Last updated on Jul 11, 2024

You're debating formality in translated content with your team. How do you find common ground?

When your team is embroiled in a debate over the level of formality in translated content, it's crucial to find a middle ground that respects the original text's intent while also catering to the target audience's expectations. The challenge lies in balancing linguistic precision with cultural sensitivity, ensuring that the translation conveys the message as naturally as possible. As you navigate this complex terrain, consider the following strategies to unite your team's diverse perspectives and achieve a translation that strikes the perfect chord.

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1 Understand Context

Understanding the context of the original material is paramount in determining the appropriate level of formality for the translation. Dive deep into the source content's purpose, audience, and cultural nuances. For example, if you're translating a legal document, precision and formality are non-negotiable. However, if it's a social media post intended for a younger audience, a more casual tone might be more effective. Acknowledge the diversity in content types and agree that one size does not fit all.

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Jorge Miguel Soares

Certified Versatile Translator, Linguist & Data Analyst | Professional Speaker & Oratorical Coach | QA | QC | LQA | Copy-editor | MTPE | Content Review Analyst | Data & Business Analytics | AI
Imagine you’re a gardener tending a bonsai tree. Beyond the visible leaves, nurture the roots. Explore regional variations—the delicate petals of formality. In Japan (a tranquil garden), honor hierarchy. In Brazil (a lively carnival), embrace informality. Blend tradition and innovation. And remember, like a seasoned gardener, adapt to changing seasons—the linguistic climate shifts.
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2 Audience Analysis

Carry out a thorough analysis of your target audience. Who are they? What cultural norms and expectations do they have regarding formality? This step is essential because a translation that feels too formal or too casual can alienate the audience or distort the message's intended impact. By understanding your audience, you can tailor the translation's formality to their preferences, ensuring that the content resonates with them and maintains the original's subtleties.

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3 Translator Expertise

Leverage the expertise of your translators. They are not just language experts; they are cultural interpreters. Their insights into the linguistic subtleties and cultural context of both the source and target languages can guide your team in finding the right balance of formality. Trust in their experience and knowledge to navigate complex linguistic landscapes, and use their skills to inform the team's decisions on formality levels.

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4 Translation Guidelines

Develop clear translation guidelines that outline expectations and provide examples of different levels of formality. These guidelines should be flexible enough to adapt to various content types while maintaining consistency across translations. Having a shared reference point helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that all team members are on the same page regarding formality standards.

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Jorge Miguel Soares

Certified Versatile Translator, Linguist & Data Analyst | Professional Speaker & Oratorical Coach | QA | QC | LQA | Copy-editor | MTPE | Content Review Analyst | Data & Business Analytics | AI
Picture guidelines as signposts on a winding road. They guide your journey. Know your agency’s rules or develop clear ones—the speed limits (formality levels), the scenic routes (idiomatic expressions), and the rest stops (cultural adaptations). When in doubt, consult the map (style guides). Guidelines aren’t fences; they’re guardrails, keeping your translation on track.
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5 Feedback Loop

Create a feedback loop that includes translators, editors, and other stakeholders. This collaborative process allows for the exchange of perspectives on formality and can highlight areas where compromise is needed. Encourage open dialogue and constructive criticism, as this will foster an environment where every team member feels their input is valued and contributes to the final translation's quality.

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Jorge Miguel Soares

Certified Versatile Translator, Linguist & Data Analyst | Professional Speaker & Oratorical Coach | QA | QC | LQA | Copy-editor | MTPE | Content Review Analyst | Data & Business Analytics | AI
Imagine you’re a tightrope walker. Balance is crucial. Engage in a feedback tango with your team. Their insights—the safety net—prevent falls. Is the tone too stiff or too casual? Adjust gracefully. Feedback isn’t criticism; it’s the trapeze swing that propels your translation higher.
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6 Continuous Learning

Embrace continuous learning as a team. The landscape of language and formality is ever-evolving, and staying informed about linguistic trends and cultural shifts is crucial. Encourage your team to engage in professional development opportunities, attend language workshops, and read up on cultural studies. This commitment to growth will help ensure that your translations remain relevant and appropriately formal.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're debating formality in translated content with your team. How do you find common ground?

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1 Understand Context

2 Audience Analysis

3 Translator Expertise

4 Translation Guidelines

5 Feedback Loop

6 Continuous Learning

7 Here’s what else to consider

Translation

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