The basics of translation: what it is and the truth behind common myths

We’re surrounded by translated texts, from appliance user manuals to software user interfaces, from international brands’ product descriptions to food labels. But what is translation? And what are the most common misconceptions about it? Keep reading to learn the basics.

Table of Contents

1. What is translation?
2. What’s the difference between translation and interpreting?
3. Everyone speaks English: why should I translate my content into other languages?

What is translation?

In linguistics, translation is the process of converting verbal content from one sign system to another, where a sign system can be a natural language or a nonverbal system made of symbols, gestures or other elements. This definition uses some linguistics jargon, but I promise that I’ll keep technical terms to the bare minimum from now on!

Technically speaking, there are three types of translation: intralingual, interlingual and intersemiotic:

• Intralingual translation occurs within the same language and allows people to express something in different words while preserving the original meaning.
• Interlingual translation involves the conversion of a text from one language to another; for example, from English to Italian.
• Intersemiotic translation occurs between different sign systems; for example, from road signs to words.

Normally, when talking about translation, we refer to the interlingual translation process of written texts. This means that written words are converted from one language to another (for instance, I translate from English to Italian, from Spanish to Italian and from French to Italian) in such a way that the original meaning is preserved and made understandable to people who speak a different language from the one used in the original text.

What’s the difference between translation and interpreting?

“Oh, you’re a translator! That is so difficult! As a speaker of Italian and English, I find it very hard to ‘translate’ what my Italian friends don’t understand when there’s someone speaking in English! You must be quick and remember it all!”

“I would need an English-to-Italian translator for a business meeting next week, in Rome, from 9 am to 12 pm local time. Would you be available?”

These types of statements are not uncommon, but they reflect a common misconception about the translation profession. If you have no experience in the field, you may think that “translators” “translate” oral speech simultaneously as part of their everyday work. And you wouldn’t be the only one: this is the most widespread misbelief about translation.

Are you confused? To put it very simply, a translator’s output is written. Very schematically:

• Translators’ output is written.
• Interpreters’ output is oral or signed.

I prefer to focus on output rather than input, as audiovisual translation may pose a further challenge for those struggling to understand the difference between translation and interpreting. For example, when translating for dubbing, the translator’s direct output is a written text that will be transformed into speech at a later stage; and even when subtitle translators work from an audio or video without any script, their direct output (i.e., subtitles) is written.

This means that:

• If you need a written text, you should look for a translator.
• If you need someone using their voice to help you understand what’s being said, you need an interpreter.

Everyone speaks English: why should I translate my content into other languages?

That’s a very frequently asked question, so I’ll be happy to provide an answer. You may think that, as a translator, I’m biased. But real-world data confirm the importance of translation in our globalized world.

First, saying that everyone can speak English is an oversimplification. While English is used internationally and studied by people from all over the world, there are many who don’t understand it proficiently. For instance, English is a mandatory school subject in Italy, but only a small percentage of Italians are fluent, while many people have basic skills only.

Apart from bridging the language gap, translation plays a crucial role in the way texts are received, perceived and acted upon. If someone needs to buy something online, they’ll prefer online shops in their native language. Having access to resources in one’s language reduces cognitive efforts and frees one’s mind for more meaningful things, such as making buying decisions, appreciating product descriptions, evaluating a brand’s reliability or, more simply, being captivated and persuaded by the written content.

And talking marketing, it’s important to speak your audience’s language. Clients and prospects want to feel understood and cared about. They look for experiences that feel customized. This means that you must get closer to them, and if you serve different countries, one way to do so is by speaking their language.

Professional translation tends to be mistakenly underrated, but it plays a crucial role in our globalized world. It eliminates unclarity, fosters connections and allows us to overcome borders. Do you want to learn more about this fascinating profession/type of service? Explore my website or check my LinkedIn profile!