I am majoring in Translation and Interpreting at the University of Melbourne, and this article is based on my personal experiences and observations completing an internship at CHIN Communications. I chose to do an internship in order to give me insight into the translation and interpreting industry in Melbourne. My thought process was the following: if I’m going to do an internship, I would like to choose the most professional and competent company in Melbourne, so I reached out to Marcus, who is the operations manager at CHIN.

There are some key aspects of the culture at CHIN which stand out to me: modesty, courtesy and professionalism. I first noticed these qualities in Marcus, then in all CHIN staff and in the company’s philosophy.

Modesty

In my first couple of days at CHIN, I was looking through videos made for clients and trying to help with Chinese subtitles. Thanks to my previous media industry background, I am very familiar with subtitling and industry best practice in China. I provided a few suggestions to Marcus and Yanhua, our graphic designer, and they very humbly adopted some of my subtle suggestions and tried them out. That’s the first time I discovered the virtue of modesty in the culture at CHIN. People are always willing to listen to you.

Courtesy

They care about clients and the quality of the translations they provide. Translation will be first assigned to a translator, then it will be sent to Marcus, the head of the language department, who will then review the translation for quality assurance. Charles will also often do a final check of the translation. They always make sure to finish the assignments before the deadline.

Professionalism

Through my internship here and based on my own observations, I have realised that “localisation” is crucial for companies that are intending to open up new markets in other countries. That is to say, in order to provide a more precise and effective translation service, you need people who understand the target market.

CHIN Communications, as one of the most professional and competent translation companies in Melbourne, has a complete and refined language service process. They have marketing and language departments, which ensure the translation is faithful but more localised. They listen to their clients to offer services that will help their clients succeed. CHIN also has more than thirty years of translation experience, so they are professionals in the field of translation.

Charles – A Role Model for Interpreters and Translators

Prof Charles Qin OAM is a most distinguished interpreter and pioneer in Australia’s translation and interpreting industry. He was the first Australian/Chinese member of AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters). As the managing director of CHIN, he also focuses on developing the professional language skills of all team members. The translation industry is a massive field, it involves working in legal, medical and business domains, and more, so, it is essential for a translator or interpreter to have broad knowledge, and that is why continuous learning is a crucial quality for translators and interpreters. I have found this quality to be present throughout the whole company.

Working at CHIN

The company’s atmosphere is relaxing and the team is a tight-knit group. Every day there will be a morning routine, to make sure all work is going smoothly, and to give everyone an opportunity to share interesting things that have recently happened in their lives. During the lunch break, we also sit together and chat to get to know each other. Kate is courteous and caring, always checking in on my progress. David has a fun personality, bringing lots of joy into the company. Marcus is modest and polite. Daniel is very talkative and friendly, I enjoy sharing opinions with him. Sarah is really bubbly; Yanhua is full of energy, everytime she comes to the office, she brings joy with her. Ben loves rock climbing, he has shared lots of experiences with us. SzHan, Vanessa, Gege, Fiona, Yayi and Laura are really friendly and have helped me learn a lot. Interestingly, I found out that Joy and I come from the same hometown.

I really appreciate CHIN giving me this internship opportunity, so I can learn what it is like working in the translation industry. Thanks for letting me join this big family!

If you are a student pursuing a Diploma or Master’s degree at RMIT, Monash University, or the University of Melbourne and are interested in an internship, feel free to contact info@chincommunications.com.au.

The post Why CHIN is Successful and Attracts Many Students appeared first on Chin Communications.

In amongst dentist drills and whirling blow dryers, we found a new translation agency lurking.

Would you trust a professional services business with an office like this?

We visited the office of a translation agency to check and found it was a virtual office. No one was there.

They obviously don’t expect any visitors as the office is locked and no lights are on – it’s an example of the proliferation of “fake” addresses and virtual offices on Google.

In recent months, we’ve found other translation services advertising non-existent addresses, creating fake locations and numbers for Australian states even down to suburbs. All smoke and mirrors. Often it is a one-man band with a website and google account. This raises the question: when does this cross the line into misleading and deceptive translation business practices?

Virtual offices provide small businesses with a professional address and meeting spaces. However, these services are now often used to create the illusion of multiple staffed offices.

Clients are at Risk

We have a client who was left high and dry for an imminent court case – the translation never arrived and they never answered their phone. The translation agency was in England!!

We know a translator who had translated reams of pages from German to English and hadn’t been paid in 6 months, only to find that the ‘agent’ wasn’t in Australia but in Indonesia and she had no recourse. They too never picked up the phone.

A law firm working at a Royal Commission hired an interpreter off Google only to find out that the US agent subcontracted the job to China and the interpreter was not qualified and had no idea about Australian legal process; the adjournment to secure a qualified Australian interpreter was costly we imagine.

