Translator Skills Flashcards

How should a translator handle an idiom that has no direct equivalent?

Answer: Find an equivalent expression or convey the meaning naturally

Idioms should be rendered with an equivalent expression or by conveying the underlying meaning.

What should a translator do when the source text is ambiguous?

Answer: Query the client or research the intended meaning

Clarifying ambiguity with the client or research prevents inaccurate translations.

Why is meeting deadlines a key professional skill for translators?

Answer: Clients rely on timely delivery for their workflows

Reliability and on-time delivery are essential to professional translation work.

What is the best approach to translating proper names like brand names?

Answer: Follow client preference or established conventions

Proper and brand names follow client preference or established usage rather than literal translation.

Why should a translator avoid relying solely on machine translation output?

Answer: It can produce errors, mistranslations, and unnatural phrasing

Machine translation can introduce errors and unnatural phrasing requiring human review.

What is 'transcreation'?

Answer: Creatively adapting a message to resonate in the target culture

Transcreation adapts a message creatively so it has the intended effect in the target culture.

How should register (formality level) be handled in translation?

Answer: Match the register of the source and target audience

Register should match the source intent and suit the target audience's expectations.