Literary Vs. Technical Translations

Liraz Postan

January 15 , 2020 · 2 min

A professional translator must also be an excellent writer, due to the fact that it’s their responsibility to ensure that the final translated document is accurate and easy to read: this is in addition to maintaining the concept that the source text is endeavoring to convey.

The translation process can be divided into different sections: the first part is to understand and assimilate the meaning you wish to convey. It’s imperative that the translator understands the text in depth, at the same time detaching themselves from the actual words.

This enables the translator to give more meaning to the thoughts and ideas of the original author. Once this has been achieved, the text must be reinterpreted and adapted according to the target language.

Is Technical Translation Easier Than Literary Translation?

It is true that some translators actually prefer to specialize in technical texts due to the inherent difficulties involved with literary translations, particularly when it comes to the use of metaphors, transmitting messages, and other stylistic figures of language that one finds in literature.

What is Technical Translation?

Literary translation is entirely different from technical translation, which deals with reports, instructions, manuals, and material that, in general, is directed at a specific audience that focuses on this type of text.

It’s extremely important that the use of just the right vocabulary is used in this case; however, the style of text and the aesthetic is not as important. In addition, a translator working with technical content will often be required to have specific knowledge in that particular field.

Explaining Literary Translation

Alternatively, when translating literary texts such as poems or novels, the translator is required to have a broader cultural knowledge, stylistic skills, be imaginative, and be creative.

Making A Decision

The best translators must follow a very demanding course of study, regardless of their target language. This might include university specialization and literary studies in their mother tongue, including languages they will be translating to.

And that’s why it’s really important that, once our formal training as professional translators is complete, we make a decision on what type of texts we intend specializing in: such as technical, legal, literary, and so on. This ensures that we can always be satisfied with our final translation result.