How would you get your money back if the translation never comes? How would you deal with errors in your translation if the agent just disappears? How would you know if the interpreter is bungling your case?

Overseas agencies or unknown middlemen likely have no insurance protection should something go wrong. They are not part of our professional associations and adhere to no code of ethics. What if an interpreter was injured on your site? What if your legal translation was wrong and the client sued you? What if your confidentiality was breached?

We have one office in Australia and it is staffed by real people: our employees. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person.

Does this happen in your industry too?

There is a proliferation of Philippines outsourced teams and chat bots… feedback not great, poor connections and lack of training and care, but saving money on office space and local Australian staff.

There are many virtual offices with no one there but Google delivering enquiries to them.

If you look carefully, you can spot these ‘fakes’ from their websites. Here are a few clues:

• A long list of different phone numbers for each state in Australia.
• No address listed
• No pictures of offices or staff and stock photos
• Lots of keyword stuffing which they hope google will like
• Preferring to liaise by email or chat bot
• Deflecting if you want to visit them

Get the picture?

Like any professional service, word-of-mouth recommendations and research are important. Language matters; mistakes will be costly.

At CHIN, we welcome visitors – you can visit our team and office any time and when you do, you know that a local Australian-based human translator will look after you with care; no blow dryers in sight!

The post Would You Trust a Business like This with Your Translation Service? appeared first on Chin Communications.

In 2022, CHIN celebrated 30 years delivering translation and interpreting (and more recently marketing) services to its clients. Imagine for 25 of those years working with the same organisation! When we started, the internet was in its infancy and WeChat (social media) was a yarn between people!

A Proud Partnership with Dairy Australia

It has been our longest and proudest association with Dairy Australia (DA) – Australia’s peak body in ensuring a profitable and sustainable dairy industry – and the importance exports to China play in that. Australia ranks number 1 in the world by volume for exports to China and China is our most important market by volume and value.

An important pillar in the success of introducing and growing Australian dairy in China has been the China Dairy Scholarship program which exposes managers from major dairy food companies to the Australian dairy sector, together with the China Alumni Program for past scholars.

The China Dairy Scholarship Program: 25 Years of Success

In 2024, The China Dairy Scholarship Program turned 25 and planning for events to mark the milestone started early with Mandarin interpreter bookings. Behind the scenes for months, CHIN assisted the DA team to prepare Chinese language materials such as powerpoint presentations, fact sheets, subtitled videos and social media – WeChat messaging, Then on the plane to China, our award-winning Mandarin interpreters accompanied the Australian delegation for 10 days of site visits, conference, cooking demonstrations, cheese tasting, and a gala anniversary dinner featuring leaders from the dairy sector, scholarship alumni and Australian VIPs.

Continuing the Legacy: Ongoing Efforts in Dairy Education

The focus shifted back to Australia shortly after for the next tour of scholarship participants and CHIN’s team again were busy translating materials and accompanying the delegates on farm and factory visits and presentations.

Dairy, like most sectors, has its own specialised vocabulary and idiosyncrasies which go from paddock to plate. Translators need to be adept at specific terminology and being on sites from muddy paddocks and milking sheds to high-tech manufacturing enterprises and cheese tasting extravaganzas; delivering presentations by powerpoint, discussing the science of cheesemaking and AI (artificial insemination) and breeds of cattle and not getting caught out with a mouthful of tasty cheese!

CHIN’s interpreting team won an industry award for its work on this program; DA wins confidence in Australia’s dairy products helping not only Aussies stay healthy but taking its messages to the world (in translation).

As the granddaughter of dairy farmers from Gippsland and co-founder of CHIN, advancing farmers’ interests and expanding Australia’s dairy exports has been especially rewarding.

If you require on-the-ground interpreters for an upcoming conference event or program in China, feel free to get in touch with the friendly team at CHIN.

The post Dairy Australia and CHIN Team up for Another Successful Year appeared first on Chin Communications.

In a multicultural country like Australia, foreign languages create obstacles for the legal system, impacting both lawyers and clients. These challenges extend beyond the expected legalese. They also include something we all take for granted, which is communication. This couldn’t be more obvious than when speaking to a client who prefers to talk in their own language. And it’s here where you ask yourself, “How will I explain the fees, advise them how to prepare for court, and request documents that will be needed as evidence, not to mention interpret for their evidence in court?” This is where a translation and interpreting agency can make a big difference – to facilitate the communication between you and your client all the way into the court.

