Translation is an art. And like every other art, it has its own unique characteristics. A mindless translation may take you nowhere, but a well thought-out one can win you many hearts.
Often ignored, thoughtful translations can ensure you a better space in life – be it at your work-place or even in your personal life.
So what makes you a good translator? There are many automatic translation tools that we tend to depend on for quick and easy translation. Mostly these are good for a general translation. But when it comes to more effective communication or conveying things more efficiently, manual translation has its own advantages.
There are many ways in which you can improve your translation skills. First and foremost is getting a firm grip on the language in which you want to translate. Improving your vocabulary is the next step. Read a lot, observe things around you and find out words and phrases that can be used in a given situation.
Have a slew of possible words that you can choose to replace an existing word. A rich collection of words gives you better options to choose from.
Use a Thesaurus or dictionaries and discover synonyms that can be used to replace or improve a word phrase, sentence or a coinage in a given scenario. Keep them always on standby.
The second step is of course to be grammar-smart. Be strong at the grammar-end. In any language, knowing the correct grammar and effectively using them will make you stand out. To come up with the most effective structural composition of words, sentences and phrases, Right Grammar is essential both in written and spoken conversations.
Obviously, translation should not be a mindless process, wherein you go word-by-word. It is not about translating each and every word into another language. Such a literal approach often ends up in poorly structured sentences with no soul in them. Instead, try ‘n capture the essence of what you want to communicate.
First read the passage or copy you want to translate in its entirety before sitting down to translate. Sum up what you have grasped therein, and then zero in on a more or less accurate rendering of the same. Once you have keyed in the final draft, read it again. Make sure that you have conveyed it in the best possible manner. Only then would translation serve its real purpose.