other industries including manufacturing. 

The seven languages that are poised for substantial growth based on the Common Sense Advisory’s report from over 300 Language Service Providers (LSP) are:

1.  English - this may come as a surprise but there are many companies who need their documents translated into English from another language

2.  French

3.  Italian

4.  German

5.  Spanish

6.  Japanese

7.  Chinese - Mandarin in particular

I also see Eastern Europe/Russia and Portuguese from Brazil are on the rise.

Do any of these languages surprise you?

Foreign Language Translation Necessary in the United States?

I read an interesting article/blog post about how Iowa is debating the need for either “English Only” or Foreign Language translations for their government funded programs. 

Iterotext does translate information for Chrysler to satisfy a language law in California.  The  notion of translation in the United States is becoming more prevalent as our nation is becoming or recognizing how diverse we are. 

Tip - Even if you are not currently a global organization… translations may be in your future. 

Translation Software Compatibility

When working with a translation agency or a translator, be sure to ask which versions of your publishing software that they are using and if it is compatible with your versions.

You don’t want to give your projects to a translation company or translator to find the completed translation cannot be read on your computer.  Software updates can be costly, so many free lance translators cannot keep up with the new technology.  Translation agencies and companies typically invest in upgrades to work more seamlessly with their clients. 

It is also important to work on the same platforms of Mac or PC. By having a discussion about software before you hand over your documents, you will ensure what software/version your final project will be in.  A quick tip - this could be easily overcome with a simple PDF, if that is all you need for printing purposes.