Introduction

Translation, like powerful patent translation, as you might have heard, is the art of converting written words from one language to another. It consists of two types of languages, viz. source language and target language(s). The former is the language of the original documents, while the latter is the language in which the documents need to be translated. So, when you approach a translation vendor, you will be asked about the source and target languages. Upon translation, you will receive a similar copy of the original files in a different language (target languages). Using the translated copy, you can reach out to a global audience, communicate and fulfill your end objective. The main objective of translation is to transfer the intent of a message and original tone, taking into consideration regional and cultural differences between target and source languages. Nowadays, translation is a field that is seeing a lot of activity these days, it’s all because of the increasing globalization of businesses. There are a large number of people in a country that do not speak their local language well. 

Today we are going to discuss some of the ways from which you can enhance your translation skills in Italian. 

1. BORROWING 

Borrowing is a translation technique that involves using the same word or expression in the original text in the target text. The word or expression borrowed is usually written in italics. This is about reproducing an expression in the original text as is. In this sense, it is a translation technique that does not actually translate… 

Example: The gaucho was wearing a black sombrero and a worn bombacha. 

2. CALQUE 

When a translator uses a calque, he or she is creating or using a neologism in the target language by adopting the structure of the source language. 

Example: The German word handball is translated into Spanish as balonmano. Or the English term skyscraper is gratte-ciel in French or rascacielos in Spanish.

3. LITERAL TRANSLATION 

Usually this is called a literal translation or metaphrase. This means a word-for-word translation, achieving a text in the target language which is as correct as it is idiomatic. According to Vinay

and Darbelnet, a literal translation can only be applied with languages which are extremely close in cultural terms. It is acceptable only if the translated text retains the same syntax, the same meaning and the same style as the original text. 

Example: Che ore sono? ⇒ What time is it? 

4. TRANSPOSITION 

Transposition involves moving from one grammatical category to another without altering the meaning of the text. This translation technique introduces a change in grammatical structure. 

Example: The President thinks that ⇒ Président lo pensa. 

5. MODULATION 

Modulation is about changing the form of the text by introducing a semantic change or perspective. 

Example: Maybe you’re right. ⇒ Tu n’as peut-être pas tort. 

6. EQUIVALENCE OR REFORMULATION 

This is a translation technique which uses a completely different expression to transmit the same reality. Through this technique, names of institutions, interjections, idioms or proverbs can be translated. 

Example: Chat échaudé craint l’eau froide. ⇒ Once burned, twice shy. 

7. ADAPTATION 

Adaptation, also called cultural substitution or cultural equivalent, is a cultural element which replaces the original text with one that is better suited to the culture of the target language. This achieves a more familiar and comprehensive text.