Recognising the critical role that translators and interpreters have in the legal system, law firms have come to realise that hiring the wrong translation company can have serious consequences. For example, submitting evidence that has been mistranslated could weaken your case or, worse, disprove your claims. These translations can include contracts, bank statements, voice and text messages, each requiring different translation approaches. Take the translation of informal language, for instance. The challenge is conveying the meaning of text abbreviations within their proper context, like smh, or verbal, such as dubs-tee-eff. And, no, the former is not referring to the Sydney Morning Herald, and the latter is not lingo for teeing off in golf. Instead, they are examples of contemporary generational language that could be found in evidentiary materials. These examples demonstrate the difficulties that translators face when dealing with informal language. It becomes even more challenging when there are emojis or slang. Without a standardised guideline, translators rely on their expertise to convey meaning without imposing personal interpretations.

Choosing the Right Legal Translation Service

As a lawyer needing a translator, the first step is often a quick Google search. With so many options available, deciding which translation agency to trust can be difficult. Trust is a crucial factor to consider, so we advise you to do thorough research. Research the team’s qualifications, not only checking if their translators are NAATI certified but also look for accreditations like AIIC membership, signifying UN-level expertise. Additionally, consider the importance of strong corporate governance. Directors and officers who are GAICD-qualified indicate stability and a strong commitment to ethical practices and confidentiality. These are all positive signals for a law firm in need of a reliable and trustworthy translation company for their case. Why should it matter? Because you must be able to trust the people you are about to work with. Given the potential high stakes of any case, you cannot afford to compromise on quality, trust and reliability.

With the rising cost of running a business in Australia, many translation agencies have transitioned their admin teams and project management overseas. While this move leads to cost savings for the agency, it impacts your experience as the client. You certainly don’t want to deal with a new contact every time you have a translation request on a poor phone line; or, worse, face lengthy delays in email responses when your needs are time-sensitive! To ensure reliability, look for agencies with a local presence. It’s even more reassuring if they extend an invitation to visit their office. These are all positive signals of a dependable translation partner.

Another important factor is their responsiveness. Next-day or even same-day legal translations are often required when a client’s case is in court. This is necessary to support or challenge a claim. In these situations, you want to be sure that your translation partner can offer overnight translations or work around the clock.

Challenges in Translating Informal Communications

Understanding your translation agency’s methodologies is crucial. For instance, when translating bank statements, will the translators provide an extract translation or translate the entire statement? Will the formatting remain consistent with the original document? This may appear trivial, but it could be essential when handling reams of pages of transactions. These statements are often uploaded to bank reading software for easy transaction searches. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your translation partner has a quality management system in place. This system should include processes and procedures that guarantee accuracy and objectivity in the translation.

Take the practice of translating emojis within text messages. A subjective translation can lead to legal complications, as courts around the world are considering these symbols as evidence. In Canada, a farmer was ordered to pay $92,000 because the use of a thumbs-up emoji was seen as approval of a legally binding agreement. Now, imagine the challenges of translating these emojis from other languages into English, where their meaning may not be universal. Further complicating the issue, platforms like WeChat, LINE and Zalo, use stickers and animated emojis, presenting an even greater obstacle to accurate translation due to potential ambiguity. What does the animation really mean? Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the translators you work with have a procedure and protocol for translating these symbols and animations. This ensures objectivity and allows lawyers and judges to interpret/understand the evidence.

At CHIN, we take pride in our internal team of translators. They work together to tackle challenges such as translating emojis or handwritten evidence. If a consensus cannot be reached on the best translation approach, we provide short translator footnotes. These notes contain explanations of the difficulties or ambiguity encountered. This approach equips our clients with a comprehensive understanding of the issue, enabling them to present the translator’s explanation if disputed in court. One of the many reasons why lawyers use our services is because of our established processes and procedures that instil confidence. It’s important for you to have reassurance that if the translation is disputed, they can rely on the expertise of the translator as an expert witness.

The Role of Technology in Legal Translations

The increasing use of AI has made it crucial to delineate its role in the translation process. As tech companies develop online translation platforms with NAATI certifications, it is important to understand how the final output is generated. This is what you receive and submit to the court. That is why it’s crucial to check whether an agency simply uses Google Translate for the final translation or if a human translator reviews the output from Google or ChatGPT. If human review is involved (which it must be), it’s important to assess the translator’s experience, and expertise in both translating and checking translations. Translating and checking are distinct skills and require different approaches to ensure that the translation reflects the original wording. The last scenario you want to find yourself in is submitting mistranslations that mislead or compromise the integrity of evidentiary documents in court. The translation agency might deny responsibility by attempting to shift blame to Google, OpenAI, or a third party. This is what Sports Illustrated, an American sports magazine, did, using AI to generate not only articles but also author bios, complete with AI-generated headshots. Imagine that! And also how CNET, a tech media outlet, used AI-generated content with only light proofreading and editing. What the team at Futurism, a science and technology website, found was that the information provided by CNET using AI was fictitious and impacted readers who trusted it as reliable. It’s important to avoid similar situations when submitting translated documents to the court. You want to have certainty: a guarantee that the translations are accurate and a true reflection of the original source language. Ultimately, with tech translation companies relying on AI, it is like the Wizard of Oz; who is behind the curtain? What is genuine and what is an illusion, and can you rely on their translations when it really matters? The question you must answer is: Can you truly depend on AI-generated legal translations for cases that require precision, reliability, and accountability?

