Boost Your Business : An Expert's Tips

DON’T TAKE ME LITERALLY

On the face of it translation from one language to another is easy for those who are bi-lingual. However, if a translator changes text from English to Russian using poorly written English copy the Russian translation will be poor too.

There are many English words that simply do not have a literal translation or they have different meanings. Why tell a Russian that he will be stunned (by the beauty of Spain)? He has no wish to be knocked unconscious by an abattoir’s stun gun pressed to his head. As a foot is an English measurement a Russian reader will be confused by 14’ yacht or a horse measured in hands.

Many businesses offer a specialised service and the language used simply does not translate in a literal sense. Some words are uniquely English and do not have a literal Russian (or Mandarin / Spanish) translation. This is the reason why Google translate can produce more chortles than business.

On the face of it the term ‘translate’ is pretty close in meaning to the term ‘interpret’. Not so. See again my comment on ‘stunning scenery’. The skilled translator will translate and interpret so it will make more sense to the Russian reader.

When we receive a request to translate English language marketing website content into Russian it lands on my desk before it goes to Nadia’s. With thirty years professional writing, business copywriting and marketing experience to fall back on I improve the English copy. I bring it up to corporate company level. This free bonus to the client also helps Nadia.

I then email my interpretation to Nadia and to the client so that he understands the English translation of Nadia’s soon to be Russian translation.

Michael and Nadia Walsh for perfect English and Russian language marketing and website translations. quite_write@yahoo.co.uk website www.michaelwalsh.es telephone 662 067 490.