TRANSLATION CONCEPT

Translation is the process of re-stating any written text in another language. 

As a subject, translation is linked to literature, history, linguistics, anthropology, psychology, etc.

Translation involves two key process – reading and writing, as the translator has to read the source text and write the target text. The translator must also be well-read in both the languages and must constantly update him/herself with new words, phrases, books that will enable quick and smooth translation.

Language is a code. A code is a system of communication that is made up of different symbols. For example, the English language is a code. The English alphabet has 26 letters, each letter is a symbol.

The Oxford dictionary defines Translation as ‘the process of translating words or text from one language into another’.

Source text: The text that has to be translated.

Source language: The language in which the source text is written.

Target language: The language into which the source text is to be translated.

Target text: The text after it has been translated.

Syntax: Study of rules of how to arrange words in a sentence for the sentence to make sense.

Semantics: Study of meaning in language. It is selecting the right word to imply the right meaning.

Interpreting versus Translation: Interpreter is one who translates speech orally and translator deals with written text. A type of interpreting is ‘chuchotage’ which means whispered interpreting when what is being said is conveyed in the ears of the client and not aloud.

Transcription: To make a written copy of something that is being dictated.

Transliteration: Spelling of the words from one language with characters from the alphabet of another language e.g., Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham

चाय – Tea (translation)

चाय – Chai (transliteration)

Transference: Some source text words are picked up and ‘transferred’ to the target text. They are appropriate from a cultural point of view and the word is called a ‘loan’ word. E.g., Nawab is used in English texts although it is not an English word.

Transcreation: The source text is not only translated to the target text but is also ‘creatively adapted’ to suit the needs of the target audience. For e.g. when advertisements are translated changing the language of the words in to enough but certain creativity is required to relate to the cultural background too.

Subtitling: is the process of creating textual versions of the content in television programs, films, OTT Platforms, etc. Subtitles are usually written at the bottom of the screen. Same language subtitles are beneficial for hearing impaired viewers or for people who are familiar with the language but not the accent. Different language subtitles are beneficial for viewers who do not understand the language in which the people on screen are conversing.

Dubbing: is the process of substituting the lip movements of the person speaking on screen with a new language. Dubbing in films, on television and OTT platforms helps bridge the language gap between audiences and increases the outreach of the film makers and other media professionals.

Back translation: This refers to the translation of an already translated text into the language in which it was originally written. This is done without referring to the original text.

Semiotic transfer: Use of signs and symbols to communicate.

Copying: The information received is reproduced as it is and the code is not changed at all.

Transcribing: Information received is put into a code from its earlier codeless form.