Choosing a Translation Type

Dynamic Equivalent or Word for Word Rendering of the Original

© Glenni Lorick

Using Dynamic Translation Helps With Understanding, Glenni Lorick

Language translators must decide what kind of translation best fits the work they are translating. Sometimes verbatim rendering is best, but often it is not.

When called upon to translate a document, whether it be a legal record, a medical record, a fiction work or a non-fiction piece, the translator has a very important decision to make. Will he translate the document word for word providing a verbatim rendering, or will he provide a dynamic equivalent?

The Dynamic Equivalent Translation

This type of translation takes into account the context and apparent intent of the original. When providing a dynamic equivalent translation, the translator considers the culture of the original document, understands the nuances of the original language, and takes into account idiomatic expressions. The result is a finished product that comes alive to the reader with the actual intent of the original. The key components of a dynamic equivalent translation include the following:

Resources for Dynamic Equivalent Translations

Depending upon the target language, a variety of resources exist for translators seeking to provide good, strong dynamic equivalent translations. A well-equipped library might offer a variety of dictionaries that will contain idiomatic expressions. However, some dictionaries may not help the translator grasp the nuances of meaning that one word can have. A couple of online sites provide help to the professional translator.


The copyright of the article Choosing a Translation Type in Translation is owned by Glenni Lorick. Permission to republish Choosing a Translation Type must be granted by the author in writing.


Using Dynamic Translation Helps With Understanding, Glenni Lorick
       


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