Language is notorious for its ability to trip up even well-trained linguists but when translating an academic text there is an added layer of technical and linguistic skill which is required in order to give a meaningful and accurate translation of the original text.
It isn’t enough to simply translate the words on the page – there’s technical terminology, nuance, and lexical choice, all initially chosen for their significance to the author, and which add layers of meaning to the original.
Many literary texts include these hidden layers of meaning, depth, and emotion which the original author has portrayed within their work, and which must be skilfully represented in a new language to reflect the original significance and importance.
It isn’t an easy task – a successful academic translation requires not only a highly skilled translator but a master wordsmith who can craft a narrative which intricately mirrors the original yet reads like fresh, novel creation in the target language, and which is technically correct for research purposes.
For instance, a poet’s language might transport us to new worlds or emotionally charge us with joy with just a single line, and the translator must convey this same sense with their use of language and literary skill.
Alternatively, a medical research paper will contain highly technical terminology and specific details which must be translated accurately and truthfully portrayed so that facts and information are conveyed as originally intended.
So, is achieving a successful academic translation possible?
In a word, yes, but there are some factors which should be considered before attempting an academic translation.
Read on to find out more…
Academic Research and Native Languages
Many international research journals are only published in English which poses huge problems for researchers.
Do they attempt to write the paper in English (even if it is not their native language) or do they have their work translated?
Many choose the latter as they find that writing in their native tongue allows them to better express themselves, explore topics without the hindrance of limiting lexical choice, and is less mentally demanding than attempting to write in a second language.
However, this means their work must be entrusted to a translator who is skilled in both the target language and the industry within which the paper is written.
Finding a reliable, professional translator who is capable of this task can be time-consuming and can affect publication time, so academics often need to be prepared in advance of translation.
Choosing a Translator or Translation Agency
Choosing a professional translator who is highly skilled in your sector or field of research offers the best options for an accurate and timely translation.
The following points can help when deciding which translator or translation agency to use:
• Choose translators who are native speakers of the target language(s)
• Choose translators who are industry experts or have experience in your field
• Look for a translation agency who have previously worked with clients/researchers in your field
• Check for ISO 9001 for quality management systems
• Ask to see examples of similar work
• Look at client reviews or ask other researchers for recommendations
• Check the translator or translation agency are suitable for the size and scale of your translations – can they cope with the level of data and keep it secure?
• Do they offer translation software for repeat translations which can save time and money?
• Avoid ‘free’ machine translation tools if a high-level of accuracy is desired
• Do they offer proofreading and editing alongside translation?
It is also worth asking other researchers within your field which translation agency they have used and how they found the experience. Word-of-mouth is still one the best forms of advertising and often the most reliable.
A translation agency might be the best option if you are likely to require repeat translations or want a translation into more than one language, as a professional agency can access many translators who are also sector specific experts.
Translation, Proofreading and Editing
We touched on this briefly in the above section, but it is worth covering in more detail here.
Some researchers who are bi-lingual or particularly adept at a second language may choose to write their academic papers in a language which is not their mother tongue.
This can have the benefit of ensuring that the paper is written as they envisaged and can reduce time and costs related to translation.
However, it is very difficult to proofread and edit your own work, especially when writing in a second language.
In this instance, it is often a good idea to use a translation agency for editing and proofreading to ensure there are no errors in the text and that it is fit for publishing.
Many larger translation agencies offer editing services for technical translations and have access to experts in many sectors.
At Creative Word, we offer translations in over 80 languages and have spent years building a technical translation team which offers real world experience in a range of industries.
Contact a member of our team now to discuss your particular requirements and find out how we can help with your academic translations.
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