When it comes to translation challenges, they are wrapped around the kind of translation that the translator is doing. If the translator is working on a project that is for publication, then they have an entirely different type of problems from if they are translating for a client.
Translation challenges for translators
As we work for clients, we have written our post with the focus on translations that are conducted for clients.
Client’s Intention
Every translation comes with the client’s intention when you are working on the paid translation project. The clients know what they want the translation to say, and they insist that you present that meaning in the translation that you provide. There is nothing wrong with that but the problem is that the translator will sometimes find it difficult. Maybe the translation keeps its intended meaning but the content has to be driven to that purpose by the translator to gain appropriate results.
This is one of the translation challenges a translator has to face. Most of the times the client will explain why that translation is needed and the translator will be able to make it according to its scope, but when a client doesn’t mention he intends to use it for a specific market where localization services are needed, the translator may have a hard time getting it right.
Context
When it comes to translating for clients, the setting is everything. Even Shakespeare has to be taken with the background information when you are working for a client. Context and background is everything when you are translating for a client. You are not allowed to conclude the context on your own; you will work with the context that you are provided with.
Literal Versus Metaphorical
Have you ever heard of the debate between literal and metaphorical meaning in translation? That is not a debate when you are working with a client. It is what the client tells you. If the client tells you it is literal, then you will conduct a literal translation. If the client asks for metaphorical translation, then you will focus on the metaphorical aspects of the work in question.
Aim
When you are translating with a goal, then you have to make sure that the translation is fulfilling the objective it was meant for. That is not an easy task that you can take for granted. What if you have a goal that cannot be fulfilled? What if you have complications to deal with. These translation challenges occur with translators all the time, and that is why the client needs to provide as many details as possible before starting the job.
Certificate of Authenticity
Remember that the certificate of authenticity is something the translator has to provide when they are giving out a certified translation. The reason it costs almost a hundred bucks is the fact that with all of these obligations to fulfill, the translators feel like they are better off keeping their name out of it. They are better of working with a situation where they do not share their credentials. That is why they think before sharing their credentials.
A point worth noting: USA Translate provides certified translation and the certificate of accuracy is being signed by us, which is in accordance with the USCIS standards, and the translation will only cost $20.
As you can see, there are quite a few translation challenges a translator has to face, and it is up to the client to make the linguist’s work easier by providing all necessary details before starting the job. USA Translate is well-aware of that and this is why all our projects are clear for our translators, thus resulting in accurate translations, done according to client’s needs. If you are a freelance translator looking for more translation jobs, get in touch.
