It is a widespread misconception that Source Text x Translation = Target Text.
If it were indeed just an equation, it would not need translators at all, and machines and AI could easily take over our job and provide the same quality in less time for a penny.
This misunderstanding causes many questions regarding the offer a translator makes for a translation task they are bidding for. From the clients’ perspective, the translation process is merely a technical one, and it seems implausible to them why translators should be compensated above the minimum wage.
Perhaps it would be beneficial for translators to engage in more frequent communication and provide their clients with information about the diverse issues they encounter daily. I am not referring to issues with clients, these are issues that occur outside the client relationship.
What are they, exactly?
Differences in the communicative situation
The cultural differences between countries, and even regions, come to mind. A translator needs to look for a way to deal with cultural terms, proper names, and connections between people who communicate. If they fail to do so, the translation is likely to fail in its new context, as the new reader will not comprehend its content without additional information.
Differences in conventions
Although they are classified as cultural differences, they predominantly pertain to technical matters such as measuring conventions, layout, punctuation, forms of address, and salutations.
Translators need to be aware and make aware of the differences. According to the clients’ instructions, they will either add footnotes, carry out a conversion, or adjust the text to move it closer to the target readership.
Differences in language features
Even languages that are closely related exhibit structural differences, such as their vocabulary, syntax, intonation, and stresses, which may be similar, but not identical. The most striking and obvious differences occur between dialects, sociolects, and proverbs.
Translators will need to ensure that they find equivalent expressions in the target language. They will have to rephrase not only sentences, but whole paragraphs to ensure that their translation expresses the same intent and is in line with the target language.
Differences specific to a text
A solution for a specific text does not guarantee that the same will work for another text. Each text possesses its own set of requirements pertaining to rhyme, puns, metaphors, thereby defining its individuality.
Translators must assess the relevance and translatability of the unique features of the text at hand. The process of creating a similar impact and meaning in the target language is a highly individual and intellectually challenging one.
Not all of these differences will occur in every single text, some may be more pronounced, some may be easier, some may be harder. They all require a unique intellectual effort that is beyond the capabilities of advanced tools. If they could, MTPE would be a thing of the past, and faulty copies non-existent.
The fact that the demand for MTPE is increasing and that faulty copies can be found all over the place validates translators’ claim for adequate compensation.
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