Colorado Translators Association
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About translation and interpretation
Is translation and interpretation, one and the same thing? If not, then what is the difference?
The main difference lies in how information is presented. Translation involves taking a written text (such as a book, manual or an article) and translating it in writing into another language. Interpretation, on the other hand, is oral and involves listening to something spoken (a speech, testimony, medical case history or phone conversation) and carefully repeating what has been said in another language.
How are Linguistics and Translation related?
Whereas linguistics is the study of oral and written language - such as the units, nature and structure of a particular language - translation can be described as applied linguistics - taking a text in one language and translating it into another using the appropriate terminology and language structure of the target language.
Where can I find translation rates for my language?
Translation services are purchased from independent contractors and translation companies, who price their services independently. Translation rates are determined by many factors, such as:
I have heard that translators should translate into their native language and not into a language that they have learned later in life. Why is this?
A translator must have superior comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills in both source and target languages, but few translators can master more than one language at the level that professional translations demand. This language is usually the translator's native language, but in some cases it is the language of the country the translator has resided in and used for most of his or her professional life.
Is to OK to refer to a dictionary while translating? (Some of my coworkers feel embarrassed about opening a dictionary in public).
Professional translators are always learning - and using a dictionary is a great way to find answers quickly! Translators frequently translate texts with highly specialized content, and put effort and time into updating and expanding their terminology base for every new project. In addition to dictionaries, translators seek information in books and trade publications, glossaries created for specific topics and specific products, reference material provided by clients, and of course on the Internet.
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Is translation and interpretation, one and the same thing? If not, then what is the difference?
The main difference lies in how information is presented. Translation involves taking a written text (such as a book, manual or an article) and translating it in writing into another language. Interpretation, on the other hand, is oral and involves listening to something spoken (a speech, testimony, medical case history or phone conversation) and carefully repeating what has been said in another language.
How are Linguistics and Translation related?
Whereas linguistics is the study of oral and written language - such as the units, nature and structure of a particular language - translation can be described as applied linguistics - taking a text in one language and translating it into another using the appropriate terminology and language structure of the target language.
Where can I find translation rates for my language?
Translation services are purchased from independent contractors and translation companies, who price their services independently. Translation rates are determined by many factors, such as:
- Whether the translation is purchased from a translation agency or an independent translator.
- Type of project - A text that is highly technical or requires special translator skills costs more than general translations.
- Language combinations - Some languages demand higher prices than others.
- Translator skill level, educational background, and specializations.
- Service level - Agencies provide value-added services in addition to translations, such as project management, translator screenings, quality control, etc. and the value of these services are reflected in the total cost of a translation project. Translators may also offer additional services, such as editing, DTP, reviewing.
I have heard that translators should translate into their native language and not into a language that they have learned later in life. Why is this?
A translator must have superior comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills in both source and target languages, but few translators can master more than one language at the level that professional translations demand. This language is usually the translator's native language, but in some cases it is the language of the country the translator has resided in and used for most of his or her professional life.
Is to OK to refer to a dictionary while translating? (Some of my coworkers feel embarrassed about opening a dictionary in public).
Professional translators are always learning - and using a dictionary is a great way to find answers quickly! Translators frequently translate texts with highly specialized content, and put effort and time into updating and expanding their terminology base for every new project. In addition to dictionaries, translators seek information in books and trade publications, glossaries created for specific topics and specific products, reference material provided by clients, and of course on the Internet.
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