Strategies and Best Practices for Lawyers

What are some key strategies that law firms can follow to ensure that the agency they work with provides translations acceptable in court to help win their client’s case?

1. Go Beyond the Google Search and Get to Know the Team.

☑ Conduct thorough research beyond a Google search to find the right translation company for your case.
☑ Investigate the team’s qualifications, certifications, and experience, focusing on legal translation.
☑ Contact the agency directly to discuss your specific needs and assess their understanding and customer service.

2. Where Are They Based? Virtual Offices Nationwide? Offshoring?

☑ Prioritise agencies with a local presence for easy contact, office visits, and building in-person relationships.
☑ Be cautious of agencies that rely heavily on offshoring due to potential communication, responsiveness, and quality control challenges.

3. Ask about the Translation Process and Use of Technology.

☑ Understand the agency’s methodology for translating various types of documents, including legal documents, informal communications, and financial statements.
☑ Enquire about their process for translating emojis, handwritten evidence, and other challenging elements.
☑ Ask if they use AI-assisted translation and ensure that human translators review and verify all final translations.

Feeling overwhelmed? CHIN Communications is here to help! Our team of experienced legal translators, fluent in the complexities of legal documents and communication across languages, offers a seamless and professional translation experience you can trust. Contact us today!

The post Ensuring Accuracy in the Courtroom appeared first on Chin Communications.

Over the past decades, the team here at CHIN has had the privilege of translating various text genres. This includes what you may expect: corporate marketing materials like brochures and flyers, promotional materials such as ads and banners, and art and literature, including poems, stories, exhibition collateral and books. Some of our more notable projects include the translation of Gloria Marojevic’s blessings for her paintings, Penfolds’ Rewards of Patience, fictional books like 十二香 (12 Fragrances), and our most recent project, the translation of Celestial Footy: The Story of Chinese Heritage Aussie Rules.

However, despite our extensive portfolio, one genre has remained curiously absent: children’s literature. There’s a captivating complexity to translating children’s books. Firstly writing a children’s book is not just about simplifying language. It’s about crafting engaging stories that spark imagination and resonate with young minds. It requires an understanding of age-appropriate themes, children’s developmental stages, and cultural nuances. The ultimate translation challenge? Perhaps. Because capturing the magic of the original author’s work and weaving it seamlessly into a new language so that it sparks the same joy as the original doesn’t sound easy. It sounds like a tall order, but I imagine it would be a deeply rewarding one.

For example, take the beloved Australian classic, “Possum Magic” by Mem Fox, which has been translated into many languages, most notably German. It exemplifies the challenge of translating unique cultural elements. The book celebrates Australian animals, foods like Anzac biscuits and lamingtons, and the very essence of Australian identity. But how do you translate the iconic kookaburra’s laugh or the unfamiliar delight of a lamington for a global audience?

These elements require clever cultural adaptations, ensuring the story’s core message remains clear and engaging for young readers in another language.

Australian Authors Capturing Hearts Worldwide

Intrigued by the translation process in children’s literature, we sought out Australian authors whose works reach international audiences. To our delight, we found a treasure trove of talented Australian writers. One such author is Graeme Base, who has had his books translated into multiple languages. As a fellow graphic designer like Graeme, I personally appreciated his books’ beautiful layout, stunning colours, and engaging spatial dynamics. In fact, I have fond memories of having one of his books, “The Eleventh Hour,” read to me in the school library when I was in first grade. It is unclear whether the book has been translated, but his “The Tree” has been translated into multiple languages. In Chinese, it is known as 彼此树 (The Tree Belongs to Each Other). This book explores the themes of nature, coexisting with one another, and the concept of interdependence. It was published in Chinese in 2019 by the Changjiang Juvenile & Children’s Publishing House.

Another fantastic Australian author we discovered who has had his books translated is Aaron Blabey. I was surprised to learn that the movie I’d enjoyed with my children was based on his book, which has also been translated into Chinese with the title 坏家伙 (The Bad Guys). The book is about a notorious crew of animals, led by Mr. Wolf, who are tired of being seen as villains. They hatch a plan to change their image by pulling off good deeds and becoming heroes.

