Overview of Translation and Associated Services

Here is a brief comparative description of following services:
• Localization
• Translation
• Copy-writing services

Localization stands for conversion of content from one language to other language and editing of content in order to match cultural nuances of a particular region or country including use of appropriate colors, graphics, currency, numbers, common date formats, etc.

Difference between Localization and Translation

The main difference between Localization and Translation is that the entire process of translating is quite simple whereas localization process is a bit complex. Process of translation requires contribution of the following:

Project manager: to receive files from customer and forwards the document to the translator

Translator: to receive files and does translation to the desired target language
Project manager: to deliver translated files back to customer.

This process looks simple however the reality is just opposite of that. Depending on the domain expertise required for a project, all translation projects usually involve people with following skills:

• Project management
• Graphics
• DTP

Difference between Translation and Copy-writing

Translation means process of transforming the content from one language (source language) to another language (target language). The translator must have in-depth knowledge of both the languages (source, target) and must be a native of the target language. In translation, the translator can only convert the source language text into the target language text without adding or removing information, and cannot deviate from the information provided in the source text for translation.

The translator is expected to produce the translated text as much as possible similar with the source text, even if there are always chances of shortage of similar kind of words or suitable phrases while translation into another language. The translator needs to stick to the source language text. The translator should not redefine or change the meaning of the source text.

If the translator redefines or changes the text given in the text given in source language, the translation is believed to be redundant and useless and may destroy the core objective of the translation.

Copy-writing

Copy-writing is a kind of an art which involves creative writing to develop marketing content based on inputs provided or source text, by ensuring adherence to pre-stated objectives and taking care of target audience sentiments. It requires including the nuance of a culture and characteristics of a language.

Copy-writing is must to develop marketing content or publishing material particularly in case of when your content is going to be circulated publicly and read by many people. Copywriters need to develop content which is easy to understand and read ensuring a pleasant experience for customers. The copy writer can write content for:

• Websites
• Brochures
• Manuals
• Multimedia presentations

Translation v/s Copy-writing

Copy-writing may not involve translation but require that the copywriter develops new content which includes rewriting, generalizing and addition to source content, to make it sell-able. A copywriter must possess creative writing skills as opposed to a translator, who is bound to and limited by the scope of the source content.