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While I was compiling translation suggestions for this blog post I came across an article listing the “25 most annoying business terms.” It was a list of the “25 most annoying business phrases” that I found. I shared it with my Global Solutions team and we had a good laugh Friday afternoon. Kings of Translation is a group of young and professional translators. Our skilled and experienced diploma in translation uk are able to provide professional documents translation services near me and verbal translations.
My European colleague replied, “This is fantastic!” This is especially true if English is not your native tongue and your colleagues use these phrases often. This is something I can relate to, having grown up bilingual in the United States and Switzerland.
This made me reflect on global audiences and how certain expressions may not always be translated the way we intended. These ambiguous phrases can lead to confusion and loss of meaning. In today’s globalized world, how we speak and write can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
Keep sentences short
Aim for 20 words or less to increase comprehension and simplify translations. It will also improve readability. What is the most important thing? What can I do to simplify what I want? It helps to read sentences aloud, which keeps them concise and sweet.
When possible, use Standard English word order
It generally refers to a subject, verb and object along with any modifiers. You must ensure correct grammar and punctuation. Check the basics as mistakes can travel between target and source languages. Although translators are often able to flag errors in source texts, they should not replace proofreading the source text for grammar and spelling.
Avoid long noun strings
Readers must deduce the relationship between words when connecting elements are missing from noun strings. It is possible to have additional difficulties when a sentence is translated into more languages. This can lead to misinterpretations or literal translations.
To identify one concept, you can use only one term
Clarity is hindered by synonyms. You should write the same thing every time. Not only will it affect the consistency of your translations, but it will also decrease the translation memory leverage. This can result in lower quality, higher cost, and faster turnaround.
Humor is not a good idea
It is rare that it can be translated with equivalency. This is true for metaphors, jargon, and regional phrases. True story: Before I moved to Boston in 2004, I was unfamiliar with the terms “knocking the ball out of the park” and “grand slam”. I then became interested in watching the Red Sox World Series. It’s not hard to understand, but I suspect that many translators don’t have the same understanding of American sports. It is not easy to understand or appreciate expressions. They just don’t translate.
Use relative pronouns such as “that” or “which”.
Even if they aren’t necessary, they can improve your understanding. It is easier to say “The software he licensed expires tomorrow” than “The software he licenses expires tomorrow.” It is important to verify that pronouns are included and not assumed.
Instead of the passive voice, use the active voice
It is more straightforward, easier to understand, and easier for translators. A passive voice may be indicated by words like “was” or “by”. Example: The user upgraded the software = passive. The software was upgraded by the user = active.
It should fit.
English written text is typically shorter than other languages. This means that there is less space for expansion (upto 35 %!).). This is especially important when it comes to software interfaces and graphics. There are differences in the length of sentences as well as in word length. Some languages use large compound terms.
