Making the world a smaller place one translation at a time...

Translation as a Journey: The Path From One Language to Another

Translation is more than just swapping words between languages; it’s a journey where each stage represents a different part of moving from the source language to the target language. After all, the Oxford English Dictionary states that the word translation can also be used to describe moving an object from one place to another. Understanding the Terrain The journey starts with deeply understanding the source text, much like studying a map before setting off. This involves grasping not just the words, but the cultural and contextual nuances that will guide the translation. Charting the Course Next comes planning the translation strategy, deciding whether to stick closely to the original or adapt it more freely. This stage is like choosing the best route on a trip, ensuring the message travels well to the new language. Embarking on the Journey The translation process itself is where the text moves from one language to another. The translator carefully navigates linguistic and cultural differences […]

What Do Translators Actually Learn at University? – Why the Professionals Are Better

For some, what translators learn at university is a bit of a mystery – here we hope to clear things up! When it comes to translation, many might assume that if you speak two languages, you’re qualified to translate between them. However, the reality is far more complex. Professional translators undergo rigorous training and studies at university. Here they learn not just the languages, but skills that ensure their translations are accurate, culturally appropriate, and effective. This training is what sets professional translators apart from those who may be bilingual but lack formal education in translation. The Foundations of Studying Translation At university, translators begin with deep dives into the languages they will work with. This isn’t just about fluency in speaking and writing, but about understanding the subtleties and nuances of each language. They study a range of linguistic skills including grammar, syntax, and semantics in detail, allowing them to grasp the intricate differences in how meaning is constructed. […]

The Need for Translation in an International Market

In this post we will be discussing the need for translation in an international market. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is becoming more and more necessary to have your business accessible in a variety of languages. Imagine going to browse a website only to find that you can’t find the information you need because it’s not in your language – it would be pretty frustrating! If you want to send your business into the international sphere, you need to be able to appeal to an international audience, but there is no such thing as an international language. You can’t assume that your clients will understand English. Nor can you expect your customers to put all of the information they need into online translation software. Often it won’t be accurate and will create a barrier between you and your clientele. In the sales process, you want to avoid creating obstacles between your customers and their products. So where do […]

How Translation Audits Can Benefit your Business

At Web-Translations we offer a comprehensive translation audit service, but what exactly does that entail? Let’s take a look at how our audits work and why they’re a valuable investment for you and your business. What is a translation audit? A translation audit involves selecting various sections of a document or website and asking a native linguist to review them. This is done in order to ensure that your translations have both high quality and fluency. During this process, the translator provides detailed feedback on multiple aspects of your text, including fluency, word choice, grammatical accuracy, and overall coherence, ensuring your content meets the highest standards. Why invest in one? Ensuring that your customers feel acknowledged and catered for is absolutely essential. Errors in your website text can negatively affect customer perception. This in turn can make them feel that you’re not putting in the necessary effort. By accommodating foreign language customers, you can expand your business and make your […]