Re: Working with translators

[Bernie McCann <BernieMc -at- AOL -dot- COM>]

Hi;

In a message dated 98-07-13 09:34:25 EDT, Newton wrote:

<<
 Geoff said, among other things:

 >If possible:
 >1. Ensure that the translator will translate into his/her 'mother tongue'.

 Very wise. But there are a few people who are fully bi or even
 multilingual. So don't take this as an ironclad rule. There are exceptions.

  >>

I must reply to the above statement (however well intentioned).

The impression should not be given that there are multilingual translators
working in technical communication.  Not only is it unwise to use other than
mother tongue translators but one must ask for a definition of
multilingualism.  My point being that there are so many excellent mother
tongue translators available, why wouldn't you use them.

For example, does a BA in your own language make you perfect (I don't think
so).  Therefore, would a second BA in another language be any different ...
no.  We need to imagine a situation where someone was born into one culture,
seriously studied that culture (and its language) and then, perhaps, moved to
another culture, and seriously studied that culture.  Then, and only then,
would there be a possibility of true bilingualism.  Even though, a small
possibility.

Another example:  There are many Dutch or French Canadians (thousands, in
fact) who believe that they are truly bilingual using the English language,
but aren't.  Certainly not with respect to translating scientific
documentation.  Note:  I didn't say none.

There will be many people in the translation business who will want to mention
the use of bilingual terminologists, editors, proof readers, and scientific
specialists.  To us, these experts go without saying.  The reason for this
post is to advise the inexperienced (in translation) technical writers to be
very careful.  After all, the translators newsgroup is elsewhere.

The advice, already given elsewhere, to have an independent check done of the
initial translation, is very important.  Someone may see a cost impact here.
This can be overcome by writing the translation contract such that one aspect
of the process may be given to an independent source.  Those considering long-
term bilingual publishing should, obviously, seriously consider a bilingual
quality assurance and useability testing budget.

Much more could be said, but .... you know (my 2 cents worth).

Bernie
Canada