What does it mean to translate?
Before translating anything one needs to understand what it means. Because languages are different it is hard to translate word for word what the author’s wanted to say. Therefore it is important to translate the author’s thought or ideas. It is also important to recreate the same mental picture of what is going on and to keep the style of the text.
While writting a translation you have to remember three important requirements: fidelity, clarity and correctness. Fidelity is the most important part because you are not inventing a text. Clarity means that you have to understand the text before writting anything. This will prevent any ambiguities. Finally, you have to write a text that sounds authentically French. Keep your translation as natural as possible.
Methodology for translating
1 – FIND THE DIFFICULT PARTS – Underline the parts that are going to be difficult to translate. Try to find different techniques to translate each one of them and keep multiple options. When you are done with the rest choose the best option.
2 – FIND THE NEW VOCABULARY – Find the new vocabulary and check the context to make sure you are choosing the right translation for each word. If you are not sure check the definition of the word in an English dictionnary.
3 – COME BACK ANOTHER DAY – After reading the same text multiple times you might be stuck on the translation. In that case come back the next day and read what you wrote. Things might have changed in the meantime.
