There are a bewildering number of different types of translation. Show
So we’ve identified the 51 types you’re most likely to come across, and explain exactly what each one means. This includes all the main translation methods, techniques, strategies, procedures and areas of specialisation. It’s our way of helping you make sense of the many different kinds of translation – and deciding which ones are right for you. Don’t miss our free summary pdf download later in the article! The 51 types of translation we’ve identified fall neatly into four distinct categories. Translation Category A: 15 types of translation based on the technical field or subject area of the textTranslation companies often define the various kinds of translation they provide according to the subject area of the text.This is a useful way of classifying translation types because specialist texts normally require translators with specialist knowledge. Here are the most common types you’re like to come across in this category. 1. General TranslationWhat is it? The text may still contain some technical terms and jargon, but these will either be widely understood, or easily researched. What this means Translators who only do this kind of translation (don’t have a specialist field) are sometimes referred to as ‘generalist’ or ‘general purpose’ translators. Examples Most of the rest of the translation types in this Category do require specialist translators. Check out our video on 13 types of translation requiring special translator expertise: 2. Technical TranslationWhat is it? Broad meaning: any translation where the translator needs specialist knowledge in some domain or area. This definition would include almost all the translation types described in this section. Narrow meaning: limited to the translation of engineering (in all its forms), IT and industrial texts. This narrower meaning would exclude legal, financial and medical translations for example, where these would be included in the broader definition. What this means That’s because without it translators won’t completely understand the text and its implications. And this is essential if we want a fully accurate and appropriate translation. Good to know Examples 3. Scientific TranslationWhat is it? What this means So it’s imperative the translator has the necessary knowledge of the field to fully understand the text. That’s why scientific translators are typically either experts in the field who have turned to translation, or professionally qualified translators who also have qualifications and/or experience in that domain. On occasion the translator may have to consult either with the author or other domain experts to fully comprehend the material and so translate it appropriately. Examples 4. Medical TranslationWhat is it? Medical translation is a very broad term covering a wide variety of specialist areas and materials – everything from patient information to regulatory, marketing and technical documents. As a result, this translation type has numerous potential sub-categories – ‘medical device translations’ and ‘clinical trial translations’, for example. What this means Good to know Examples 5. Financial TranslationWhat is it? However, the term is generally used only for the more technical of these documents that require translators with knowledge of the field. Any competent translator could translate a bank statement, for example, so that wouldn’t typically be considered a financial translation. What this means Examples 6. Economic TranslationsWhat is it? 2. Other times used somewhat loosely to refer to any area of economic activity – so combining business/commercial, financial and some types of technical translations. 3. More narrowly, the translation of documents relating specifically to the economy and the field of economics. What this means 7. Legal TranslationWhat is it? What this means That’s
because without it, a translator may not: And we need all that to produce professional quality legal translations – translations that are accurate, terminologically correct and stylistically appropriate. Examples 8. Juridical TranslationWhat is it? 2. Alternatively, can refer to translations requiring some form of legal verification, certification or notarization that is common in many jurisdictions. 9. Judicial TranslationWhat is it?
