The practice of translation is not limited to a field now that information spread needs a very broad scope. Therefore, types of translation have been coined to assist translators in initial preparation regarding the work process. These categories are also clients’ benefit to seek appropriate service as specialized translators have advanced performance. For further explanation, please read the following description.
Literary Translation
This is the most complex type because a translator must have language skills as well as a cultural understanding of the target language. Furthermore, a literary work such as rhymes poetry should be translated as closely as possible to the source language both in format and tone. Another example is humor where the translator can convey a message with the same level of humor even though it does not make sense in the target language. In the end, literary translation is an adaptation effort so that the message conveyed remains equivalent.
Professional Translation
Different types of translation come from professional translation which has the characteristics of the previous type. If a text has a formal tone and is used for a specific purpose, then the text is included in this discussion. The examples are legal and medical texts which must be translated as accurately as possible without taking too much attention to aesthetic aspects. Even though it seems simpler, finding the equivalent in the target language is still a challenge for a translator. When a term has no equivalent in the target language, then writing as it is accompanied by a description on a footnote would be better than deleting it to minimize the workload.
Technical Translation
As the name implies, the scope of this type is scientific and technological information. Some of the documents included in practice are articles, computer product descriptions, patents, and user manuals. Usually, the rates for translators are higher because of the large amount of terminology in the text and the high demand from clients. The use of the CAT tools is highly recommended to obtain consistent results and shorten processing time in accordance with the increasingly competitive translation industry.
Administrative Translation
When viewed from its characteristics, this type is part of professional translation. However, administrative matters in the business field are complex, requiring special attention. To add, the global economy requires a medium in the form of a language that will facilitate cooperation between the two nations. Terminology is still a challenge for translators, so they have to take note.
There are still other types of translation even though they are subsets, such as commercial translation and financial translation. These are categorized into administrative translation. The rests are computer translation and general translation which covers various subjects.
Types of translation are based on the field being worked on because each of them has a different delivery “template” and purpose as well. In addition, the challenges faced by translators will also vary. Two things that can support them are terminology knowledge and language skill that never goes wrong.
