tarjimada

Tarjimada is the Somali term for translation, the act of rendering written or spoken content from one language into another, while preserving meaning, tone, and context. It encompasses literary translation, technical translation, interpretation, and localization.

The word originates from the Arabic tarjama, meaning "to translate." In Somali, tarjumada denotes "the translation," with the definite form used when referring to a specific translation.

Practically, tarjumada can be carried out by human translators or by automated systems. It includes various subfields such as literary translation, technical translation, legal translation, and consecutive or simultaneous interpretation. Quality assessment often considers accuracy, fidelity, readability, and cultural appropriateness.

Historically, translation in Somali-speaking regions grew through religious, trade, and scholarly exchange, including Arabic and Persian texts. In the modern period, tarjumada supports education, media, government, and international communication, with universities and professional associations offering training and standards.

See also: translation studies, localization, interpretation.