2. Rarely, used to refer specifically to the translation of court proceeding documentation – so judgments, minutes, testimonies, etc. 10. Patent TranslationWhat is it? Key features In addition, subject matter can be highly technical. What this means Examples 11. Literary TranslationWhat is it? Key features That’s because it involves much more than simply conveying all meaning in an appropriate style. The translator’s challenge is to also reproduce the character, subtlety and impact of the original – the essence of what makes that work unique. This is a monumental task, and why it’s often said that the translation of a literary work should be a literary work in its own right. What this means Because few translators have this skillset, you should only consider dedicated literary translators for this type of translation. 12. Commercial TranslationWhat is it? This is a very generic, wide-reaching translation type. It includes other more specialised forms of translation – legal, financial and technical, for example. And all types of more general business documentation. Also, some documents will require familiarity with business jargon and an ability to write in that style. What this means Examples 13. Business TranslationsWhat is it? 14. Administrative TranslationsWhat is it? So it’s a subset of business / commercial translations. What this means Examples 15. Marketing TranslationsWhat is it? This is a subset of business or commercial translations. Key features So the translated copy must do this too. But a direct translation will seldom achieve this – so translators need to adapt their wording to produce the impact the text is seeking. And sometimes a completely new message might be needed – see transcreation in our next category of translation types. What this
means As relatively few translators have these skills, engaging the right translator is key. Good to know Its best for your translation provider to handle this component. That’s because multilingual typesetters understand the design and aesthetic conventions in other languages/cultures. And these are essential to ensure your materials have the desired impact and appeal in your target markets. Examples Translation Category B: 14 types of translation based on the end product or use of the translationThis category is all about how the translation is going to be used or the end product that’s produced. Most of these types involve either adapting or processing a completed translation in some way, or converting or incorporating it into another program or format. You’ll see that some are very specialised, and complex. It’s another way translation providers refer to the range of services they provide. Check out our video of the most specialised of these types of translation: 16. Document TranslationsWhat is it? Here the translation itself is the end product and needs no further processing beyond standard formatting and layout. 17. Text TranslationsWhat is it? 18. Certified TranslationsWhat is it? Key features The exact format and wording will depend on what clients and authorities require – here’s an example. 19. Official TranslationsWhat is it? 2. Can also refer to the translation of ‘official’ documents issued by the authorities in a foreign country. These will almost always need to be certified. 20. Software LocalisationWhat
is it? Key features Translating the user interface, messaging, documentation, etc is a major part of the process. Also key is a customisation process to ensure everything matches the conventions, norms and expectations of the target cultures. Adjusting time, date and currency formats are examples of simple customisations. Others might involve adapting symbols, graphics, colours and even concepts and ideas. Localisation is often preceded by internationalisation – a review process to ensure the software is optimally designed to handle other languages. And it’s almost always followed by thorough testing – to ensure all text is in the correct place and fits the space, and that everything makes sense, functions as intended and is culturally appropriate. Localisation is often abbreviated to L10N, internationalisation to i18n. What this means They’ll have the systems, tools, personnel and experience needed to achieve top quality outcomes for your product. 21. Game LocalisationWhat is it? It’s a subset of software localisation. Key features It involves translating all text and recording any required foreign language audio. But also adapting anything that would clash with the target culture’s customs, sensibilities and regulations. For example, content involving alcohol, violence or gambling may either be censored or inappropriate in the target market. And at a more basic level, anything that makes users feel uncomfortable or awkward will detract from their experience and thus the success of the game in that market. So portions of the game may have to be removed, added to or re-worked. Game localisation involves at least the steps of translation, adaptation, integrating the translations and adaptations into the game, and testing. What this means 22. Multimedia LocalisationWhat is it? Multimedia refers to any material that combines visual, audio and/or interactive elements. So videos and movies, on-line presentations, e-Learning courses, etc. Key features That means the audio and any text appearing on screen or in images and animations. Plus it can mean reviewing and adapting the visuals and/or script if these aren’t suitable for the target culture. The localisation process will typical involve: Audio output may be voice-overs, dubbing or subtitling. And output for visuals can involve re-creating elements, or supplying the translated text for the designers/engineers to incorporate. What this means 23. Script TranslationsWhat is it? Key features One is that translations typically end up longer than