Lastly, our exploration of Australian children’s literature took an unexpected turn when we discovered an unofficial translation of Mem Fox’s beloved Possum Magic, a testament to the book’s universal appeal. A labour of love for the translator.

Writing children’s books is no small feat, and translating them is even more challenging. To delve deeper into this fascinating world, we’ve partnered with Monash University’s Monash Multicultural Lab to host a two-part event series!

Event 1: A Conversation with Graeme Base & Alice Pung OAM (Friday, 17th May 2024)

Join us for an insightful discussion with celebrated author and illustrator Graeme Base and award-winning author Alice Pung OAM. They’ll share their experiences crafting children’s books and navigating the journey of translation and international publication.

Learn more about the event or register.

Event 2: Symposium on Australian Children’s Literature (Saturday, 18th May 2024)

This full-day symposium dives into the intricacies of Australian children’s literature – translation, publication, and reception. Expect thought-provoking presentations from academics, authors, and publishers. The day concludes with a networking cocktail event – a perfect opportunity to mingle and make connections.

Learn more about the event or register.

Both events are not to be missed, so register today before spots fill up!

The post Exploring the Challenges and Delights of Translating Children’s Books appeared first on Chin Communications.

As a migrant growing up in Australia, I have always been aware of the crucial role played by interpreters and translators in Australia’s multicultural communities. Some of my earliest memories include attending community events where young interpreters would bridge the language gap in real time using simultaneous interpreting equipment: booth, microphone, and headsets. These interpreters, who were bilingual children of people I knew, were highly respected and admired for their ability to navigate between languages, helping us understand English verbally and in writing.

While this method worked well for most cases, there were times when a formal translation or a qualified interpreter with NAATI certification was required. I first became aware of this difference when I needed to provide a translation of my birth certificate to prove my identity. It was then that I first saw a NAATI-certified translation. Unlike informal translations, the NAATI version held weight with government agencies, in Australia and around the world.

NAATI stands for the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. NAATI certification is more than just a qualification; it’s a rigorous certification process that ensures translators possess the necessary skills and knowledge. In a world that is more globalised than ever before, the importance of NAATI-certified translations in Australia has only increased.

What is NAATI?

NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is jointly owned by the federal, state, and territory governments of Australia. It serves a crucial role in maintaining high standards within the translating and interpreting industry. Its purpose is to establish national standards and certify translators. This certification process underscores the importance of engaging qualified professionals who can accurately and effectively translate documents without losing the intended meaning of the original text.

Over the years, the pathway to becoming a NAATI-certified translator has evolved. Today, a key prerequisite for applicants is to complete formal academic training in translation or interpreting. This change reflects NAATI’s commitment to ensuring that translators are not only proficient in language skills but also have a deep understanding of cultural nuances, ethical considerations, and the theoretical frameworks that underpin translation practices. At CHIN, we have always placed a high value on education with our in-house translators holding Master’s degrees in Translation and Interpreting. This ensures that our in-house translators have a comprehensive understanding of translation and are equipped to handle a wide range of texts.

Who is a NAATI Certified Translator?

A NAATI-certified Translator is a professional who has undergone the rigorous assessment process established by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. To achieve this certification, applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in translating across various text types and show a deep understanding of the ethical and practical challenges in the profession. The tests are designed to be demanding to ensure that only those with the necessary skills and knowledge can obtain the title of NAATI-certified translator.

The certification not only serves as a testament to the translator’s abilities but also acts as a guarantee that their translation will be accepted by official institutions within Australia. However, NAATI certification is just one factor. It is also important to consider the translator’s experience and whether they are part of a broader team that can provide support and expertise for a wide range of text types. For example, at CHIN you can be confident that a team of translators is working on your document. Our very own Professor Charles Qin OAM, who is NAATI Level 5, and our Operations Manager Marcus Liu are always available to support and advise translators if they encounter any challenging text. Additionally, determining if you can have direct communication with your NAATI translator is a benefit and something we pride ourselves in offering here at CHIN. Unfortunately, this is becoming a rarity in Australia as companies outsource their support staff and work to translators offshore making it hard to ask questions or give feedback.

NAATI Translators in Practice

NAATI-certified translators play an essential role in both government and private-sector communication. They translate flyers, ads, contracts, and brochures in languages other than English for financial institutions, government agencies, court cases and organisations like the Australian Taxation Office and Centrelink. CHIN, for instance, has been providing translation services to these government agencies, including state and federal governments, for multicultural marketing purposes for decades. Recently, our translators have worked on significant government marketing campaigns, such as The Voice to Parliament, Victoria’s Big Build, and TAFE campaigns in Victoria and New South Wales. These multilingual marketing campaigns included translating online advertisements, newspaper ads, short-form video ads, and radio placements in different languages ranging from Hindi, Somali, and Vietnamese to Chinese.

