Did you know that the global translation services market was valued at US$ 42.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise at a CAGR of 2.5% to reach US$ 54.1 billion by 2034?
Translation is not only the substitution of words from one language to another; it is a complex procedure to grasp and transmit the meaning, context, and culture.
A translator does not simply change one word for another-they have to select the most appropriate translation technique that can significantly affect the precision, cultural context, and tone of the message.
Whether you are translating a technical manual, a marketing campaign, or an outstanding piece of literature, being aware of the right translation techniques ensures that you keep the original meaning intact and at the same time make it understandable for a new audience.
What Are Translation Techniques?
Translation techniques refer to the different methods that translators can use to make sure that a text’s meaning is correctly presented in another language.
These methods are not only about finding appropriate words but also about maintaining the original content’s intention, style, and tone.
Translation techniques can be broadly divided according to the degree of fidelity to the original language and the type of content being translated.
For Example, a literal translation is regularly applied in the case of a source text that is very technical or formal. At the same time, adaptation would be a better choice in the case of marketing content that must be culturally empathetic and reflect the target audience.
Essentially, translation techniques represent strategic decisions of a translator dealing with the question of whether to make a literal translation or stress the cultural relevance, used as a function of context.
How Translation Techniques Impact Accuracy and Meaning
Translation technique brings the accuracy and meaning of the translated text. Each technique has its pros and cons. Literal translation, for example, can ensure that every word is translated correctly, but it might sound a little bit strange or even misinterpreted if there is no context.
On the other hand, methods like adaptation or cultural substitution can make a translation more comprehensible and relevant to the culture, but they might miss some of the exact words or patterns from the original text.
For Example, Assume we have the English phrase “break a leg” and we want to translate it into another language. Using the literal translation, the output will most likely not be understood in the target language because the idiomatic meaning is unknown to other people (wishing someone good luck).
A more suitable option would be to apply the equivalence technique (finding the idiomatic equivalent in the target language), such as the one of “mucha mierda” in Spanish, which could be used meaningfully to wish someone good fortune.
The translation method chosen should strictly adhere to the source but at the same time be able to obey the original message understandable in the target language easily and naturally.
10 Powerful Translation Techniques
Here’s a list of 10 translation techniques with explanations and examples of how they are used:
1. Borrowing
Borrowing refers to taking a word or phrase from the source language directly without translation. This usually happens when the term is widely known or when there isn’t a proper equivalent in the target language.
Example: The word “Sushi” is simply borrowed from Japanese to English, because there is no actual equivalent in any other language.
2. Calque
Calque can be defined as a technique that deals with translation in the most straightforward way possible, translating a phrase or an expression word-for-word. It’s like you are making a direct translation that keeps the original structure of the source text.
Example: The phrase “skyscraper” in English is translated as “rascacielos” in Spanish (literally “scrape-sky”).
3. Literal Translation
Literal translation is a straightforward technique that is based on each word being translated as closely as possible to the original.
Example: The phrase “I am going to the store” in English can be translated as “Voy a la tienda” in Spanish.
4. Transposition
Transposition involves dealing with the change of word order or the grammatical structure of the sentence. It is mainly used when the structure of the source language and the target language is different.
Example: In English, we say “I am happy”, but in French, it would be “Je suis heureux” (Literally, “I am happy”).
5. Modulation
Modulation involves changing the point of view or angle of the original print. It is used when a literal translation may seem awkward or when another aspect of the concept seems more suitable.
Example: To illustrate the English sentence “She’s feeling blue” being changed through modulation by translating it into French as follows “Elle est triste” (She is sad) using modulation since the direct translation would not be the best possible choice.
6. Equivalence
Equivalence is this way of saying things that make the same point in the language although the words and structures are completely different. It’s very often used for cultural concepts or idiomatic expressions.
Example: The sentence “time flies” in English is transformed into “le temps passe vite” in French, which is its common counterpart in French.
