The Top 5 Mistakes In Translation (And How To Avoid Them)

The need for accurate translations has never been greater as the world becomes increasingly interconnected. Whether you're communicating with a business partner in another country or trying to reach a global audience with your website, your message must come across clearly and correctly.

Unfortunately, even the best translators can make mistakes. In fact, according to a study by the Translation Automation User Society, the average translation contains about 2.5 errors per page. While some of these errors may be minor and inconsequential, others can be major gaffes that could cost you dearly.

To help you avoid making costly mistakes in your translations, we've compiled a list of the top 5 mistakes in translation made by translators - and how to avoid them.

1. Not conducting thorough Research

One of the most common mistakes translators make is failing to adequately research the target audience. Before starting a translation project, it's important to conduct extensive research on the source and target cultures.

What might be considered polite or professional in one culture could be considered rude or offensive in another. For example, some cultures prefer direct communication, while others prefer more indirect communication styles. By understanding the nuances of both cultures, you can ensure that your translations are accurate and culturally appropriate.

It's important to remember that not everyone speaks or reads English in the same way. Depending on factors like region, culture, and education level, people's understanding and using the language can be significant differences.

For example, someone from Spain is likely to have a very different understanding of English than someone from India. As such, it's essential to consider these differences when translating for a specific audience. Otherwise, your message is likely to be lost in translation.

2. Not checking the context when translating

It is essential to ensure you understand the text's full context. Failing to do so can lead to mistakes, such as translating a word or phrase out of context, which can distort the meaning of the text.

To avoid this, always take the time to read through the text carefully and understand the full context before beginning to translate. If necessary, ask for clarification from the author or client if there is any ambiguity

3. Not using a professional translator

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is thinking that any bilingual person can translate your documents accurately. While it's true that bilingualism is a necessary skill for translators, it's far from sufficient.

In order to produce high-quality translations, translators need to have an in-depth understanding of both the source and target languages—including their grammar, idioms, and slang. They also need to be familiar with the subject matter of the document they're translating. Only then can they produce an accurate and culturally sensitive translation.

4. Translating too literally

Literal Translation can also lead to errors in translation. This often happens when translators try to preserve the original meaning of a text word for word rather than translating it into the most accurate and appropriate equivalent in the target language.

To avoid this mistake, consider the target language's cultural context and use your best judgment when translating words and phrases. Also, be aware of idiomatic expressions in the target language and try to use equivalents that native speakers will understand.

5. Not proofreading

Even if you've used a professional translator and reviewed the translation yourself, it's still important to proofread the document before finalizing it. This is because errors can often slip through even when great care has been taken to avoid them.

To catch these errors, it's best to have someone unfamiliar with the project proofread the document—as they're more likely to spot errors overlooked by those who are more familiar with the material.

Other Mistakes That Can't Be Ignored

a. Not Updating Your Translations

Once a document has been translated, it's easy to assume that it doesn't need to be updated again—but this couldn't be further from the truth. As times change and languages evolve, old translations can quickly become outdated and inaccurate. That's why it's important to periodically review your translations and update them as needed—even if they don't seem like they need it at first glance.

b. Relying on Machine Translation

Another mistake often made is relying on machine translation—such as Google Translate—to do the job of a professional translator. While machine translation has come a long way in recent years, it's still no replacement for a human translator. This is because machines cannot account for things like context, idioms, and cultural references, which are essential for producing an accurate translation.

c. Not using the right tools and resources

When translating, you must use all the resources at your disposal to ensure accuracy. This includes online dictionaries, glossaries, style guides, and any relevant subject matter experts you may have access to. Failure to do so can lead to errors in translation that could have easily been avoided.

d. Not keeping up with the latest industry news and developments

The translation industry is constantly evolving, and it's important to keep up with the latest news and developments in order to maintain a high level of accuracy in your translations. This includes new technologies, changes in industry standards, and even shifts in the meaning of words and phrases over time.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help to ensure that your translations are accurate and error-free. However, even the best translators can make occasional mistakes. If you're ever in doubt about the accuracy of a translation, always consult with a subject matter expert or native speaker of the target language for clarification.

Conclusion

Making mistakes when translating documents can have serious consequences, both for the individual and the organization. That's why it's essential to take care when translating and use all the resources at your disposal to ensure accuracy.

By avoiding the most common translation mistakes, you can help to ensure that your translations are accurate and error-free. However, even the best translators can make occasional mistakes.

If you're ever in doubt about the accuracy of a translation, always consult with a subject matter expert or native speaker of the target language for clarification.