the original script. So voicing the translation would take up more space/time on the video than the original language. Sometimes that space will be available and this will be OK. But generally it won’t be. So the translation has to be edited back until it can be comfortably voiced within the time available on the video. Another challenge is the translation may have to synchronise with specific actions, animations or text on screen. Also, some scripts also deal with technical subject areas involving specialist technical terminology. Finally, some scripts may be very culture-specific – featuring humour, customs or activities that won’t work well in another language. Here the script, and sometimes also the associated visuals, may need to be adjusted before beginning the translation process. It goes without saying that a script translation must be done well. If it’s not, there’ll be problems producing a good foreign language audio, which will compromise the effectiveness of the video. Translators typically work from a time-coded transcript. This is the original script marked to show the time available for each section of the translation. What this means 24. Voice-over and Dubbing ProjectsWhat is it? Voice-overs vs dubbing Key features So they involve the combined efforts of translators and voice artists. The task for the voice artist is to produce a high quality read. That’s one that matches the style, tone and richness of the original. Often each section of the new audio will need to be the same length as the original. But sometimes the segments will need to be shorter – for example where the voice-over lags the original by a second or two. This is common in interviews etc, where the original voice is heard initially then drops out. The most difficult form of dubbing is lip-syncing – where the new audio needs to synchronise with the original speaker’s lip movements, gestures and actions. Lip-syncing requires an exceptionally skilled voice talent and considerable time spent rehearsing and fine tuning the translation. What this means That’s to ensure firstly that your foreign-language scripts are first class, then that the voicing is of high professional standard. Anything less will mean your foreign language versions will be way less effective and appealing to your target audience. 25. Subtitle TranslationsWhat is it? Key features To achieve this, languages have “rules” governing the number of characters per line and the minimum time each subtitle should display. Sticking to these guidelines is essential if your subtitles are to be effective. But this is no easy task – it requires simple language, short words, and a very succinct style. Translators will spend considerable time mulling over and re-working their translation to get it just right. Most subtitle translators use specialised software that will output the captions in the format sound engineers need for incorporation into the video. What this means 26. Website LocalisationWhat is it?
Note: Many providers use the term website translation as a synonym for localisation. Strictly speaking though, translation is just one part of localisation. Key features
What this means In choosing your translation providers be sure they can: And you should always get your translators to systematically review the foreign language versions before going live. 27. TranscreationWhat is it? Translation is all about conveying the message or meaning of a text in another language. But sometimes that message or meaning won’t have the desired effect in the target culture. This is where transcreation comes in. Transcreation creates a new message that will get the desired emotional response in that culture, while preserving the style and tone of the original. So it’s a sort of creative translation – which is where the word comes from, a combination of ‘translation’ and ‘creation’. At one level transcreation may be as simple as choosing an appropriate idiom to convey the same intent in the target language – something translators do all the time. But mostly the term is used to refer to adapting key advertising and marketing messaging. Which requires copywriting skills, cultural awareness and an excellent knowledge of the target market. Who does it? Often though it’s done in the target country by specialist copywriters or an advertising or marketing agency – particularly for significant campaigns and to establish a brand in the target marketplace. What this means But slogans, by-lines, advertising copy and branding statements often do. Whether you should opt for a translation company or an in-market agency will depend on the nature and importance of the material, and of course your budget. 28. Audio TranslationsWhat is it? More commonly: the translation of a foreign language video or audio recording into your own language. So this is where you want to know and document what a recording says. Key features It’s also a mentally challenging task to listen to an audio and translate it directly into another language. It’s easy to miss a word or an aspect of meaning. So best practice is to first transcribe the audio (type up exactly what is said in the language it is spoken in), then translate that transcription. However, this is time consuming and therefore costly, and there are other options if lesser precision is acceptable. What this means Examples 29. Translations with DTPWhat is it? Key features Translation plus dtp projects involve 3 steps – translation, typesetting, output. The typesetting component requires specific expertise and resources – software and fonts, typesetting know-how, an appreciation of foreign language display conventions and aesthetics. What this
