Translating numbers and math – everything you need to know about numerical translation

From interpreting statistics to working on medical records, each sort of translation necessitates its own set of knowledge and skills. We wish to define and discuss numerical translation today. We'll go over what number translation is and some of its issues, then offer some tips for translators doing this job. Let's get started. 

What Is Numerical Translation, and How Does It Work?

The translation of the numerically dense text is known as numerical translation. Think anything and everything from a set of company accounts to engineering drawings and everything falls under this category. The numbers could be related to currency, weight, height, temperature, pressure, or other measurements. It counts as a numerical translation if it's supplied in numeric format and needs to be translated.

Who is qualified to translate numbers?

Because of the amount of effort involved and the possible impact of any mistakes, translating statistics requires an accurate level of attention to detail. As a result, numerical translators must be rigorous and analytical, with a thorough understanding of financial terms and concepts in both languages.

There are a variety of reasons why translating numbers is difficult. Below are some of them:

Hundreds of millions and billions

What is the value of a billion dollars? Although it appears to be a straightforward question, the answer varies depending on where you ask it. One billion is one thousand million in most English- and Arabic-speaking countries. However, one billion equals one million million in most Spanish-speaking, French-speaking, and Portuguese-speaking countries (along with many others) (one trillion in English). As if that wasn't confusing enough, several countries employ both definitions. One billion is one thousand million in South African English and one million million in Afrikaans, which may catch several translators off guard.

Symbols, abbreviations, and words

The symbols, terminologies, and abbreviations used in number translation can be somewhat complicated. Is there a gap between the number and the symbol or abbreviation in the target language, like 5.30 pm or 5.30pm? What happens when a measurement sign in the source language is in Greek, such as when it denotes the second angle in a triangle or a percentage error?

Imperial and metric measurements

Will you continue with imperial definitions or convert everything to metric measurements if you're translating a text from English to Portuguese with comprehensive weight measurements in pounds and ounces? The choice of whether to translate or localize quickly becomes a problem.

The challenges with decimal points

Another difficulty is decimal points and commas. Consider the number 3,507. Isn't that three thousand five hundred and seven? Yes, in English, of course. In Russian, however, it would be three five zero seven. In India, a hundred thousand is 1,00,000; in the United Kingdom, it is 100,000. In the United States, a million is 1,000,000; in Russia, it is 1 000 000.

There are several such examples to talk about the aforementioned topic of symbols, abbreviations, and words. To summarize, people translating numbers must have a thorough understanding of the number forms in both languages. A single misplaced comma, decimal point, or even space can completely change the meaning of a translation.

Symbols in Mathematics

Another issue with number translation is the use of mathematical symbols. In Latin America, 30:5 refers to a ratio of thirty divided by five; in the United Kingdom, it refers to a ratio of thirty to five. In Russia, the number 30:5 denotes a range of values from thirty to five inclusive.

Profound knowledge of the numerical contexts of the two languages is required once again to translate well.

Format for dates

Another difficulty is the date format. Should you show up on the 7th of August or the 8th of July if an event is occurring on 07/08/22? That's only the result of a mix-up between two English dialects, and that's all there is to it.

Textual inconsistency in the source

The third issue we'd want to bring up is inconsistencies in the source text. Is there a changeover in the document between 7km and 7 km? What's the difference between €5 and 5€? Such inconsistencies are more likely to appear in multiple authors' documents. Should you translate them into the target language or correct them yourself for consistency's sake?

How should translators approach number translation?

With any number translation, it's critical to have clear communication with the client. Before beginning the numerical translation, any of the above difficulties pertinent to the document in question should be explored.

By gaining clarity on these topics, you'll be able to create a structure for the translation that eliminates any chance of errors. It will also help you translate more efficiently. You won't have to stop and ask the customer questions every few minutes, resulting in a smoother translation process for everyone involved.

Understanding if localization is included in the brief is also essential, as this can affect how numeric data is translated.

More broadly, when it comes to translation work, whether numerical or otherwise, you should use the most effective tools available. It isn't easy to translate numbers into other languages, and utilizing old software won't help.

The importance of accurate number translation

Businesses require several translations of all shapes and sizes for various reasons for a wide range of documents. If you've been given the responsibility of translating numbers, you've got a lot riding on it. There are numerous reasons why the numerical translation you're doing is critical to your client's future success, from corporate mergers to worldwide sales campaigns to patent filings.

This is why precision is so crucial. The financial ramifications of the numerical translation you're working on could be significant in the long run. Even a single stray comma can have profound effects, so only take on number translation if you are sure in your ability to finish the task to the highest possible standard. 

To summarize

Given the numerous stumbling blocks and complexities that can be involved in numerical translation, it is worth seeking the help of long-standing translation experts to support you in achieving the most accurate translation.

As a leading language service provider, LC offers text translation, document translation, numerical translation, desktop publishing services, sign language interpretation and other customized language-related services in over 250 languages.

For requirements/queries, write to us at [email protected] or call us.