Translation plays a crucial role in expanding your business reach by delivering your content to a global audience. However, poorly translated content can harm your brand’s reputation and compromise your message. Here are ten common translation errors to avoid and ensure your translations align with your original content’s quality.
Categories of Translation Errors: Objective vs. Subjective
- Objective Errors: Clearly identifiable mistakes, such as misspellings or missing text. These errors are straightforward to identify and correct.
- Subjective Errors: Errors influenced by style or preference, such as choosing between synonyms. These may vary depending on the translator’s interpretation.
10 Common Translation Errors
1. Mistranslations
Mistranslations can occur due to misinterpreted words, homographs, or a translator’s lack of expertise. Such mistakes distort the meaning and can have severe repercussions, especially in critical documents.
Error Type: Objective
2. Failure to Check Reference Materials
Glossaries, style guides, and Translation Memory (TM) databases help ensure consistency and professionalism. Neglecting these resources results in subpar translations.
Error Type: Subjective
3. Ignoring the Style Guide
Style guides establish tone, formatting, and rules for translating names, measures, and levels of formality. Overlooking these guidelines leads to inconsistency in the final output.
Error Type: Subjective
4. Spelling, Grammar, and Syntax Errors
Basic errors in spelling and grammar make your content appear unprofessional and sloppy, reducing its credibility.
Error Type: Objective
5. Glossary and Terminology Inconsistencies
Unique terms and vocabulary linked to your brand or industry must remain consistent. Failing to adhere to these can result in confusing or off-brand messaging.
Error Type: Both Objective and Subjective
6. Errors in Tables of Contents, Indexes, and Footnotes
Internal references like TOCs and indexes are essential for navigation. Errors here disrupt readability and comprehension.
Error Type: Objective
7. Incorrect Line Breaks and Hyphenation
Improper word breaks or hyphenation can hinder readability, particularly in justified text formats.
Error Type: Objective
8. Incorrect Capitalization
Capitalization rules vary across languages. For example, in German, all nouns are capitalized, while in English, only proper nouns and titles are. Incorrect capitalization can alter meaning and create confusion.
Error Type: Objective
9. Typos and Incorrect Spacing
Missed or extra spaces can create errors that affect readability. Languages like Somali, which lack a standardized dictionary, are especially prone to these issues.
Error Type: Objective
10. Incorrectly Spelled Names
Misspelling names, particularly in translations between languages with different alphabets, can feel personal and harm relationships.
Error Type: Both Objective and Subjective
How to Avoid Translation Errors
- Work with Certified Translation Services: Partner with professionals experienced in handling diverse content types.
- Leverage Technology: Use tools like glossaries, style guides, and Translation Memory (TM) databases.
- Prioritize Quality Checks: Proofread and review translations with a second or third linguist to catch errors.
Partner with Lingual Consultancy for Reliable Translations
At Lingual Consultancy, we provide high-quality translation and localization services in over 250 languages. With a global network of 16,000+ translators, we ensure your content is accurate, culturally relevant, and aligned with your brand.
For inquiries, email us at [email protected]. Let us help you avoid translation pitfalls and deliver excellence in every language.
