Metwally Galal

The act of translation entails the transference of a written text from one language to another with the objective of interpreting it in a manner congruent with the original author’s intent. It is widely recognized that the ability to speak multiple languages does not inherently bestow the capacity for translation. Translation is a cognitive process that necessitates specific skills, formal study, rigorous training, and an extensive comprehension of the target language, alongside an appreciation of the associated cultural nuances.

There exist a number of foundational principles, or, if preferred, minimal requisites that must be satisfied for a translation to be deemed acceptable. Among these pivotal principles are:

Coherence and Consistency of Meaning:

A text bereft of comprehensible meaning is essentially a disjointed and ineffectual piece of work, indicative of subpar translation quality. This forms the crux of translation, wherein the translator is obliged not only to transmit the text verbatim in a disconnected manner but rather to craft sentences that weave into a coherent and meaningful narrative. Ponder any translated text as a narrative; if its events unfold sequentially and are logically structured, you are encountering a well-executed translation. If not, an insufficiency in textual coherence is evident, and this directly impacts the meaning.

Grammar and Spelling Precision:

One of the most critical benchmarks of translation quality, be it from Arabic to another language or vice versa, lies in adhering to the grammatical and spelling conventions inherent to each language. The text must be entirely devoid of any grammatical or spelling errors. A fundamental indicator of a translator’s proficiency is their mastery of the Arabic language. Encountering a translated text replete with spelling and grammatical inaccuracies immediately signifies linguistic inadequacies on the translator’s part, necessitating rectification.

Fidelity and Completeness:

A competently translated text must be all-encompassing, with the translator faithfully transposing the original text without omission or addition. While it is permissible for a translator to include marginal annotations for elucidation when required, it is imperative that they abstain from interjecting their personal viewpoints into the translated text. Moreover, repetitive words and their meanings should be contemplated. A comprehensive translation is indicative of professionalism and the translator’s integrity. Any commentary on the original text should be distinctly segregated from the translated text should the translator seek to elucidate specific aspects.

Stylistic Uniformity:

One of the paramount benchmarks of translation quality resides in the stylistic uniformity adopted by the translator when conveying the original text. Translation transcends mere conveyance of meaning and ensuring coherence, as discussed earlier. It is also the endeavor to preserve the spirit and style inherent in the original text. For instance, a humorous text should be translated humorously, with the translator assiduously preserving the humor.

Likewise, marketing or promotional content should assume a persuasive style, while official texts necessitate a formal language. Herein lies the realm of the specialized translator, whether within a singular field or across multiple domains. For instance, a translator specialized in scientific translation possesses a heightened familiarity with scientific terminology, as is the case with all other genres of translation.

Source and References:

Professional translation, particularly within specialized domains, integrates the sources and references upon which the translator relied during the translation process. This streamlines the review and validation process by scholars and readers alike, thereby contributing to academic integrity.

In conclusion, the quality of translation is contingent upon several foundational principles that extend far beyond mere linguistic precision. Translators are enjoined to master these principles to ensure their translations effectively convey both the meaning and the essence of the original text.

Know more: About me – my resume – my portfolio – contact me.