While the translation may appear straightforward to the client, it is actually a complex process that involves several stages, including draft translations, reviews, editing, and finalisation. And sometimes even back-translation for verification. The goal is to ensure that the final translation effectively communicates the message of the source text to the target audience. Certain projects also require a community checker to review the translation to ensure that it reads well within a given context, such as social media, and that any accompanying imagery effectively communicates the message. However, even with these thorough measures, occasional negative feedback can arise. This might seem surprising, but languages are forever changing and evolving with regional variations. For example, Spanish is spoken in Spain, the United States, and across Latin America, but there are clear distinctions between the Spanish spoken in Spain and the Dominican Republic, or between Dominican Spanish and Colombian Spanish, for example. This applies to many languages like Arabic, Chinese, French, and Portuguese that are used across various countries and regions.

Translation Feedback Is an Important Step

To ensure effective feedback on a translation, we recommend that clients ask for specific details when they believe something may be wrong with a translation. While we understand providing detailed notes can be time-consuming, it allows us to pinpoint the exact issue. This is especially important for languages with regional variations, like Spanish or Arabic. For instance, feedback from someone in Taiwan on Mainland Chinese might not reflect the target Mainland audience’s preferences. Our cautionary advice is if the person providing feedback says they don’t have time to provide feedback, or they can’t write or type the characters to show a potential error, these are red flags to their competence, and you should take their feedback with a grain of salt.

Trust NAATI; Trust Local

I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of clear and accurate translation. It is disheartening to see that this profession is not given the value it deserves, especially considering the significant role it plays in Australia – one of the most multicultural countries in the world. This has led some language service providers to outsource not just administrative tasks, but even translations themselves. But here at CHIN, we stand firm in our commitment to quality, and employ local talent. We have been local for 30 years and thriving, so whether you need assistance with a court case, a product disclosure statement, a contract, multicultural marketing, delegation visits, or meetings with investors. Feel free to get in touch with our team at CHIN, and we would be more than happy to assist you.

The post Always Choose a NAATI Translator if You Want to Get It Right the First Time appeared first on Chin Communications.

As a marketer, there will come a time when you need to translate your content to another language, whether it’s for business-to-consumer, business-to-business, or government messaging. You are responsible and you will take the flak if something goes wrong. But each language has its quirks, its cultural nuances, and its hidden pitfalls. Sometimes idioms fall flat and formality turns robotic. Suddenly your carefully crafted English copy feels lost in translation. That’s where the real challenge lies. For example, how do you ensure that the translation of your English copy is accurate in meaning, has the same tone, and reads as well as the original? And how do you know what the translation says if you can’t read it? Addressing these concerns is a challenging process, which makes it clear that translation is not as simple a process as one might hope. For us, that is really where the fun begins!

Understanding the Complexity of Translations

As a provider of multilingual communication services, we often come across two types of translations: extensive texts like books, brochures, and flyers, and shorter texts such as advertisements, banners, and videos. The goal is to ensure that these translations are not only accurate but also resonate with the intended audience in a culturally relevant way. In an ideal scenario, assessing the translation is as simple as comparing and checking the translated version against the original English document to ensure that everything has been translated correctly. This straightforward approach is commonly used by our law firm clients, particularly when it comes to discovery documents and there is zero margin for error or creativity.

Marketing content, however, presents its own set of challenges due to the graphic design component of how to best lay out translations into creative assets. This process, known as typesetting, involves placing the translated text into design software like Canva, InDesign, Photoshop, or FinalCut Pro. The aim is to ensure that the translation matches the same look and feel as the English version. This step can be difficult because translations do not always take up the same amount of space in your artwork as the original English text. For example, English copy that takes 600 characters might only need half as many characters when translated into Japanese. On the other hand, a Vietnamese translation might expand to 700 characters and require additional line spacing to accommodate diacritics (accents). The main challenge in translating content into different languages lies in the fact that languages differ vastly from one another.

The Tip of the Language Iceberg

However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg, or in Chinese 冰山一角 (bīngshān yìjiǎo), which literally translates to a small, noticeable part of a problem, the total size of which is really much greater. The intricacies of typesetting translations involve decisions about line breaks, such as determining where lines should be broken and how these breaks might alter the meaning. It is about going beyond copying and pasting and involves considering typography to avoid jarring “widows” and “orphans” that disrupt the reading experience. The ultimate goal here is to strike a delicate balance between accurate meaning and clear communication. Achieving this sweet spot requires careful consideration of readability, word choice, and line breaks – all while staying true to the original English copy.

How Do I Know the Translation is Accurate?

