Posted on: February 18, 2025 by admin
The methods of translation are the different strategies translators use to convert or change text from one language to another. For example, if a friend gives you a poem written in English, but you speak French, you’d want a translated version.
But not all translations are the same — Some involve converting text word-for-word, and others involve the text, context, emotion and punctuation.
Using the correct method is essential for accurate and precise translations. To help you select a suitable option, learn about the 8 most common translation techniques and when to use them.
The most common translation methods include word-for-word, literal, target language, semantic, Idiomatic, faithful, adaptive, free and communicative translation. Each practice has a unique goal and requires different skills and training.
Word-for-word translation involves converting text in one language to another as is. You translate each word in a sentence without considering grammar, punctuation, and content.
This method is excellent for understanding what someone is saying or communicating, but it can be confusing when converting longer or more intricate sentences. It also leaves out various important language rules.
For example, não, Obrigado in Portuguese translates to no, thank you in English. While this translation is correct, it does not consider gendered language. In Portuguese, Obrigado is used to address males and Obrigada females.
Unlike word-for-word translation, literal translation considers grammar. These conversions sound better and make more sense than direct translations.
Semantic translation considers sentences’ more profound meanings. It focuses on capturing a phrase’s emotion. Instead of copying words as they are in another language, it uses words that closely capture the depth of what is being communicated.
For example, phrases in English like “he is a wolf in sheep’s clothes” or “she has a heart of gold” are not converted word-for-word but adapted in another language to convey the meaning accurately.
The idiomatic method does not carry over literal translations but uses words that more accurately convey an expression. For example, idioms like “break a leg,” “cutting corners,” and “ït’s a blessing in disguise” in the targeted language are often grammatically incorrect and confusing when translated literally or word-for-word.
Translators must find similar expressions or phrases in the target language that have the same meaning.
In faithful translation, professionals adhere to a text’s original style and context. They focus on making phrases sound correct in a different language to communicate the exact meaning of the source. Faithful translation is often used to convert books, poems, and literature.
Adaptive translation is a creative way of conveying popular phrases and expressions in a targeted language. Directly converting metaphors like “she is a couch potato” can be confusing in a different language, so translators use a reference that makes more sense for their target audience.
For example, they might use a word like lazy to reference couch potato and convey the same meaning.
Free translation does not consider the literal meaning of a text but focuses on the main idea. For example, informal phrases like “Let’s roll!” “Let’s hit the road!” or “Let’s do this!” are not directly translated into a target language. Instead, translators use different phrases or words that convey the same idea.
Communicative translation focuses on experience and feeling. Translators change words in a target language to make them as impactful as the original text. For example, “you only live once” or “time flies when you’re having a good time” are translated into phrases that communicate the same idea and experience.
Now that you know the different translation methods, we can help you pick the right one.
Speak Your Language is a leading translation service provider specialising in multiple translation methods. Our skilled and qualified professionals take the time to understand your needs and help you select a suitable technique.
For translations you can trust, contact us today.
