"Still it seems to me that translation from one language into another, if it be not from the queens of languages, the Greek and the Latin, is like looking at Flemish tapestries on the wrong side; for though the figures are visible, they are full of threads that make them indistinct, and they do not show with the smoothness and brightness of the right side" (Cervantes, 1615)Most people recognise a “good” translation when they see it. But what are the actual criteria to use in order to decide whether one translation is better than another? Client satisfaction is a very subjective measure – what satisfies one client may not satisfy another. How can a translation be judged objectively? 1. It should be accurate, i.e. an accurate representation of the source text. This means:
To satisfy this criterion, the French language translator must
start by being very clear as to what the translation was required for in
the first place. Was it intended to explain something to someone – for
instance how to use an appliance? Was it intended to market a product?
Just how is this effect achieved in the target language? The translator
then needs to identify who is likely to use the text in the target
language and exactly what they will do with the text. Using this
knowledge the translator is able to formulate a translation that is best
suited to its purpose.
Knowledge of business plus knowledge of grammar. In a client survey
two main points emerged. For this group of clients, the two main
requirements for a good translation were:
Does the translator have a good knowledge of my business? and
Does the translator have a good grasp of grammar?
So there may not be total agreement overall as to what is the
primary criterion for what makes a good translation. However, there are
ingredients of a good translation which most users agree on and which
all French language translators can ensure are present:
The translator’s ability to write fluently and correctly in both the source and target languages.
Thorough understanding by the French language translator of the
source text. This includes the topic, plus thorough background knowledge
of the specialism if relevant.
A translator’s awareness of the culture of both language groups,
and ability to keep abreast of changes, since culture is not static. In
addition to customs, social settings, etc., this includes registers,
styles of speech, and language levels. The translator needs the ability
to know when an expression or reference in the source text is
“culture-bound” and to know how best to express this in a way that is
culturally acceptable in the target language. There is really no excuse
for “cultural bloopers”!
The translator's ability to be “detached” from the message of the
text – thus being careful not to “filter” the message according to
his/her own views. If the views expressed are extremely distasteful to
you as a translator, to the extent that you would find it hard to
express them in writing, you should probably pass the work to another
translator. Nobody would argue with the claim that there is such a thing
as “good” translation, and that this is better than “not-so-good” or
“poor” translation. Deciding exactly how a “good” translation is judged
is not so easy. Experienced French language translators know
instinctively when they have done a good piece of work, but there is
still a need for objective criteria to be arrived at. In the meantime, a
translator who observes all these points will not go far wrong. If you're seeking a reliable translation UK partner, please contact us for a free quotation now. |
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