Books throw open the gates of literary world to interested readers. Through the words penned down by great and creative minds, readers are able to explore and embark on a journey of discovery that engages their intellect. Book translation is a process that is equally creative, but perhaps more tough than the original process of book writing. The challenges and responsibility faced during book translation are enormous, not only for the translator but also the translation company that is involved in this project.
The book translation project involves various activities and milestones. A translation company with good experience in the book translation process can help to not only create interest in reading the translated version of the original book, but also opens up opportunities for commercial exploitation in future in the form of a movie or play adaptation to a new audience.
The first important step in the book translation activity is of course the selection of the original work. Necessary permission from the author or copyright owner and publisher needs to be taken.
The translation company which takes up the book translation assignment typically has a panel of experts, who are competent in the two languages, i.e. the language in which the original book was written as well as the language in which it is to be translated. Apart from linguistic skills, it is crucial to engage people with the required literary skills. Book translation requires that the translated version is as accurate and honest to the original work as possible. Not merely are the words and text translated, but the whole reading experience and response has to be recreated. This is not easy. It requires tremendous skills, a strong vocabulary and a familiarity with the literature of both the languages. Often both the languages differ greatly in usage of words and hence a literal translation does not work well.
The development of plot, characters, description, lyrics, quotations all count during book translation. A good combination of translation skills therefore need to be put together. These skills involve accuracy in translating words correctly while maintaining a genuine reflection of the literary style used by the author. Depending on the kind of book, i.e., fiction or non-fiction, prose or poetry, the appropriate translation team is constituted.
No translation company wishes to face criticism that the original work has not been appropriately translated. In this respect book translation process has mechanisms and steps for review, correction, editing and proof-reading.
On the whole book translation is a task that requires special demands of linguistic and literary expertise. It is an important and creative task that helps the original work to be read by people who do not know the language of the original work, but are eager to enjoy the pleasures of the written word.
We at ComTranslations have a great record of providing book translation services. We welcome any opportunity to serve your needs. We assure you that you will find high quality work that meets your project timelines. Our strong experience in this field will cut down on unnecessary rework that leads to wastage of time and effort.
