Translaatio

Translaatio is the process of converting text or spoken language from one language to another, aiming to preserve meaning, tone, and communicative function for the target audience. In Finnish usage, translaatio is the standard term for translation; related terms include tulkkaus for interpretation.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin translatio, through European languages, with the root meaning carrying across.

Scope: Translaatio covers written translation, oral translation (interpretation), localization, and related activities such as subtitling, dubbing, and transcription. It is distinguished from interpretation by the use of written texts, and from interpretation by timing and situational constraints.

History: Translation has a long history from antiquity to the present. The modern field of translation studies developed in the 20th century, incorporating approaches to equivalence, function, and textual strategy. Notable theoretical strands include Vinay and Darbelnet's method-oriented framework and the skopos theory of Vermeer, which emphasizes purpose over literal form.

Techniques and tools: Translators employ dictionaries, corpora, and computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, including translation memories and terminology management. Machine translation, based on neural networks, has advanced in recent decades and is commonly followed by post-editing to ensure quality. Localization tailors content to linguistic, cultural, and regulatory contexts in a target market.

Challenges and ethics: Translating nuance, culture, humor, and specialized terminology can be difficult. Ethical considerations include accuracy, representation, consent, and intellectual property.