7. Adaptation
Adaptation refers to the process of modification that fits the cultural aspects of the target language making it more meaningful to the audience. Example: In the translation of a commercial for an American audience to a Brazilian audience, a reference to Thanksgiving might be replaced by a local holiday like Carnival.
8. Compensation
Compensation is a method applied when a piece of translation lacks the original thought: therefore a new element is brought to the text to make up for it.
Example: If a rhyme or play on words doesn’t resonate with the target language, the translator might introduce a completely different one to maintain the rhyme or tone.
9. Oblique Translation
Oblique translation means translation methods that are more divergent than those of the source language. It is the method when literal translation is not applicable.
Example: Translating metaphors or jokes into another form which is then understandable in the target language.
10. Cultural Substitution
Cultural Substitution is about the substitution of a cultural reference in the source language with one from the target culture that enables better understanding in the translation.
Example: A direct mention of American football in a movie can be replaced with soccer in a translation for an international audience.
The Role of AI and Technology in Translation
There have been technological breakthroughs that have made the translation process less time-consuming, and Al and machine learning have a lot to do with it. Tools like Google Translate, DeepL, and Microsoft Translator use AI to process huge volumes of data to quickly translate it.
Literal translation and statistical analysis are the basic principles that underlie the translation process between languages using these tools. But, even though they have been developed, they still struggle with more complex translation techniques in ways like cultural substitution or adaptation.
For Example, An Al can translate “I’m feeling blue” to “Je me sens bleu” accurately, but it can’t recognize the idiom itself in English, which conveys that “I’m feeling sad,” and it might, therefore, give a literal and confusing translation.
Al and technology, in particular, can accelerate the work of human interpreters and offer ideas, but real human knowledge is equally significant when it comes to dealing with tough translation works that demand a high level of cultural and contextual accuracy.
How to Choose the Right Translation Technique for Each Scenario?
The translation technique that you choose plays a vital role in the success of the message that you want to communicate. Here’s a guide on how to choose the best method for each particular case:
1. For Technical Documents
Literal translation and their equivalence are the best ways to ensure accuracy and clarity. These documents are specific so they have to be very precise and have to be always the same, so direct translations are better.
2. For Marketing Materials
Adaptation and cultural substitution are essential to ensure that the message will be understood and will relate to the target audience. Translation marketing often involves a more creative way that appeals to local preferences.
3. For Literary Works
Modulation, equivalence, and cultural substitution are often used to retain the mood, style, and emotional strength of the original text. Language translations quite often mean the flexibility of maintaining the essence of the original material.
4. For Everyday Conversation
Borrowing, compensation, and transposition can maintain the natural flow of conversation in daily dialogues.
The Technical Translation Process
The translation procedure is made up of different levels. The translator first examines the source text thoroughly to understand what the text is about and its situation.
Consequently, the translator decides on the suitable translation method, using the text typology and the reader as the main ideas in decision-making. The draft version of the translation is then looked into, and next revised if it is necessary, to be sure that the translation product is accurate and culturally appropriate.
With these sorts of subjects, translators might need to stick to translation memory software, glossaries, and style guides to retain accuracy and consistency.
But in the end, it is still a human translator who holds the key to dealing with nuances and making sure the final translation is up to the highest standards.
Translating well is a skill and art that needs a combination of skill, expertise, and cultural knowledge.
It doesn’t matter whether you are handling technical documents, marketing materials, or creative works, the translation technique you pick will affect how the message is received.
Al and technology can be employed in the translation process to make it faster, but human translators are needed for accuracy, nuance, and cultural relevance. You get to know the various techniques, thus you can increase the quality of your translations and engage better global audiences.
Do you want your translations to be impactful?
Not only translate but also adapt, create, and connect! Get into a detailed study of translation techniques and become a professional in the language area.
Share your favorite translation method with us or Contact us and we will show you how we can make your translations perfect.
Let’s make your message shine globally!
