10/14/2010
Translation: A Science as well as an Art

• Translation is both a science as well as an art. Translation companies providing translation services, having understood this fact, approach the translation work with a high degree of precision while employing the art of accommodation and adaptability to the process popularly called Localization. How is Translation a Science? Translation is a complete science in itself as it employs certain standards and norms related to the source and target language for effective and appropriate results. Thorough knowledge of the source and target language and their successful interpretation in translation requires a scientific aptitude towards the translation work drawing upon the vocabulary and grammar of the source and target languages for effective and accurate translation. Besides, the accuracy of the translated content is scientifically judged against certain pre defined parameters related to the source and target languages. How is Translation an Art?
Translation as an art has a lot to do with adaptability and accommodation to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the translated content. Translation has to necessarily adapt in order to accommodate cultural, social, political, aesthetical and many other factors related to the target language. The necessity for this adaptability arises particularly because of vast linguistic differences around the world with different social and cultural norms. This is also necessary to maintain the source message’s essence, impact and effect. Hence it calls upon the translator to artfully translate the content while making adaptations wherever necessary. This is a complete art in itself where the translator is required to ride on back of his presence of mind, knowledge and intelligence. Hence it can be subjective to an extent as the level of expertise may vary from translator to translator. It is safe to say that translation as an art is only as good as its translator.
Translation companies providing translation services employ a precise blend of science and art in their translation work for best results. One such company specializing in Translation services is Crystal Hues Limited (CHL). CHL is an ISO 9001:2008 organization that has been providing Translation services combined with Localization and Advertising services for over 20 years. CHL provides top of the line Translation as well as Localization services in more than 70 languages around the world. CHL has nine offices in Asia staffed with more than 70 professionals, in-house domain experts with varied specialization and several hundreds of quality-verified contracted consultants worldwide.