This post is about professional Japanese human translation.
Part of the article series Polishing Your Translation Style, this article focuses on the machinations of grammar.
I know – it sounds like a grand, all-encompassing ambition. But, the objective is to highlight a few common errors that persist in professional translation products as seen from the CEO of a Japanese translation service company -- Just a few Tips 'n Techniques to give shine to your translation style! And, if you happen to glean any pointers that will up your game, all strength to you!
(Regardless of whether you’re an aspiring Japanese English translator or a client of translation services, there is something for you here.)
- Run-on sentences do not translate well
- Omitted words are not…translated
- Acronyms can be misleading
- Avoid abbreviations
- Do a double check on a double check!
- Consistency rules
Let jump right in!
Acronyms can be misleading
And that, translators, can lead to the "lost in translation” malaise.
Let’s take a look at "ASAP", for example. Now, everyone knows that ASAP stands for "As Soon As Possible", right? Think again! According to the website acronymfinder.com, "ASAP" has roughly 90 definitions including "As Soon As Possible".
Below follows a sample list of definitions for ASAP:
- As Soon As Possible
- Army Substance Abuse Program
- Aviation Safety Action Program
- Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals
- As Simple As Possible
- AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific (est. 1990)
- As Small As Possible
- As Short As Possible
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (NASA)
- As Safe As Possible
The definitions of acronyms vary from language to language, and are very much dependent on the reader’s professional training and background. Case in point:
Applied Securities Analysis Program
Avoid using acronyms in your translation work. And, where you absolutely have to use an acronym, provide the definition. Consider using an easy to understand format such as "Applied Securities Analysis Program (ASAP)".
Summary
Adopt a translation style that puts you on a level by yourself is easy – Apply the 6 simple steps above to your translation projects. Clients' will be asking for you by name, which will lead to improved results as seen from repeat requests for your Japanese translation services
(p.s. Bookmark this page and keep checking back for new articles in the series.)