One important question that arises when translating content into another language is how to ensure that the translation accurately conveys the original English message. This is especially important for advertisements and banners, and legal and compliance departments that often require translations to be back-translated for verification. Back-translation involves translating content twice, such as from English to Vietnamese and then back to English, to confirm that the translation reflects the original intent. However, it should be noted that this method assumes a level of linguistic symmetry that does not always exist across languages, as they often express ideas and concepts differently.

Imagine an English advertisement with the slogan, “Empower your journey.” Suppose it’s translated into Spanish as “Potencia tu viaje.” Then, for back translation, “Potencia tu viaje” is translated back into English as “Power your trip.” Notice the differences? While “Empower your journey” and “Power your trip” share similar themes, the nuances of “empower”, suggesting inspiration and encouragement, may not be fully captured by the more direct “power” in the back translation. Is this a case of the back-translation revealing a mistranslation in the original translation? Actually, this difference is not a sign of mistranslation. It is rather an indication that languages don’t always have a one-to-one word equivalent and that translation often involves the restructuring of thoughts and ideas. This is why relying on back translation to assess translation quality can be problematic, as it overlooks ideas, thoughts, meaning and how they are conveyed in another language. Clients may want to see the exact same words in English, but this is often not possible when translating between languages.

When evaluating back translations, it’s essential not to view discrepancies as errors but as reflections of the natural differences between languages. The goal is not to accomplish a word-for-word exact match but to ensure that the translated message is in line with the original English intent. This approach views deviations not as mistakes, but as opportunities to refine and clarify the translation, making sure that it correctly reflects the original English copy. By focusing on intent over literal accuracy, you can confidently rely on translations that have been carefully reviewed. This gives you confidence that your translated content is accurate and maintains the quality and integrity of your communications across different languages.

Understanding Linguistic Structures: SVO vs. SOV

While carefully reviewed back translations offer a degree of confidence in the translation, differences in word choice and structure compared to the original English often raise concerns. It’s important to remember that languages do not often have linguistic parallels, and they express ideas and meaning differently. Let’s explore these underlying differences, looking at the subject-verb-object (SVO) structure. English, for instance, uses the SVO structure. For example, the sentence “I love you” consists of “I” as the subject, “love” as the verb (the doing word), and “you” as the object. This forms a complete sentence, and the word choice and pairing make sense to English speakers. But languages like Korean prefer subject-object-verb (SOV) sentence structure. Leading to a seemingly odd “I you love” in a very literal back translation for this example. This isn’t a mistake; it’s just a different way of saying the same thing but in another language. Now, delving deeper, using Chinese, which follows the same language structure as English SVO, you will see how translations restructure thoughts and ideas to convey the meaning and concept. This can result in a back translation that significantly differs from the original English text.

• English original: “Break new ground.”

• Chinese translation: “开辟新天地。” (kāipì xīn tiāndì.)

• Back translation to English: “Open up new skies and earth.”

The original English phrase “Break new ground” is an idiom that means to do something innovative. Its meaning is associated with the act of venturing beyond known boundaries, forging a path where none existed before. The Chinese translation “开辟新天地” literally means “to open up new skies and earth,” which is a poetic way of expressing the idea of pioneering new boundaries or initiating new ventures. Both sentences fundamentally convey the same meaning of innovation and discovery, but the Chinese translation uses more grandiose and metaphorical language, showcasing how translations restructure thoughts and ideas to convey the underlying meaning and concept differently. Again, does this mean that the Chinese translation is wrong? No, it is just that languages don’t always have a one-to-one equivalent and that linguistic symmetry does not always exist across languages.

Let’s now consider SOV languages, like Japanese, where the placement of the verb at the end of a sentence can have a significant impact on the message’s rhythm and emphasis. Take the phrase, “The company launched a new product.” In Japanese, this might be translated as “会社は新しい製品を発売しました。” (kaisha wa atarashī seihin o hatsubai shimashita), which translates back to English as “The company a new product launched.” While the meaning remains the same, the shift in structure can impact the flow and emphasis of the message. This structural shift highlights why it’s so hard for marketers to assess and provide guidance to translators. In a back translation, what is wrong, and what is right? It’s not just about matching words; it’s about understanding the cultural nuances and rhythms woven into each language.

Enhancing Readability for CALD Audiences

The varying structures of languages brings us back to the topic of the importance of line breaks. Typesetting of languages must consider how a particular language communicates ideas, thoughts, and meanings. As you now know, misplacing a line break not only affects the readability but can also alter the intended meaning of the content if broken in the wrong spot. When you engage a multilingual communications provider, what you pay for is the expertise and understanding in:

• Adjusting sentence structure within the creative asset without altering the meaning.

• Using synonyms that fit better within the allocated space.

• Creatively rephrasing content to align with visual elements.

