If you are looking to employ the services of a translator, interpreter or language tutor, there are several tips and tricks which can help you smooth the way (and prevent any embarrassing misunderstandings or mistakes). Although your language specialist should do the majority of the work for you, having a broader understanding of the process involved should iron out any potential problems or errors.
First of all, make sure you understand the culture behind the language. What is acceptable in one country or culture – such as the shake of a hand, wearing shoes indoors, or nodding assent – may be completely different in another, and could cause offence. It is the same with language – puns or words which are acceptable in English may be misunderstood or offensive in other languages. A common mistake is that documents written in English often contain jokes about English (or American, or Australian, and so on) culture. Although the words will make sense when translated into the other language, the joke will not – and this could lead to confusion. Make sure you proof read the document or edit your speech or presentation so that it can be understood by people who have no working knowledge of your own culture.
Another common problem is that the document, speech, presentation, or statement you make will be too short or refined to be translated accurately into another language. Make sure you expand and give detail – giving as much information as possible will allow the translator or interpreter to accurately convey the message without leaving out anything in the process.
First of all, make sure you understand the culture behind the language. What is acceptable in one country or culture – such as the shake of a hand, wearing shoes indoors, or nodding assent – may be completely different in another, and could cause offence. It is the same with language – puns or words which are acceptable in English may be misunderstood or offensive in other languages. A common mistake is that documents written in English often contain jokes about English (or American, or Australian, and so on) culture. Although the words will make sense when translated into the other language, the joke will not – and this could lead to confusion. Make sure you proof read the document or edit your speech or presentation so that it can be understood by people who have no working knowledge of your own culture.
Another common problem is that the document, speech, presentation, or statement you make will be too short or refined to be translated accurately into another language. Make sure you expand and give detail – giving as much information as possible will allow the translator or interpreter to accurately convey the message without leaving out anything in the process.