Translation, and hence the fields of translation, are like a comprehensive university that deals with various subjects and industries.
Like sectors of life, fields of translation vary greatly and cover a wide spectrum of specializations. We can divide them based on the industry addressed and say that the main translation fields are: General, legal, technical, financial, medical, pharmaceutical, travel & tourism & entertainment, marketing, media, journalism, art, literary, social sciences, humanities … etc. Each of those fields of translation has its nature, requirements, ways, tools and experts. Hence, in this article, we will try by all possible means to tackle the fields of translation from all aspects.
Fields of translation are as follows:
Read more about: what is literary translation
Creative translation suits many sectors like Advertising & Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media, Fashion & Apparel, Tourism & Hospitality and Entertainment.
For more information about translation, read the article: What Are Translation Services? Everything You Need to Know
There are various approaches to translation. Here are the most popular and essential ones:
The process of literally converting words and sentences from one language into another. Although it guarantees accuracy, neutrality and confidentiality, it also may lead to strictness and loss of context. This type of translation can be followed, with great care and knowledge, in some fields of translation such as legal, technical, medical, pharmaceutical and academic translation.
It focuses greatly on the meaning or even the general intended meaning of the source text, then freely expresses it with the target language. It can suit fields of translation like literary, arts, media and advertising translation. We can say that it intersects, in one way or another, with Transcreation.
According to Reiss (who summarized text types and translation types from one of Chesterman’s books), we can divide texts (and also translations), from a functional perspective, into 4 types:
It aims to share knowledge and opinions and inform facts and information. This is in texts like references, reports, lectures, guides, user guides and manuals.
In it, the sender of the message wants to address specific audiences through a certain medium. This is apparent in literature, arts and artistic works in general.
It tends to call the target audience or convince them to do something in sermons, speeches, and advertisements. This is very similar to what we know as “Call To Action” in Digital Marketing and Sales.
This is the case in all audio-visual media. This type encompasses other types as it adds audio and visual elements to those (mostly) textual types.
We, at Mutarjimoon, mostly tend to adopt that last type (Functional) when dealing with different fields of translation. The functional translation is a flexible, customized and practical approach that depends on the nature of the field (literary, Islamic, legal, medical, technical …etc.), the source & target material and medium, the linguistic & cultural dimensions and the receiver (target audience) of the message.
Mutarjimoon: Your Trusted Translation and Localization Company
Did you hear before that there is a doctor who is fully aware of all the medical specialties and subspecialties? Or even about a teacher who can teach all subjects? The same applies to translators. They should specialize in one or a number of fields of translation to ensure:
Accuracy & High Quality
Real Experience & Broad Knowledge
Fastness & Proficiency
Continued Professional Development
High Adaptability
Standards of naming the most challenging fields of translation can vary greatly. We can classify according to the scarcity standard (the number of professionals specializing in certain fields of translation), the nature of the field itself, the markets targeted … etc. Here we will define, from our perspective, the most challenging fields and hence put the general rules for successfully dealing with them:
This field interests, studies and addresses the deepest and most complex parts of man that deal with both feelings and ideas; the heart and mind. Hence, the creative translator working in that field should have broad knowledge in Linguistics, Criticism, Techniques of Translation, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, History, Arts and Cultures.
This translation field deals with the most sacred content. Hence, The Islamic translator must study: The Holy Qur’an - Tafseer (Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an) - Hadith (The Prophetic Sayings) - Aqeedah (Creed) - Sīrah (Prophetic Biography) - Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) - Tawheed (oneness [of Allah]/Monotheism) - The Islamic History - The Arabic Language (Linguistics & Literature) - Logic.
Manuscript and database translation projects require large-scale cooperation between Language Professionals, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Translators and Desktop Publishing (DTP) Specialists.
Legal translation requires the translator to be fully aware of: legal terminology, cultural & legal & linguistic dimensions, precision, clarity and confidentiality.
A scientific (medical) background, fluency in both the source and target languages, accuracy, and confidentiality are some of the essential elements of medical translation.
It has been known that Technical translation deals with sectors like Science, Engineering, Industry, Technology and Communications. Hence, the technical translator should be equipped with: Language proficiency, Specialisation, Coping with Tech development challenges and high QA (Quality Assurance) standards.
Educational content is intrinsically linked to its context, shaped by the interplay of human and environmental factors. Consequently, its translation necessitates careful consideration of various elements, including: Cultural Nuances, Academic (specialized) terminology, Clarity, Taking into account the level of the target audience (Preschoolers, School students, University students, Interns and Trainees), Formatting matters and Adaptation (Localization Services).
Mutarjimoon provides professional translation and localization services ensuring successful communication across different languages and cultures. Our team of experienced translators is fully equipped with knowledge in various fields, with a deep understanding of cultural appropriateness and linguistic accuracy. We excellently exploit the latest tools and technologies to ensure consistency and quality in all phases of the systematic translation process, while taking into account the very important matters of confidentiality and security of information.
Our translation services (and more) are tailored to meet your specific needs efficiently and professionally, enhancing your ability to go from local to global markets (or vice versa) and communicate effectively with your target audiences.
We dive into the ocean of words, exploring the depths of meaning. Each word is a stroke that brings us closer to the shores of the target language. Ready to expand your reach? Contact us to discover how our translation expertise can open new doors for you.
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