Why don't Translators Translate Everything?

Have you ever wondered why translators don't just translate any text that comes their way? Well, there's a reason for our linguistic selectivity. Let's get started!

First, imagine a medical document containing dense jargon about brain surgery. Now, unless a translator has medical knowledge, attempting to translate this could result in significant misinterpretations. It's like asking a plumber to do heart surgery—completely out of their league!

This emphasises the value of having particular knowledge in specific sectors. It is critical to have a translator with the necessary background for reliable and accurate translations.

That is why most translators choose to specialise in one or a few fields. These may be more broad ones, like medical or legal translation, but even very specific niche specialisations, like videogame localisation or recipe translation.

Specialising in one field enables translators to fully understand the terminology and subtleties of that industry, as well as to conduct research more quickly and effectively when they are unfamiliar with a term or topic. This can eventually lead to higher-quality translations.

So, there you have it—why translators don't translate everything. It's not about being picky; it's about ensuring accuracy, preserving meaning, and respecting the complexity of language. Ultimately, it's about delivering the best possible end product.

Want to know if I'm the right fit for your project? Let's chat!