The Struggles of Story Translation

Some people may not be familiar with the ups and downs of the translation industry. For them, translation of more comprehensive text in the advance storytelling field would be intricate and need a lot of knowledge. The knowledge of translators in the story translation services should not only focus on the subject matter but also give emphasis on the target language.

On the other hand, others may also think that a simple context present in children’s story contains basic grammar and vocabulary. With this, many may assume that this kind of context would not show any complications. Thus, the story translation services would not face any difficulty at all.

But the real thing is, even simple children's stories can be pretty challenging to translate. Lots of story translation services, could face struggles in translating this kind of context. Detailed next are the challenges that translators commonly encounter during story translation services.

Translating the name of the characters

Translating character’s name of the story is also a challenge while doing the best story translation services. Let us take a Mexican five-year-old boy as an example. It would be hard for this kid to recognize the name George. Possibly, it would be more suitable to convert the name to Carlitos which is pretty much closer to their daily encounter.

This is a great strategy for story translation services. It is better to understand that it is nearly possible to retain stories that are almost similar with their everyday encounter. Moreover, stories with similarities to their lifestyle and culture are also best to retain. Story translation services should always be considerate in this aspect.

The need to have a good communication between the story translation services and the client

When working on with the story translation services, translators must take extra cautions in translating. Meaning, there should be a good communication between the translator of the story translation services and the client. The goal for the existence of a good communication is to have exchanging of ideas on the best possible choices.

Helpful tips to have a successful story translation

1.       The translator, if necessary, must also be a writer. In the case of the translation company, it would be helpful to meet the author if possible.

2.       Read and re-read the context as many times as possible prior to starting the translation process.

3.       Take a short break especially when getting stuck on a particular meaning.

4.       Better to read out loud when editing.

5.       Preserve the original message of the book every time. This means that the translator must seek the meaning of the context that is equivalent in the target language.