What language is easier to translate into — native or foreign?

This question is often asked by amateurs and people, who are far from the linguistic sphere. After all, professional translator will not think about from which language into which one it is easier to translate the text. He has received his task and must complete it.

But still, how is it easier to translate? On the one hand, we know our native language better than a foreign one. But on the other hand, knowing a foreign language at the level of fluency in at least everyday topics, we can even convert complex terms into simple ones, thus solving the problem with translation.

But if you return to qualified translators, they would ask you a lot of additional questions:

• do you need a translation of the general meaning or a detailed translation;
• subject of the text, which must be translated;
• what kind of translation is needed - oral or written.

All these factors influence the answer, from which language is easier to translate.

Native language is a native language

As for the depth of the translation, it may not be detailed. That is, only the general meaning and phrases are transmitted. Or the translation can be detailed - with a clear translation of all words and idioms. Special accuracy is required by highly specialized topics, where a misinterpretation or, banally, an unfamiliar word can distort the meaning of what is said or written.

It is easier for a non-professional to translate from a foreign language to his native language in case of translation of the general meaning. A professional will do this without any difficulty at all. 

The situation is similar with a detailed translation. It is also easier for a beginner to transform the text from a foreign language into his native language. Understanding the general meaning of the text, a person can select approximate meanings of unfamiliar words and look for the most appropriate lexical units from his native language. As for a professional, it will be easier to translate from his native language into a foreign one. As the native language is understood better, you can find more synonyms for words, and, accordingly, it will be much easier to find the proper word in the foreign language in your head. In extreme cases, some word can be explained in a separate sentence.

It should be emphasized that the above is true for interpretation, when the interpreter does not have time to think and the result must be given immediately. Simultaneous interpretation from the native language is easier for interpreters, because they can quickly select the necessary keywords from the available vocabulary in a foreign language.

Written translation is considered to be easier than interpretation, so there is a room for creativity. You can use a dictionary or online translator to make your task easier and speed up the translation process.

As a rule, the issue of translating highly specialized topics is relevant only for professional linguists. It is better for a beginner not to take up such texts, so as not to fall flat on face. For example, the same idiom "not to fall flat on face" is unlikely to be translated into a foreign language by a similar idiom. Of course, he will be able to convey its meaning with a help of synonyms, but it cannot be made well. But a professional will promptly find a similar idiom in a foreign language. Speaking of which, in this case, it will be probably easier to translate from a foreign language into your native language.

It should be noted that even a super professional in the field of linguistics always knows his native language better than any other one. He takes to texts written in his native language like a duck to water. He can change words, subtly play with meaning, convey different shades and moods. In order to understand a foreign language well, you need to study your own language thoroughly. That's why a native language, for example, Ukrainian, is taught throughout the entire period of study in all philology departments. Of course, not all five years are given for cramming grammar, but also for analyzing stylistics, orthography, lexicology and many other derivative sciences.

So who is right?

In general, what is easier - translating from native language into foreign one or vice versa - it is a rhetorical question. The answer is not absolute, and it will depend on the text, the time allotted for translation and qualifications of the translator.

In order not to think about what is easier, it is better to hire a professional linguist, who can cope with the task of translating text of any complexity and volume.