This post is based on my final blog post prompt for ENG 212 at BYU. The purpose of the assignment was to challenge a current dogma while discussing its history or origin. In a previous post, I addressed the dogma of credit. In the last couple of weeks I decided to change my topic from consumerism to translation. You will see key historical events that relate to translation highlighted. This was the end result:
Although many Americans don’t have a constant need for translation, those who do need to understand that translation cannot be bought as a commodity (Inspired by an ATA publication). When I say “translation,” what I really mean is any language service; be it sign language interpretation, literary translation, medical interpretation, etc. And when I say it’s not a commodity, I mean that translation services cannot be compared solely by price. Maybe one translator charges 5 cents per word while another charges 12. If translation were a commodity, the choice is obvious: buy the 5 cent translation. But there are many factors that play into the 7 cent difference. I’m not saying that you should always pay for the most expensive translation, but that you should know what you are buying. Consider the following:
There are no elite languages, only more relevant ones
When Columbus “discovered” the other half of the world, it suddenly got a lot smaller (possibly inspiring the most iconic ride in theme park history). Suddenly, Europeans didn’t only have each other to go to war with and conquer; they could also cross the Atlantic to impose their religion, politics, and language on diverse peoples. This sense of elitism and nationalism is a pattern that can be seen throughout history. One group, imposes their ideals on the “savages” from far and exotic lands. Viewing foreign cultures and languages as inferior is something that happens even today. There are groups in the US that believe that translation diminishes the power, purity, and unity of nation. In response to some of the negative effects of Globalization, governments world-wide organized themselves into groups like the League of Nations to protect nations, families, and individuals.
Translators work to bring individuals of different cultures and languages together. Through their service, products and ideas become available to people all over the world. Translators do not take the side of either party for which they provide their service, they are simply a conduit for communication. They understand that neither party, language, nor culture is superior. In fact, languages with less local representation are often the highest paid per project. Translation cannot be a commodity simply due to the fact that Chinese translation for a French audience isn’t going to cut it. It’s not that Chinese translation is inferior to French, but, in this case, French translation is simply more relevant.
Not all professional translation is professional quality
While rummaging through a library basement, Francisco Petrarch came across some ancient Latin texts. As he read the words he began to realize that he did not speak Latin the same way that it had been written in these ancient texts. In a way, Petrarch discovered Latin! This discovery lead Petrarch to become the father of the Renaissance as he continuously tried to emulate the great men and civilizations of the past. Those who he considered true heroes and examples.
Good professional translators know what it takes to produce a quality translation because they have completed proper training. They know what quality work is and would recognize bastardized Latin as did Petrarch. They understand that theirs is a professional trade and not a lighthearted hobby. It is surprising how many “professional” translators and translation companies are granted contracts (probably based on the 5 cent per word bid) who have no official certifications or licenses. In countries outside the US, there are rigorous certifications processes for translators that can include years of specialized training or higher education. In the US, trainings and education are available, but no certifications are required for the majority of translation work. Just as there are poor professional athletes, there are poor professional translators. By paying a little extra for certified translation (done by a certified translator), you ensure that your product will be “pure Latin” and not that “knock-off” stuff as Petrarch would call it.
What is the translation’s purpose?
The world changed when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. Suddenly, the time it took to produce a copy of text was cut dramatically meaning that people everywhere could potentially have much easier access to it. The same happened with products during the industrial revolution. Suddenly, cars, bikes, and much more were available to people everywhere. But, there was a small process that needed to happen so that these texts and products could be valuable to all those people. That’s why men like John Wycliffe and Martin Luther worked hard on translations of the bible. They realized that getting this, the most sought book of its time (maybe all time), to the people and in their own language. If knowledge is power, then what these men did was move the power from the preachers and into the hands of the people. Power hasn’t only shifted in religious aspects, but in political and social settings as well. With the emancipation of salves, women’s rights movements, and social reform in the 1960’s, power is constantly being shifted.
In the NAJIT code of ethics, it states that the translator’s job is to remove the language barrier so that the person’s access is the same as the local native speaker. Translators know that they put everyone on a level playing field. They make ideas, texts, words, etc. available to those who wish to participate. In a way, they are their own printing press or industrial revolution. But not all translators abide by the NAJIT code. A client in need of translation must decide what the purpose of the translation is: Does he only want to know what was said or does he want the idea to be effectively conveyed to the audience? Is literal translation okay or is linguistic adaption necessary? Just look at all the Jewish metaphors in the bible. Many English speakers don’t understand what these symbols and metaphors mean because they don’t understand the cultural reference. If a client doesn’t decide how to empower the audience, then it is the translator who must decide. Essentially, you can save 7 cents per word as long as you don’t care how your text is translated.
I’m not trying to that that you should always buy the 12 cent translation; that would be financially irresponsible. But the client of a translation needs to understand that there are many factors that can play into that 7 cent difference in cost. Understand that your intention with the translation, your purpose and needs, play into the method a translator should use. And if a translator doesn’t have that ability, maybe you need to pay a little more for that feature. Learn from the examples of the past, and don’t buy translation as a commodity.
Kekoa Riggin 