Technical Stuff: Run-on sentences do not translate well.
This post is about professional Japanese human translation.
Part of the article series Polishing Your Translation Style, this article focuses on the machinations of grammar.
Sounds like a grand, all encompassing ambition. But, rest assured, the objective is simply to highlight a few common errors that persist in professional translation products as seen from the CEO of a translation company -- Nothing but a few Tips 'n Techniques to give shine to your style! And, if you happen to glean any pointers that will up your game, more strength to you!
(Regardless of whether you’re an aspiring Japanese translator or a client of Japanese translation service, there’s something for you here.)
1. Run-on sentences do not translate well
2. Omitted words are not…translated
3. Acronyms can be misleading
4. Avoid abbreviations
5. Do a double check on a double check!
6. Consistency rules
Let’s jump right in!
Run-on sentences do not translate well
Japanese English translation can often be challenging.
The reason why is because as a language, Japanese emphasizes subtleness that produces multiple phrases in run-on sentences, the object of which is dropped in at the end. That is, a typical sentence is loaded with as much information as possible before the author will reveal his hand, so to speak, right at the very end. Think of it as the opposite to English, where a position is stated followed by supporting facts and details.
(I’m sure you remember your English teacher in school hammering this point home with the aft repeated refrain of “Get to the point!” and “Stop waffling!”.)
Obviously, run-on sentences don’t read well in English, even when translated accurately.
In translation, run-on sentences should be re-constructed with a single idea or thought per sentence. You can simply draw on your English language training to:
- State the objective of the sentence, then
- Use a new sentence for each fact (a couple at the most), and
- Create a whole new paragraph to facilitate reconstructed sentences, where necessary.
Not only will the translation be easier, it will read better. Therefore, don't be shy about taking the knife to unwieldy sentences!
Summary
Adopting a translation style that puts you on a level by yourself is easy -- Follow the 6 simple steps above and apply these steps to your translation projects. Clients' will be asking for you by name, 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.)
