Whatever the context might be, having a translator and linguistic interpreter can be quite handy. Language is a challenging organism which rapidly changes from place to place. Even in your own backyard, there are likely accents stretching from one end of the country to the next. Outside of the United States, dialects exist by the hundreds and drift under other major languages spoken. It can be all quite confusing for the unprepared.
This is why many opt in for translators, via online or in person, depending on the nature of their reason. However, it goes beyond just having someone understand different languages. Translation can be tricky, even for the experienced, because certain phrases or words simply don’t work the same way. Meanings and context behind words also may hold more emphasis in one language, where literal, straight forward definition exists in the other. This is where the power of a native translator comes in.
Hiring or using a native translator comes with many advantages. A native not only understands multiple languages but has the wealthy knowledge of context about national background. Having a translator only broadcast the literal meaning of something can be even worse than not understanding what someone is saying at all. A native translator can circumvent this by understanding what a regional phrase might mean, whereas when translated to let’s say English, it makes little sense.
Numerous problems can occur without the deft handling of a native speaker’s understanding of languages. For instance, a raw translation of Japanese text to English is messy, to say the least. The sentence structure is in reverse while nouns and verbs are seemingly in random spots. Once more, the Japanese language is often quite context heavy; much is implied from a few words. Word for word, a raw interpretation will not work.
Depending on the message, the need for native translation is increasingly important. In matters of business, personal, even political affairs all require more than a deliberate understanding of speaking several languages. Audiences are different. A native translator can take the meaning of a different language and properly convey it to the reader in question. This is always varied; it’s important to consider how readers will interpret messages, written or spoken.
There are also factors of time and monetary gain or loss. Assume you send a message to a business partner that does not speak your language (English) and in their language; raw translations do not work as well. In fact, the message you sent, using a basic translation service, comes out as a jumbled mess, and therefore is next to useless to the parties in question. Was this message important? Did you need a response ASAP? Well, now the party must relay it was not understood, and you must find a more skilled translation service, such as a native speaker.
Time sensitive matters such as these might result in a loss of profit if you are a business. What if your company gets supplies for manufacturing from an international vendor? Specified amounts and technical details can easily have numerous errors without a translator, resulting in improper shipments and other problems.
Additionally, a native translator can provide context. Language is not only words, its culture too. Are there phrases, implications, or sentences which could be deemed as insulting or strange to an international party? A native translator can point this out. Are there friendly, polite things loved by a certain culture, or different ways to express greetings? Native translators can highlight these, giving you a more in touch, respectable approach when sending messages.
In person they are a great asset, able to point out useful bits of etiquette and manners of their respective culture. However, in the world of online translation, many of these formalities aren’t present, but this does not mean the translation aspect is any less important. Sometimes the most practical means of communication are through instant messages or video chat, in which raw text can be especially problematic as it needs appropriate conveyance to get meaning across. It also needs to be done quickly, especially if matters are time dependent.
So again, here native translators can be especially important. Skilled translators can certainly do the job, but it’s likely the immediate message may contain errors. Errors are not always bad, but what happens when it’s a problem of a conveyance? A single incorrect word can change the meaning of a sentence, and more time is needed to clarify what someone meant. A native translator has the ability to take phrases or words and make sure that when translated they simply work. A native translator can take a sentence and make it sound correct for its translated equivalent.
A deep understanding of culture and values from where a language is founded is almost mandatory. So much of what is spoken is context sensitive, and without it, can mean entirely different things. This is why native translators are extremely important, especially in the business world. The rich knowledge and skills they bring to the table will make communication far smoother, while also acting as a gateway to the nature of how things are conducted in their culture. Native speakers are also familiar with dialects, personal history, and other heritage grown traits which give you additional information. Almost leverage, if you will.
In summation, native translators offer more than just technical skills. Language is a complicated thing with twists and turns resulting in completely different meanings for most. In order to conduct proper business or personal communication, it’s best to seek out native translators who will offer the cleanest in communication.