What are the Different Types of Translations?

Have you ever requested the wrong type of translation? Translation does not mean substituting one word for another from the source language to the target one.

Sometimes, translation requires creativity; sometimes, it requires you to be blunt and precise. Therefore, the translator must know both source and target languages well, and while translating, they must convey the cultural nuances and maintain accuracy and precision.

While this is translation, it varies according to the content and work type. In this blog, we will know various uncommon and common types of translation.

After reading through the blog, you will be able to hire the right translator and get accurate translations every time. 

Let’s get started! 🙂

15 Different Types of Translations

1. Localisation

Have you watched Dark or Money Heist on Netflix? Did you know that Dark is a German production while Money Heist is La Casa de Papel, a Spanish production? No? Well, that’s how localisation influences our life.

We may not know, but this particular type of translation is called localisation, where content, language and culture are adapted, not just translated, to suit a specific region or market.

When localising content, the translator minutely considers the linguistic and cultural differences to ensure the reader or view resonates with the content.

2. Transcreation

You must have had Red Bull, right? Have you noticed the packaging? We have mostly encountered the blue and silver bottle with a yellow sun in the background and two bulls fighting in red! However, if you visit China, you will find a different packaging.

Red Bull in China is a yellow bottle with red coloured bulls, and the name is written in black.

Now you might be thinking, how is this translation?

Well, this is transcreation. Transcreation refers to adapting a message or content for a particular region while retaining the original meaning.

3. Free Translation

You must know that free and literal translations are similar but not the same when talking about free translations. To elucidate, in this type of translation, the translator reads the source text and understands its meaning.

Then, they convey the same meaning in the target language. Here, the translator uses different words and in different order to create a more natural-sounding sentence for the translation.

For example, in ads where you must resonate with the people, you don’t literally translate each word. But what happens if translators do that?

Well, then you can get “embarazar.” As in, Parker once advertised their slogan of ‘It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you’ in Spanish as “No se filtrará en tu bolsillo ni te dejará embarazada.”

4. Legal Translation

Among various types of translations, legal translation also falls under technical translations. Why? Legal translations refer to the translation of legal documents, agreements, and other legal materials from one language to another.

This is also technical and specialised because there are different types of translators, and only those holding legal degrees can complete these document translations. Furthermore, they need specialised knowledge of legal terminology and jargon.

Moving on to judicial translations. If you believe both are the same, you are mistaken. This type of legal translation involves translating documents and proceedings within the judicial system into different languages.

5. Literal Translation

Regarding literal translations, one translates word-for-word of the original text from one language to another.

Though it means word-for-word translations and may seem simple and easy, it is not. In this kind of translation, the translator translates each word and does not analyse how the words are weaved together in a phrase or sentence.

For instance, we have “Je veux un verre d’eau” in French, which translates to “I want a glass of water” in English. 

Now, this seems fine, but imagine if a brand asks you to “Eat your fingers off” in Chinese when it actually means “Eat your fingers off”! That’s what fast-food giant KFC did in China during the late 1980s.

6. Medical Translation

Our next translation type is medical translation. Medical translation plays an important part in delivering accurate and precise translations of technical papers and documents related to the medical field.

Furthermore, it requires a specialised translator aware of medical terminology and jargon to easily translate the training materials, drug data sheets, medical bulletins, research papers, and drug patents. A medical Translator vs Interpreter must also be aware of regularity compliance.

Recently, AustralianTranslationServices collaborated with the NSW Health Department to help Maori women residing in Australia. Going through the case study, you will see how our specialised team translated the document into Maori.

7. Literary Translation

Are you a Potterhead? If you are, then you know that it is a global sensation. Harry Potter has also been translated into Russian and Ukrainian. While Slytherin and Gryffindor houses are the same in these languages, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff had a makeover!

Why? Because translating literary works is not easy. You cannot just translate each word to the target language. To ensure the target audience understands the hidden connotations, the literary translator must convey the expression, tone, and hidden meanings well.

So, the literary or creative translation of a literary text like Harry Potter changed the houses’ names to Когтевран (kogtevran) [like a mix of коготь + ворон] and Пуфендуй (pufendui) [like the mix of пуф + дуй] to carry the essence!

Now you know what makes literary translation one of the hardest forms in the translation industry! From script translation to music, the translator must be equally creative and intelligent with the same literary knowledge to ensure accuracy in words or phrases.

8. General Translation

In the world of translation, general translation may be called the simplest form. Translators do not need to translate any complex, specialised, or technical documents in general translation.

