Abey Malouf
Common mistakes to avoid when translating Spanish to English documents
When it comes to translating Spanish documents into English, there are many common mistakes that translators can make. These errors can range from minor grammatical errors to significant inaccuracies that can change the meaning of your original text. In this article, I will describe some of the most common mistakes that translators make when working with Spanish to English documents and provide suggestions on how to avoid them.
- Incorrect or literal translations
One of the most common mistakes that translators make is using a literal approach when translating transcripts and university or other course subjects. Academic courses and their names will vary from country to country, but will need to be accurate in English order to support your documentation in Australia. For example, if you’re applying for a specific type of skilled migration visa, you may need the translation of your transcripts or other documents to reflect these very same skills, as they are understood and used in Australia. Sometimes a direct, literal translation of academic subjects and courses is not the way to go. In these cases, the translator may need to do additional research to understand the correct and locally-accepted terms by reviewing university course outlines and descriptions.
- Word-for-word translation
Another common mistake is translating word-for-word, rather than translating the meaning of the sentence. Spanish and English have different sentence structures, and direct translations can often sound awkward or make little sense in English. For example, "Mi casa es tu casa" translates directly to "My house is your house," but in English, it's more common to say "Make yourself at home." To avoid this mistake, it's important to understand the intended meaning of the original text and convey it in natural-sounding English.
At the same time, it’s also important to understand that according to NAATI guidelines, translators should only translate information that exists in the original text, without supplanting, augmenting or replacing words that are not originally there.
- Using idioms and phrases that don't translate well
Idioms and phrases that are common in Spanish may not have an equivalent in English, or the translation may not make sense in English. For example, "Estar en la luna" literally translates to "be on the moon," but the idiom means to be absent-minded or daydreaming. To avoid this mistake, it's important to be familiar with both languages and their respective idiomatic expressions, and use equivalent idioms and phrases that convey the intended meaning.
- Ignoring cultural context
Cultural context can greatly affect the meaning of a sentence, and ignoring this can result in significant errors. For example, the phrase "¡Qué padre!" in Mexico means "How cool!" or "How awesome!" (not “what a father!”) but in some other Spanish-speaking countries, it can be considered offensive. To avoid this mistake, it's important to research and understand the cultural context of the original text and make appropriate translations that convey the intended meaning.
- Using the wrong preposition
Prepositions in Spanish and English can be similar, but they're not always used in the same way. For example, "estar en la casa" in Spanish translates to "be at home," while "estar en casa" means "be home." To avoid this mistake, it's important to pay close attention to prepositions and their use in context.
- Misunderstanding regional variations
Spanish is spoken in many different countries, and there are significant regional variations in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Translators who are not familiar with these variations may make mistakes that can affect the accuracy of the translation. For example, in Spain, the word for potato is "patata," but in most Latin American countries, it's "papa." To avoid this mistake, it's important to be familiar with the variations in Spanish and to research the appropriate vocabulary and grammar rules for the specific country or region.
In conclusion, translating Spanish documents into English can be a challenging task, and there are many common mistakes that translators can make. These errors can range from minor grammatical errors to significant inaccuracies that can change the meaning of the original text. To avoid these mistakes, it's important to have a good understanding of both Spanish and English, pay close attention to context, idioms, and cultural nuances, and be familiar with regional variations. By following these tips, translators can ensure that their translations are accurate.