Transliteration is the process of converting texts from one script to another while maintaining phonetic similarity. According to the dictionary definition, transliteration is “writing words or letters in the characters of another alphabet.” Unlike translation, transliteration focuses solely on pronunciation rather than meaning. The grammar and sense of the original text remain intact, but it is displayed using the alphabets of a different language.
For example, the Indian name ‘দৃষ্টি’ is pronounced as Dr̥ṣṭi. Its transliteration into English is “Drishti”, while its Cyrillic transliteration (used in Russian) is “дришти”. In all these cases, the sounds remain the same, but the alphabets differ according to the script of each language.
What is the Meaning of Translation?
Another commonly used term alongside transliteration is translation. Although both processes may seem similar, they serve entirely different purposes. Translation is the process of converting a given text into another language, using the words and grammar of that language. Here, the focus is on conveying the original meaning in a different language.
For example, the Hindi phrase “शुभप्रभात” translates into English as “Good morning.” In this case, the meaning is transferred, not just the pronunciation.
Translation vs. Transliteration
Both translation and transliteration involve a source language and a target language. The source language is the original text’s language, while the target language is the language into which the text is translated or transliterated.
Key Differences Between Translation and Transliteration
✔ Meaning vs. Pronunciation – Translation focuses on conveying meaning, while transliteration preserves pronunciation.
✔ Grammar vs. Script – Translation adapts words and grammar to the target language, while transliteration changes only the script.
✔ Usage – Translation is useful for legal documents, business contracts, and e-learning content, whereas transliteration is commonly used for proper nouns, restaurant menus, and brand names.
Example: Translation vs. Transliteration in Hindi and English
Consider the Hindi phrase “एक नयी शुरुआत”:
✔ Transliteration: “Ek nayi Shuruaat” (preserving the pronunciation in English script).
✔ Translation: “A new beginning” (conveying the meaning in English).
When to Use Transliteration vs. Translation?
✔ Transliteration is best for:
- Proper nouns (names, locations, business cards).
- Menus in restaurants (for customers who cannot read a language but can understand pronunciation).
- Business brochures (for international audiences).
✔ Translation is best for:
- Legal documents (to be presented in different countries).
- Multinational business deals (for clear communication).
- E-learning content (to ensure learners worldwide can understand it).
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Process for Your Needs
Both translation and transliteration are valuable tools for global communication, but they serve different purposes. If your goal is to preserve meaning, translation is the right choice. If you only need to represent pronunciation in another script, transliteration is the way to go.
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