Myths about translation and translators

  1. To be a translator you just have to speak a foreign language.
  2. There can be only one correct translation
  3. Having a professional translation is not crucial
  4. The translation speed is only limited by the speed the translator can type
  5. Technology will replace human translators
  6. A good translator would accept any price

To be a translator you just have to speak a foreign language.

This is one of the most common and misleading myths about translators circulating beyond the translation industry. Merely knowing two languages does not mean that a person can translate with those languages. Translating professionally requires training in linguistics and translation techniques and at least some translation experience. The professional translator also needs to understand the cultures of the languages in which he or she translates. In addition, the translator has to monitor changes in the languages he or she works with. It is no wonder that qualified translators represent only a tiny proportion of those who can speak more than one language fluently.

There can be only one correct translation

If we ask ten professional translators to translate any small text (for example, this paragraph), we will get ten different translations. Indeed, this is not about word-by-word translation, rather a transfer of information, meaning and style. A text can have an infinite number of correct translations – and even more incorrect ones…

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Having a professional translation is not crucial

It may be true that in certain cases you can do without a professional translation, but when it comes to the business or image of your company you should use a professional translator. This will help you avoid potential mistakes, misunderstandings and improve communication as a whole. But just as importantly, it will show your clients and partners that you treat them seriously and with respect. You can ask a friend to cut your hair since they know how to use scissors, but…

The translation speed is only limited by the speed the translator can type

In reality, however, translation is a much more complex and labour-intensive process than it might appear at first glance. One experienced professional normally produces between 3 and 6 pages of new text in an eight hour day – and this does not include proofreading by another colleague. The translator does not mechanically translate each word by dictionary, rather he or she recreates a text in another language while preserving the information, style and purpose of the original. Besides, original texts often have mistakes, inconsistencies and ambiguities that come to light in the course of translating and which require ‘correction’, thus making the translation better than the original. When a client is trying to save on a translation and wants it done quickly they are in fact trying to save on quality which is unlikely to benefit their company or organisation.

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Technology will replace human translators

No computer or robot, at least in the foreseeable future, will be able to completely replace the human translator. All existing translation software is unable to see context and multiple meanings, let alone stylistic and pragmatic aspects. The post-editing alone may take more time than the translation made by a human translator from start to finish.

A good translator would accept any price

Like any other qualified professional, a translator should be adequately paid for the work they do. Translators should price their services so as to cover all the costs and make sufficient profit. Translators who offer high quality translations at knock-down rates normally mislead the client about the quality and show disrespect for their profession.

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