So, you can use this one if you need to translate letters, emails, brochures, news articles, reports, stories, descriptions of travel experiences, etc. 

However, you must not go for automatic translation as they contain important information that apps might miss.

9. Interpreting Services

Most do not know that interpreting services mean translating words and phrases orally between people who speak different languages.

Various types of interpreting services include video, conference, onsite, telephone, aboriginal, and Auslan.

Since it breaks language barriers in real-time, the interpreter must interpret in a way that is understood in the target language. Interpreters not only interpret words but also convey cultural references of the original language to the target.

10. Certified Translation

By now, we have learnt about several types of translations. However, this translation is often the most common form of translation.

Certified translation includes translating technical, legal, and personal documents from one to another language by an accredited translator. This translation is crucial for official purposes.

Another important point to remember is that translation certification varies according to the country. For instance, Australia mandates the NAATI-certified translations of documents required in immigration and courts of law.

Therefore, you must choose a translation agency that recruits certified professionals to get a faithful translation.

11. Audiovisual Translation

In the realm of translation, audiovisual translation is a type or process of translating terminologies, words, and verbal conversation of video and audio sources from the source to the target language.

In recent times, very few people haven’t heard of a K-drama! Whether talking about the Goblin, Queen of Tears, or Vincenzo, every drama has reached us thanks to the brilliant mind who thought of translating the word and adding subtitles or dubs.

This is one of the methods of translation that supported Netflix’s gross income. Thus, remember that translation made it happen the next time you watch your favourite movie and series or hear a song in an unknown language!

12. Professional Translation

Now, we come to the most common translation type. Professional translation services are none other than the translations that a professional offers you. A professional refers to a person whose profession is to translate various text types.

Though you might find various types of professional Translation Services in Australia, you must choose the one that offers you 24/7 support, quick turnaround, and NAATI certification, among other features.

13. Administrative Translation

By the name, you already know that this type of translation allows us to translate administrative texts used by businesses, government bodies, and ministries.

These translation projects are highly confidential and take place to ensure smooth administration operations.

14. Financial Translation [Also Commercial Translation]

Here, translators need to translate financial documents, so they must be familiar with the financial terminology. This is the type of translation you need for:

• Tax returns
• Purchase orders
• Financial reports
• Bank statements
• Loan agreements
• Stock market analyses, etc

Just as legal translation is one type of technical and specialised translation, you need to hire someone with knowledge of the finance industry for this as well.

15. Technical Translation [Also Specialised Translations]

As mentioned, finance, engineering, medical translation, and legal translation are part of technical translations. Technical translation refers to translating technical documents by domain- and industry-specific translators.

Technical translators need to be aware of translation trends, techniques, and methods. Due to the diverse range of technical papers and documents, translation methods like machine translation (MT) and machine-assisted translation (MAT) are frequently employed, especially when dealing with large volumes of text, tight deadlines, or budget constraints.

However, human translation by subject matter experts remains essential for highly complex or safety-critical documents to ensure accuracy and quality, irrespective of translation rates.

Now that you have learnt many different types of translation, let’s understand how we can help you!

What Does the Translation Process Look Like?

To begin with, the translator is assigned depending on your requirements.

• They first examine the text and its purpose, target audience, and key messages.
• Then, they make a glossary of the words and phrases used in the content.
• Next, they translate the text from the source to the target language.
• Then, they thoroughly check the content and edit it.

AustralianTranslationServices: Choose Right Translators to Translate in Multiple Languages

Translation increases communication and bridges the language gap. Translation focuses on connecting people from all over the world. Therefore, choosing the right company is essential.

We are a reputed translation agency based in Australia with over 500 translators and interpreters. We offer:

1. Accurate and precise translations while maintaining cultural nuances. We have NAATI-certified professionals. Thus, our translations are always accepted by the government.

2. We offer 24/7 support and quick turnaround. We are available 365 days and have a track record of never missing a deadline. Also, we promptly take action and fulfil urgent orders.

3. We offer translations in more than 150 languages. Therefore, you can get translations in multiple languages.

4. Our translation process is smooth and easy. Just reach out to us via LiveChat, WhatsApp, or email, and we will take care of the rest.

5. We even offer AI translation services. Thus, we can take bulk orders and get things done in your budget.

6. Using translation memory software, we offer robust quality assurance at an affordable cost.

You May Also Be Interested to Know

1. What Is Patent Translation?
2. Learn About Various Types Of Audiovisual Translation Beyond Simple Subtitles