That is why we advise our creative agency and marketing clients that it should come as no surprise that the translation process requires a collaborative effort from translators, designers, and English copywriters. This collaboration ensures that the final product—whether a printed brochure, an online advertisement, or a subtitled video—respects the linguistic characteristics of the target language while retaining the original’s English essence.

If all of this sounds a bit too hard, you can always trust and rely on us to help. As you’ve seen, the process involves a complex interplay of linguistic skills and cultural sensitivity. It involves the careful placements of line breaks, modifying sentence structures without changing the intended meaning, and working together in a team. Although it may seem challenging at first, it can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to connect with multicultural audiences both locally in Australia and around the world.

We hope the above pointers will help you in your next multicultural marketing campaign. Let us guide you if you are unsure what steps to take next. Email info@chincommunications.com.au or call 1300 792 446.

The post When Your Carefully Crafted English Feels Lost in Translation appeared first on Chin Communications.

International Translation Day, celebrated on 30 September every year, presents an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals – translators and interpreters – who play a vital role in understanding and humanity.

Indeed, the value of translation is in the news regularly and was highlighted as a factor helping keep people safe during COVID. And right now, The Voice Referendum is not only giving indigenous Australians a chance to be recognised in our Constitution, but also enabling people from all language backgrounds to understand and exercise their rights by voting on 15 October.

Whether it is bringing peoples or nations together, facilitating understanding and cooperation, contributing to world peace and security, forging business connections, or exercising our democratic rights, it is a human right to have access to translation services.

Today we honour all of the translators and interpreters who forged pathways, who practise today or who are studying to become our future.

Saint Jerome poring over his translation

History: The Legacy of St. Jerome, the Patron Saint of Translators

International Translation Day is not a randomly chosen date. It coincides with the feast of St. Jerome, a Christian scholar and translator responsible for translating most of the Bible into Latin. This prodigious effort by St. Jerome set a standard for translation as a meticulous and scholarly pursuit. In his honour, the International Federation of Translators (FIT) promoted International Translation Day, a day to recognise the invaluable work of translators everywhere.

United Nations Translation

The importance of translation is so profound that in 2017, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution confirming 30 September as International Translation Day. This was not just to honour translators, but also to highlight the role of professional translation in connecting nations, fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation, and ensuring clear diplomatic communication.

The UN, of course, relies on translations, considering its multilingual nature, where documents, discussions, and resolutions need to be made available in all six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.

Most Popular Languages for Translation

With globalisation and the rise of the internet, the demand for translation services has skyrocketed. While the UN recognizes six official languages, the most popular languages for translation worldwide often reflect global economic, political, and cultural dynamics. English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, and Arabic dominate as some of the most translated languages, representing broad swathes of business, culture, and diplomacy. However, the demand can vary based on regional specifics, industry needs, and emerging global markets.

Multicultural Australia: A Mosaic of Languages

Australia, often celebrated as one of the most multicultural countries in the world, offers a unique perspective on the importance of translation. The last few decades have seen a surge in the number of people from various ethnic backgrounds calling Australia home. As of the last census in 2021, over half of Australians were either born overseas or had at least one parent born overseas. In terms of languages spoken, after English, the most spoken languages in Australia include:

Multicultural marketing starts with language

Of these, Chinese languages collectively (Mandarin, Cantonese and other Chinese languages) make up 4% of the total and are always top of the list for multilingual translation services.

There are 250 indigenous languages including 800 dialects native to Australia. Each language is specific to a place or people (Aiatsis.gov.au)/ According to the ABC, Punjabi is the fastest growing language in Australia – ahead of Hindi and Nepali who are greater in numbers

The Importance of Multicultural Translation in Australia

For non-native English speakers in Australia, translation services play an essential role. Whether it’s accessing vital health services, understanding legal documentation, or simply integrating into Australian society, translation eases the transition for many migrants and refugees.

Governments in Australia recognise the importance of providing services to its multicultural population, providing translated resources in various domains, from healthcare to civic responsibilities such as a referendum. Savvy businesses also harness the value of multicultural marketing tapping in to the diverse linguistic skills available to pitch their offerings. The work of translators ensures that everyone, irrespective of their linguistic background, has access to information and services.

International Translation Day serves as a reminder of the quiet yet impactful role translators play in shaping our interconnected world. From St. Jerome’s monumental Bible translation to today’s global landscape where a business document might be translated into multiple languages overnight, the essence remains the same. Translation is not just about converting words from one language to another; it’s about bridging cultures, fostering understanding, and ensuring that everyone has a voice and a chance to be heard. In places like Australia, where the harmony of multiculturalism is celebrated, the role of translation becomes even more prominent, contributing to our inclusive society.

The post International Translation Day: Celebrating the Art of Translation and its Importance Locally and Globally appeared first on Chin Communications.