What types of translations are there and what are their features
Few people know that translation studies is an independent scientific discipline that considers the peculiarities of translating texts of various styles as a separate subject. We will not delve into the theory and will try to briefly formulate what the institute allocates dozens of hours for -the main types of translation and the features of each of them.
Types of translation
The main difference is oral and written translations. There is also machine translation, which we have already discussed. But since the computer doesn't care what kind of text it translates, and our office doesn't do this kind of work, we'll just mention it. There are more differences between interpretation and translation than you might think.
Classification of oral translation
Interpretation services are divided into the following types:
Consecutive translation – the translator transmits the text in parts, phrases, or paragraphs, and the speaker pauses for the linguist to translate what was said;
Simultaneous translation – if in the first case the translator has time to comprehend what he heard and formulate phrases, during simultaneous translation he works in time-consuming mode, the translation is performed simultaneously with the words being spoken;
Parallel translation – if both previous types of translation have the same orientation from one language to another, then in parallel translation, the translator first translates the source language to the target language, and then the same thing, but back.
There are two other types of transfers that are usually distinguished separately:
- written translation of what you hear (most often it's just an exercise or a recorded translation of an audio recording);
- translation from a sheet – the translator reads what is written in one language and translates it aloud into another
This classification of translation types is somewhat formal. The systematization of oral translations can also be divided into genre and stylistic diversity. For example, translating a politician's speech or a stand-up artist's speech requires completely different approaches. But this is the nuances of the profession.
Types of text translation
Professional translators can work with any type of translation, but in order not only to fully convey the meaning of the source content, but also to take into account many nuances, you need to understand the specifics and be able to reflect it in the translated text. For example, a literal translation of a poem can be done by all translators. But in order to reflect the meaning to convey what the poet wanted to express, and even more so to make the finished text no less good poetic work, poetic talent is required.
Therefore, real professionals specialize in specific types of texts: and all of them can be divided into several main groups:
- literary translation;
- scientific and technical translation;
- socio-journalistic.
Features of literary translation
This type of translation includes all fiction (poetry, prose, folklore), journalism, and literary criticism. In order to work in this direction, a translator should ideally have a literary talent. At a minimum, it requires the ability to clothe the translated meaning in a literary form that corresponds to the style of writing of the translated author. The complexity of this type of translation is in the set of phrases inherent in the original language, images that are understandable to native speakers and those does resemble nothing who are not familiar with them. The translator is required to create so-called semasiological connections, which are not possible in the time frame. Therefore, literary translation can only be written.
Scientific and technical translations
The scientific and technical type of translation, in turn, is divided into several separate groups:
- technical – a category that includes translations of technological equipment documentation, instructions, textbooks of exact disciplines, technical articles and reports, and other text rich in specialized terms;
- economic - translations of accounting documents, international agreements and acts, tax documentation, financial reports and other documents related to finance;
- legal – translation of regulations, laws, contracts and agreements, books and articles on jurisprudence, and other legal texts;
- automotive - vehicle operating manuals, descriptions of electrical circuits of cars and other equipment, instructions for repair or use of technical means and liquids;
- medical - translation of medical history, medical reports, medical scientific and popular science articles, analysis results, instructions for medical equipment, and operation protocols.
To work with scientific and technical translations, a specialist must have knowledge in the specific field that the original text is related to. Naturally, it is impossible to be an expert in all fields, so translators specialize in certain areas. So within the framework of these specializations, there are also separate types of translations: radio engineering, military, chemical, etc. Knowledge is necessary not only for understanding the meaning of the translated text, but also for the correct application of terms and concepts.
Socio-political translation
It differs from all other texts, if only because such texts mix texts of the information and propaganda direction with scientific ones. In addition, in contrast to the art in the texts dealing with politics or social movements, language used stamps. Most often, translation is required for socio-political documents, magazines, newspapers, and radio and television appearances. The main function of this type of transfer is informational. At the same time, the original texts can be designed to influence the public, perform the task of processing public opinion. To be able to do this type of translation requires appropriate political knowledge, an understanding of the processes, and the environment in which they are written or spoken.
We have listed the main types of translation, but there are also those that do not fall into the listed types, such as translations of religious texts or spoken everyday speech. However, it is important for our clients that our bureau employs specialists who have both experience and knowledge that allow us to perform any type of translation without any exceptions.