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translation

linguistics
Also known as: interpretation

Quick Summary

Translation is the process of rendering text or speech from one language into another. This can involve converting a written text into another written text or an oral message into another oral message, with interpreters historically handling the latter.12

The core challenge in translation lies in conveying the original meaning accurately, which can be difficult due to cultural differences and the unique associations words carry in different languages. For example, a literal translation might not capture the intended nuance or emotional tone, especially in poetry where wordplay and stylistic elements are crucial. While technical prose can be more straightforward due to shared scientific terminology, literary works present greater hurdles for translators. Advances in machine translation have also significantly impacted the field.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. translation
  2. language - Translation

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