means Translation Category C: 13 types of translation based on the translation method employedThis category has two sub-groups: The translation methods translation providers useThere are 4 main methods used in the translation industry today. We have an overview of each below, but for more detail, including when to use each one, see our comprehensive blog article. Or watch our video. Important: If you’re a client you need to understand these 4 methods – choose the wrong one and the translation you end up with may not meet your needs! 30. Machine Translation (MT)What is it? A widely used, and free, example is Google Translate. And there are also commercial MT engines, generally tailored to specific domains, languages and/or clients. Pros and cons On they positive side they are virtually instantaneous and many are free. Best suited for: This method should never be relied on when high accuracy and/or good quality wording is needed. 31. Machine Translation plus Human Editing (PEMT)What is it? The editing process is designed to rectify some of the deficiencies of a machine translation. This process can take different forms, with different desired outcomes. Probably most common is a ‘light editing’ process where the editor ensures the text is understandable, without trying to fix quality of expression. Pros and cons And wording won’t generally be as good as a professional human translator would produce. Its advantage is it’s generally quicker and a little cheaper than a full translation by a professional translator. Best suited for: Again, this method shouldn’t be used when full accuracy and/or consistent, natural wording is needed. 32. Human TranslationWhat is it? Pros and cons That said, there is always the possibility of ‘human error’, which is why translation companies like us typically offer an additional review process – see next method. This method will take a little longer and likely cost more than the PEMT method. Best suited for: 33. Human Translation + RevisionWhat is it? The review is essentially a safety check – designed to pick up any translation errors and refine wording if need be. Pros and cons It’s also the most expensive of the 4 methods, and takes the longest. Best suited for: There’s also one other common term used by practitioners and academics alike to describe a type (method) of translation: 34. Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)What is it? Key features The most prevalent tool is Translation Memory (TM) software. This creates a database of previous translations that can be accessed for future work. TM software is particularly useful when dealing with repeated and closely-matching text, and for ensuring consistency of terminology. For certain projects it can speed up the translation process. The translation methods described by academiaA great deal has been written within academia analysing how human translators go about their craft. Seminal has been the work of Newmark, and the following methods of translation attributed to him are widely discussed in the literature. These methods are approaches and strategies for translating the text as a whole, not techniques for handling smaller text units, which we discuss in our final translation category. 35. Word-for-word TranslationThis method translates each word into the other language using its most common meaning and keeping the word order of the original language. So the translator deliberately ignores context and target language grammar and syntax. Its main purpose is to help understand the source language structure and word use. Often the translation will be placed below the original text to aid comparison. 36. Literal TranslationWords are again translated independently using their most common meanings and out of context, but word order changed to the closest acceptable target language grammatical structure to the original. Its main suggested purpose is to help someone read the original text. 37. Faithful TranslationFaithful translation focuses on the intention of the author and seeks to convey the precise meaning of the original text. It uses correct target language structures, but structure is less important than meaning. 38. Semantic TranslationSemantic translation is also author-focused and seeks to convey the exact meaning. Where it differs from faithful translation is that it places equal emphasis on aesthetics, ie the ‘sounds’ of the text – repetition, word play, assonance, etc. In this method form is as important as meaning as it seeks to “recreate the precise flavour and tone of the original” (Newmark). 39. Communicative TranslationSeeks to communicate the message and meaning of the text in a natural and easily understood way. It’s described as reader-focused, seeking to produce the same effect on the reader as the original text. A good comparison of Communicative and Semantic translation can be found here. 40. Free TranslationHere conveying the meaning and effect of the original are all important. There are no constraints on grammatical form or word choice to achieve this. Often the translation will paraphrase, so may be of markedly different length to the original. 41. AdaptationMainly used for poetry and plays, this method involves re-writing the text where the translation would otherwise lack the same resonance and impact on the audience. Themes, storylines and characters will generally be retained, but cultural references, acts and situations adapted to relevant target culture ones. So this is effectively a re-creation of the work for the target culture. 42. Idiomatic TranslationReproduces the meaning or message of the text using idioms and colloquial expressions and language wherever possible. The goal is to produce a translation with language that is as natural as possible. Translation Category D: 9 types of translation based on the translation technique usedThese translation types are specific strategies, techniques and procedures for dealing with short chunks of text – generally words or phrases. They’re often thought of as techniques for solving translation problems. They differ from the translation methods of the previous category which deal with the text as a whole. 