Important Terminology for the Translation Industry

Having a thorough knowledge of two languages does not at all imply that a person can become a good translator. A career choice to become a translator requires indepth academic studies, most often a translation degree, and thorough knowledge of one or more specialized subject matters. Translators as well as customers should be familiar with the following terminology list as it relates to translation services. This list will apply to a translation Ottawa or translation Montreal or any other North American city and will provide the basic terms that are associated with the translation industry.

Source language – the language to be translated from

Target language – the language to be translated to

Source document – The written material or matter to be translated.

Translation: the interpreting of the meaning of a written text in a source language and the subsequent creation of an equivalent written text in the target language

Simultaneous Interpretation – the interpreter renders a verbal translation in the target language at the same time as the speaker speaks in the source language. This method is often used in international meetings and conferences.

Consecutive Interpretation – the interpreter renders a verbal translation after the speaker has finished.

Word / page count – basic method to calculate the cost of translation.

Certified translation – a certified translation creates a legal record and is often required by governmental organizations and institutions.

Proofreading – the process of detecting and correcting errors in written documents. In translation this includes a verification of terminology, grammar, spelling and punctuation by means of a comparison of the source document with the translated document.

The above mentioned terms relate to some important basic concepts in the translation industry. Once a buyer of translation understands these basic terms, it becomes much easier to follow the whole process.