Translation involves expressing in one language something that was previously expressed in a different language.
Translation is the action and effect of translating (expressing in one language something that has been previously expressed or that is written in a different language). The term can refer both to the interpretation given to a text or speech and to the material work of the translator.
This concept has its etymological origin in Latin. Specifically, we can determine that it comes from the word traductio , which can be defined as the action of guiding from one place to another. And it is made up of three different parts: the prefix trans -, which is synonymous with "from one side to the other" ; the verb ducere , meaning "to guide" ; and the suffix – cion , which is equivalent to “action” .
For example: "The Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges made translations of works by Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, George Bernard Shaw and other great authors" , "The translation of this film is very bad" , "The speaker speaks too fast, I think that the translation is not including all its concepts .
Types of translation
The types of translation are various. Direct translation is carried out from a foreign language to the language of the translator (such as the case of Borges translating a text by Poe). Reverse translation , on the other hand, takes the form of the translator's language into a foreign language.
On the other hand, one can speak of literal translation (when the original text is followed word by word) or free or literary translation (the meaning of the original text is respected, although without following the author's choice of expressions).
However, we cannot ignore that there is another classification of translation. In this case, within it we find categories such as judicial translation , which is that which takes place in front of a court. On the other hand, there is literary translation which, as its name indicates, is the one whose object is literary works of various kinds, be they stories, poems, theater or novels . All of this without forgetting what is known as informative translation, which is responsible for doing the same with all types of texts and documents that aim to make known a matter in question. Nor to the so-called scientific-technical translation which is what, as its name indicates, refers to texts referring to science, technology, the medical field or engineering, among other fields.
There are computer tools dedicated to translation.
Simultaneous work
Simultaneous translation takes place at the same time that a conference or speech is being delivered. It is commonly used in the field of politics (at international meetings) or in the media (to translate what is expressed at an event in a foreign language).
In the same way, this type of translation is also what is developed, for example, when a foreign actor arrives in a country other than his own to give a press conference in which he presents his new film.
It should be noted that although the only accurate translation is one carried out by a human being with extensive knowledge of the language to be translated, there are computer tools that carry out literal translations quite successfully.
Expert word
English Translator y Master in Translation Studies por la National University of Córdoba (UNC), Cecilia de la Vega cuenta con una amplia experiencia en el campo de la traducción. Trabaja de manera autónoma, coordina el equipo de traducción literaria inglés-español denominado"Chinese whispers" y se desempeña como profesora deIntroduction to Translation Studies y de Literary Translation en laUNC.
– How should a translator prepare, what qualities and tools do they need to have, to achieve optimal professional performance?
A literary translator must first of all be a great reader. You must not only read in a foreign language but you must also read in the language into which you translate and translate. To develop translation skills it is important to emulate the best. Reading good translations is always helpful. Whoever translates must always retain their curiosity and their desire to learn and know how to document themselves.
It is important that you always work towards high standards. Literary translations do not usually have review by other bilingual specialists. Generally, the person who receives the translation is the editor or proofreader, who does not necessarily master the foreign language and, therefore, cannot make a comparison with the original. It is limited to reviewing the text in the target language. For this reason, the translation has to be polished in the first delivery.
Cecilia de la Vega
– What are, according to your experience, the main limitations or the biggest obstacles that arise when dedicating yourself to literary translation?
The most difficult thing in literary translation is to enter the publishing market. Publishers usually hire translators who are recommended or have proven track records. When you don't have much experience yet, it becomes a bit difficult to get translation projects.
That is why it is very important to make yourself known. Participate in literary fields, disseminate our translations published on websites, digital magazines, social networks, present well-defined translation projects to publishers, taking into account their styles and the characteristics of their catalogues.
Cecilia de la Vega
– As a teacher of Introduction to Translation Studies, what are your needs, searches and learnings?
As a translator trainer, I feel that I have to keep up to date with what is happening in the profession, both in academia and in the translation industry. I try to constantly update myself and try to understand what the market demands are, because the type of tools or preparation I should provide to my students will depend on that. I also find it fascinating how the conception of translation is changing and how this impacts practices and the idea that ordinary people have about the profession.
It is important to educate the public about the complexities of translation work and the great responsibility assumed when translating texts from one language and culture to another. Even sometimes, from one time to another. It is a task that must be valued because communication beyond our borders, the circulation of knowledge and culture, and understanding between different groups and communities depend on it.
Cecilia de la Vega