43. BorrowingWhat is it? Key features Borrowing is a very common strategy across languages. Initially, borrowed words seem clearly ‘foreign’, but as they become more familiar, they can lose that ‘foreignness’. Translators use this technique: Borrowed words or phrases are often italicised in English. Examples of borrowings in English 44. TransliterationWhat is it? Key features Other writing systems include Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and the Indian languages. Transliteration from such systems into the Roman alphabet is also called romanisation. There are accepted systems for how individual letters/sounds should be romanised from most other languages – there are three common systems for Chinese, for example. English borrowings from languages using non-Roman writing systems also require transliteration – perestroika, sampan, karaoke, tofu are examples from the above list. Translators mostly use transliteration as a procedure for translating proper names. Examples 45. Calque or Loan TranslationWhat
is it? So a calque is a borrowing with translation if you like. The new term may be changed slightly to reflect target language structures. Examples Chinese 洗腦 ‘wash’ + ‘brain’ is the origin of ‘brainwash’ in English. English skyscraper is calqued as gratte-ciel in French and rascacielos in Spanish, literally ‘scratches sky’ in both languages. 46. Word-for-word translationWhat is it? Alternative names are ‘literal translation’ or ‘metaphrase’. Note: this technique is different to the translation method of the same name, which does not produce correct and natural text and has a different purpose. Key features And even then, only sometimes. For example, standard word order in Turkish is Subject-Object-Verb whereas in English it’s Subject-Verb-Object. So a literal translation between these two will seldom work: When word-for-word translations don’t produce natural and correct text, translators resort to some of the other techniques described below. Examples Russian ‘Oн хочет что-нибудь поесть’ is ‘He wants something to eat’. 47. TranspositionWhat is it? This technique gives the translation more natural wording and/or makes it grammatically correct. Examples Spanish La Casa Blanca (literally ‘The House White’) –> The White House A change in grammatical category: 48. ModulationWhat is it? This technique makes the translation more idiomatic – how people would normally say it in the language. Examples German uses the term Lebensgefahr (literally ‘danger to life’) where in English we’d be more likely to say ‘risk of death’. In English we’d say ‘I dropped the key’, in Spanish se me cayó la llave, literally ‘the key fell from me’. The English perspective is that I did something (dropped the key), whereas in Spanish something happened to me – I’m the recipient of the action. 49. Equivalence or ReformulationWhat is it? This technique is widely used when translating idioms and proverbs. And it’s common in titles and advertising slogans. It’s a common strategy where a direct translation either wouldn’t make sense or wouldn’t resonate in the same way. Examples 50. AdaptationWhat is it? It’s also known as cultural substitution or cultural equivalence. It’s a useful technique when a reference wouldn’t be understood at all, or the associated nuances or connotations would be lost in the target language. Note: the translation method of the same name is a similar concept but applied to the text as a whole. Examples Animals have different connotations across languages and cultures. Owls for example are associated with wisdom in English, but are a bad omen to Vietnamese. A translator might want to remove or amend an animal reference where this would create a different image in the target language. 51. CompensationWhat is it? A meaning or nuance that can’t be directly translated is expressed in another way in the text. Example So you can convey different levels of respect, politeness, humility, etc simply by choosing different forms of words or grammatical elements. But these nuances will be lost when translating into languages that don’t have these structures. So a translator might use this strategy to express (compensate for) them in another way – perhaps by using a different register (vocabulary that’s more formal or informal) or by adding something not in the original. So there you have it – your comprehensive list of 51 common translation types, methods, techniques and procedures. Grab a pdf of the list for future reference! Let us quote for your next translation project! We’re your ideal partner if you need high-quality translations We’ll deliver you high-quality work – guaranteed Simply: Are you on our mailing list? You’ll get proven, highly practical and quick-read tips for achieving better translation results, direct to your inbox. Great value for just 20 seconds of your time, once a fortnight. Sign up now, or read more here. And make sure you haven’t missed any of our current articles, guides and videos! Here are 3 very popular ones to start with: Back to top | Pactranz blog | Pactranz home page Which refers to the process of translating information into a message in the form of symbols that represent ideas or concept?In order to convey meaning, the sender must begin encoding, which means translating information into a message in the form of symbols that represent ideas or concepts. This process translates the ideas or concepts into the coded message that will be communicated.
Is a process of translating letters and symbols *?The process of converting language and symbols of a sender into a message which is not comprehensible but easy to transmit is called as encoding.
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