The concept of translating seems pretty easy, right? To convey the message from the source language to the target one. But if you need a translation service, you have to choose the right option tailored to your needs.
The translation industry offers different types of translation (from general and technical to specialized and literal) and services (from localization and transcreation to subtitling).
Let’s have a look at them!
What is specialized translation?
This type of service requires in-depth terminology knowledge and a specific domain. Adherence to structure, precise jargon and consistency throughout the entire text are crucial. Also, translators need to manage precise templates or types of documents that require compliance with industry standards.
A few examples of specialized translation:
- Technical (e.g., engineering, automotive, energy…)
- Legal
- Medical & Pharmaceutical
- Financial
- Patent
- Academic
- Scientific
What is marketing translation?
The complete opposite of adherence, marketing translation is commonly used for public relations material and creative and promotional texts. It focuses on recreating the same impact and emotions on the target audience as it evokes in the original one. You can often hear talking about transcreation, a mix of translation + creation, where you adapt or create a message aimed at the target language.
What is localization?
When it comes to websites, apps or software, you need to localize them. It is a process that takes a step further to a translation by considering cultural awareness and adapting the message to the local market. You can’t simply translate the user interface, but you need to adapt images, colors, currencies and time formats as well.
Other types of translation:
- CVs, certificates, non-technical documents or texts that use simple language fall within the realm of general translation.
- Literary translation aims to translate novels, stories, poems and plays. Literary translators should have great writing skills and mimic the author’s style.
- Audiovisual translation localizes audiovisual content (i.e., TV series, movies, videos, commercials) and it covers different tasks: subtitling, transcription, subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, closed captioning, adaptation for dubbing and audio description.
You can also have a combination of services: for example, a marketing translation for the healthcare sector or a legal privacy policy for a website.
Not sure about the right translation service for your needs? Just send me an email and I’ll help you out.