3 Types of Translation Services You Should Know

Most of the people think that Translation” is merely the transposition of text from one language into another. Actually, there are various disciplines that require additional specialisation and/or technical knowledge according to diversity of sectors, clients and projects required.

1. Localisation

Localisation is the process to adapt a product/services to a specific country or region.

The difference between translation and localisation is that the targeting culture and the language must be taken into account in order to successfully adapt the product to such markets.

Localisation is always required for the adaptation of websites, software and video/board games and usually has a strong technical component to it.

2. Transcreation

It’s a type mix between translating and creating content.

Transcreators focus on capturing the desired persuasive or emotive effect of the original text and transferring it into the adapted translation.

The result is a creative translation that may differ significantly from the source text in terms of vocabulary, but the message is preserved.

Transcreation has become crucial part of international mass communication, especially where continuity of meaning and consistent messages are important (e.g., brand slogans and straplines).

3. Certified Translation

Clients will often ask for a “Certified Translation”. In this case, the most important thing is to ask which kind of certification they need, as there isn’t a single, global certification.

Generally speaking, a certification is a proven and an accompanying letter from the agency or the translator that states that the translation has been completed by a professional translator and is, to the best knowledge of the agency/translator, of high quality and true to the original text.

Additionally the translation can be notarized. This means that a notary certifies the translator’s signature on the affidavit used to certify the accuracy of the translation.