Different types of field translations

In this article, we'll discuss 12 different types of translations. Types of translation help us understand the diversity of the translation industry and how professional translation agencies can enhance their language portfolio. But before we get into the types of translation, let's briefly discuss the needs of the translation business.

This was an era of global expansion and technological advancement, with breakthroughs that changed the course of history. What stands out among all commercial and technological endeavors is the company's ability to create cross-border exchanges, which are fundamental to business expansion. Of course, business expansion is achieved through translation.

Due to evolution? In today's world of business globalization, translation has become a necessity for every company.

Different types of translation

there are a few. Different types of translations? This may be essential and is all unique, with unique qualities, processes, and requirements. While different translators do it in different ways, they are all about making communication easier. Nonetheless, it is important to classify translations into different types. The following are the most common types of translations:

Literary translation

This type of translation is used to translate literary works such as plays, novels, poems, etc. Literary translation is considered by many to be one of the highest forms of translation because it goes beyond the simple translation of certain texts. Literary translators must be proficient in translating humor, cultural differences, emotion, and other refined essentials of literature.

Computer translation

(CAT) Computer-assisted translation, also known as machine-assisted human translation or (MAT) machine-assisted translation, is commonly used as software that assists human translators in the translation process.

This type of translation is developed by humans and some aspects of the process are facilitated by software; in machine translation, on the other hand, the translation is performed by a computer.

General translation

General translation, as the name suggests, basically deals with the non-professional type of translation. The language used does not require technical or specific terminology. Most translation jobs fall into this category and can be written or oral.

Software localization

Translating the user interface is very important, but it is not the only quality of software localization. It also handles system messages, error messages, and help files - where content needs to be adjusted to suit the target culture. Sometimes, translators may be confronted with an international perspective.

For example, Coca-Cola is a brand, which means it is accessible to almost everyone around the world. Now that Coca-Cola needs a multilingual website, rather than developing multiple websites, which can cost a lot of money, it makes more sense to have software that handles multiple languages. This will allow website visitors to select the language of their choice.

Commercial translation

This type of translation requires the translator to have specialized skills, such as knowledge of business terminology and the industry the business belongs to. Types of text in the translation of business documents include business reports, letters, memorandums, company accounts, and tender documents. Occasionally, if an agency handles legal paperwork, this may be related to legal translation.

Legal translation

Legal translation is considered one of the most difficult translations. Legal translations include translations of marriage certificates and birth certificates, translations of treaties, contracts, memorandums, agreements, and wills.

A good translation needs to understand several basic backgrounds of legal documents, as well as the backgrounds of the two countries or regions that the documents are aimed at, such as political and legal aspects and social and cultural aspects. Then, they need to translate that text in a way that the target audience can easily understand.

Technical translation

Technical content that needs to be translated, such as manuals, user guides, videos, training materials, instruction manuals, online help texts, and marketing materials in technical fields such as science, manufacturing, or engineering, all of which are called technical translations.

Judicial translation

As the name suggests, judicial translation and legal translation fall into the same category. However, judicial translation is different from legal translation. The latter is about translating possibly also very old legal documents.

Whereas judicial translation mainly deals with activities related to the translation of court documents, such as meeting minutes, judgments, witness testimony, expert testimony, regulatory letters, judgments, interviews, etc. In short, judicial translation is the translation related to the case.

Administrative translation

In the field of translation, administrative translation is considered to be the translation of administrative texts and is usually carried out in all walks of life – be it large corporations or regional businesses.

While identical to commercial translation, it's not quite the same. Administrative translation can be considered a subcategory of commercial translation, but not all commercial translations are administrative.

Medical translation

Medical translation includes everything in the medical field. For example, one could say from packaging to specialized manuals for medical books or instruments. Just like legal translations, medical translations are professional and any mistranslation or error could lead to disastrous results.

Translating medical documents can also be tricky as the requirements for translation can vary from state to state; a company or translation company that specializes in medical documents may be your best choice as they know the details of all the requirements.

Multimedia localization

Multimedia translation is one of the most popular types of translation worldwide, referring to the translation of graphics, animations, videos, gifs, and infographics. To reach a wider audience, companies create and distribute multimedia content that must be translated into other languages to reach the audience.

While the localization and translation of multimedia content may seem simple, it can be tricky because it also requires adapting to local cultures and customs. If not done properly, it can turn viewers away from your multimedia content.

Financial document translation

Financial documents such as account statements, bank records, and financial statements need to be translated to make them easier to comprehend and comprehend by the target audience.

Although the content to be translated may not be too long, it must be done precisely and carefully. A translator may be needed to exchange currency, which requires a careful approach to translation.

The last sentence

Different types of translation require different processes, but all have the core purpose of facilitating communication. However, all these translation types are different from each other. What works for one type may not work for another. This is why it is essential to have the support of a translation partner, which can make translation tasks easier. A translation agency that knows the ins and outs of different types of translations is sure to make the whole process easier and less hassle-free for the business. Of course, translation tasks only make global business easier, leading to better revenue and profits - something all companies hope for.