Перевод как искусство и бизнес » Translation Theory and Practice »
Страниц в теме:   < [1 2]
The ethics of translating
Автор темы: Ron Hartong PhD (X)
imatahan
imatahan  Identity Verified
Бразилия
Local time: 05:40
английский => португальский
+ ...
Immediately Feb 12, 2011

When I find such things I contact immediately the agency or the direct client in order to claruify the question, sending them my suggestions.
 
Christine Andersen
Christine Andersen  Identity Verified
Дания
Local time: 09:40
Член ProZ.com c 2003
датский => английский
+ ...
I have even sent two files on occasion Feb 12, 2011

If I can't contact the client and clarify the issue before deadline, I mark up the passage in the translation and explain the issue.

I have on occasions sent two files - where someone's name is inconsistently spelt, or where there was a mistake in some figures, and I could see that one or the other fitted, but not both.

(E.g. have they bought 53 widgets at x pounds each and paid 53x pounds for them, or have they only bought 43 widgets...? Because the text says they have... See more
If I can't contact the client and clarify the issue before deadline, I mark up the passage in the translation and explain the issue.

I have on occasions sent two files - where someone's name is inconsistently spelt, or where there was a mistake in some figures, and I could see that one or the other fitted, but not both.

(E.g. have they bought 53 widgets at x pounds each and paid 53x pounds for them, or have they only bought 43 widgets...? Because the text says they have bought 53 and paid 43x pounds...)

(I am not good at figures, so I often simply point out the discrepancy and leave the client to sort it out.)

If it is a blatant misstatement of facts, I do often query it with reference to somewhere I have checked up. (Ask if there is something missing, or whether the text is garbled to put it diplomatically...)

If there are ethical issues involved, you can be in trouble. I have refused to take on jobs where I have felt they were against my principles and I did not want to be involved. I have never had to face this issue AFTER accepting the job.

I have on one occasion translated a quite malicious text to be used as court evidence, although I would not have touched it simply to help the original writer to spread it further round the world.

Like others, I have always found clients grateful if I point out genuine mistakes so that they can be corrected.

Then there are the funnies, like one I had this week:

"We reserve the right to make alterations and typing errors."

 ▲ Collapse
 
Ron Hartong PhD (X)
Ron Hartong PhD (X)
Local time: 09:40
испанский => английский
+ ...
Автор темы
Thank you all Feb 15, 2011

I would like to thank everybody for their replies - I enjoyed reading them.

And Neil, I was scolded for giving a literal translation of an inherently wrong source text. Obviously, a literal translation of such a source text is also inherently wrong (which is why I put in a comment expressing my doubts). Looking back I think I could, and maybe should, have been less diplomatic and more explicit when putting in my comment.

Thanks again for sharing your views and experienc... See more
I would like to thank everybody for their replies - I enjoyed reading them.

And Neil, I was scolded for giving a literal translation of an inherently wrong source text. Obviously, a literal translation of such a source text is also inherently wrong (which is why I put in a comment expressing my doubts). Looking back I think I could, and maybe should, have been less diplomatic and more explicit when putting in my comment.

Thanks again for sharing your views and experiences. ▲ Collapse
 
Страниц в теме:   < [1 2]


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Модератор(ы) этого форума
Maria Castro[Call to this topic]
Nawal Kramer[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

The ethics of translating







Anycount & Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000

Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.

More info »
TM-Town
Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business

Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.

More info »