bY Translation Service Japan: Develop a winning translation methodology by sleeping on it!

This post is about professional Japanese human translation.

In this article series you’re introduced to ideas to help you develop a translation methodology of your own, especially one that suits your work style, which will enable you to translate more efficiently and accurately. And, if you happen to glean any pointers that will up your game, all strength to you!

(Regardless of whether you’re an aspiring Japanese translator or a client of English-to-Japanese translation, there is something for you here.)

1. Read the original document
2. Research the translation
3. Now, do the work
4. Ask the right questions
5. Compare with the original
6. Edit (proof) the translation
7. Sleep on it!

Sleep on it!
Margaret Thatcher, while in office, once said that before making a big decision, she took a shot of Scottish whiskey, and slept on it. Regardless of your political persuasion, choose your own poison and definitely sleep on it -- Without resorting to hyperbole, it’s like the shades have been taken off. You'll be absolutely amazed at the clarity of mind with which you round-off your translation project!

Now, put your thesaurus to work. Identify words in the translated text that can be replaced with alternative, better words. This is where you get to be bold (without going off into space, of course!). Don't be afraid to use words and phrases that make the translated text sound human, make it come alive (i.e. moreover, further, incidentally etc). Where permitting, adopt a conversational style -- It reads better.

This does bear repeating, though; when permitted.

Obviously, the translation style you employ must be appropriate for the task at hand. Here are some types of translation where you should either establish with the client which style is desired, or determine which style is appropriate based on established convention:

• Business translation
• Certified Japanese Translation
• Finance translation
• Legal translation
• Marketing translation
• Technical translation
• Web content translation

Generally, you want to produce a translation that’s easy to read and natural. Paying attention to this simple task will help you avoid that the translation kiss of death:

This has been translated hue

And, finally, this is also a good place to be creative. For example, when doing Japanese English translation, I have often noticed that Japanese authors tend to stick with a limited repertoire of conjunctive adverbs (furthermore, therefore, however, moreover). This doesn't read well in translation -- Your chance to be creative, seize it with both hands!

Conclusion
Use the advice here to polish your translation style. Most of the advice is simply about making minor changes to your existing style; but, given consideration, will lead to improved results as seen from repeat requests for your Japanese translation services

(p.s. Bookmark this page and keep checking back for new articles in the series.)