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Translation glossary


Translation glossary

This glossary provides a helpful list of terminology frequently used in translation and interpreting. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding the glossary and its content, please contact us.

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z


A

 Accredited translator
Translator who has the professional qualifications and has achieved official recognition from a professional institute.

Ad hoc interpreting
Ad-hoc interpreting (also called liaison interpreting) is the process in which the interpreter translates at the end of a few sentences, alternating with the person who is talking and acting as an intermediary between the speaker and the listeners.

Adaptation
The process of adapting text, to make it suitable for a different region or country. The resultant text is expected to be fluent language.

A language
A system of words and rules for their use in speaking, reading, and writing.

B

 Background text
Text in the source or target language offering extra information about the subject matter of the text to be translated.

Background information
Information linking to the source text that helps the translator to compose the translation in context using the correct style and tone.

Back translation
Translation received by a second translator who checks that no meaning has been forgotten in the translation process.

Bilingual
The ability of a person who use two languages, especially when writing or speaking in a mother language and in a foreign language.

C

 Certified translation
A translation that has been formally verified for use in official purposes.

Computer-aided translation
Computer Aided Translation or CAT is a style of translation which helps the translation process, using computer software particularly for longer documents.

Conference interpreter
An interpreter with necessary skills that supplies simultaneous interpretation of a speaker's speech, from one language into another.

Consecutive interpreting
The process of oral translation, first the interpreter listens and takes notes while the speaker talks, then when the speaker has finished speaking or pauses, the interpreter begins to talk.

Controlled language
A basic version of a language with limited vocabulary and grammar, particularly used in companies with the purpose of help translation process of documents, making facile text to understand for users or for non-native speakers.

Copywriting
Copywriting is the area of business with the interest of promoting your business.

F

 Freelance translator
Independent translator, who works for a variety of clients around the world.

G

 Globalisation
The process of accommodating products or services to the global market.

I

 Inbound text
Private text that is only used within the company and not for external people. For example work instructions, private documents etc.

Interpreter
A person who facilitates communication orally, as opposed to a translator, who translates written language.

Interpreting
The process to translate spoken words from one language into another.

L

Language pairing
Language combination between a translator and an interpreter.

Localisation
The process of accommodating software to a specific region or language.

M

 Machine translation
Translation produced by a computer or software program. Machine translation is extremely poor in quality.

Mother-tongue
The first language learned by a person.

MultiTerm
Terminology program.

N

 Native speaker
A person who has learned a particular language since earliest childhood.

O

 Outbound text
Text designed to sell products and services.

S

 Source text
The original text to be translated.

Sworn translator
Sworn translator is a certified translator licensed to translate legal documents.



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