St.

Vincent College of Cabuyao

Mamatid City, Cabuyao Laguna
Department of Education
S.Y. 2017-2018 2nd Semester

Subject: Translation and Editing Text

Reporter/s: Ruazol, Sojavibes
Madrigal, Marinet
Professor: Ms. Monderin
Topic: Role of a Language Translator

Introduction

The translator is the first linguist to work with the source text. Their main goal is to
accurately render the text from the original language into the target language. The job is very
technical and the translator must be able to perfectly understand the source text and understand
the context well enough to produce a translation that accurately renders the same meaning as the
source, is written in the same style and uses proper vocabulary with regard to the type of text
(promotional, literary, legal). The translator’s job is also the most tedious, as they must research
vocabulary and industry and culturally-specific terms. Also, since the translation is the part of the
process that takes the most time, the translator must also be very focused on efficiency and
productivity in order to not delay the process and to ensure that the linguist(s) who will be
reviewing the translated work receive it in a timely manner.

Discussion

What is the role of a translator?

 The role of a translator is basically to transform information from one language to

another to make it more understandable. He/she is a trained professional who has the
capability of addressing social and cultural differences when translating
 The writer (translator) should feel for the language, the words would obey his calls
 A translator has a sophisticated understanding of foreign language,
 Complete understanding of the topic being translated
 Has an ability to transfer ideas expressed in one language into an equally meaningful
form in the other language (TL).
  Has a sensitivity and attention to details
 He/she understands the specialized terminology in the field of the translation.
 As a compatible person for both the language cultures; he must have a sound knowledge
of the two cultures involved, so that translation can be done by keeping in view the
environmental condition, culture and civilization that affect TL.
 A translator has to make a balance between maintaining close fidelity to the original and
utter freedom of it.
 He must maintain the semantic compatibility along with grammaticality
 He must not embellish words that distort the meanings
 He should avoid the words & idioms that may confuse the reader

Conclusion
A successful translator thinks about the purpose of translation, as what was the purpose
behind the writing that further reflects the need of the people for whom it was made. Translators
must also think about the culture of the readers they are translating for. Often, ideas and even
words are particular to one culture. So, translators must explain these cultural ideas. Sometimes,
a translator can simply choose a different word to express a clearer translation of the writer’s
meaning. A translator’s job is not just about translating each word in a sentence from one
language to another. Translators must also concentrate on translating the writer’s original
meaning.

Reference/s:
https://www.slideshare.net/junaidshahidbaig1/the-role-of-a-translator-junaid-shahid
http://translation-blog.trustedtranslations.com/differing-roles-translator-editor-2015-04-20.html