Unlocking the World of Translation: What are the different types of translation?

As civilization blossomed, so did the necessity for communication across linguistic boundaries. The roots of translation trace back through the annals of history, where it served as a conduit for sharing knowledge, literature, and cultural nuances. From the earliest civilizations to the modern globalized era, different types of translation solutions have been the vital force driving understanding and connection among diverse communities.

The practice of translation originates in the ancient world, with scholars and linguists translating religious texts, literary works, and scientific treatises across languages. As empires expanded and trade routes multiplied, translation became an indispensable tool for cross-cultural exchanges. In the vast translation landscape, various types have emerged, each serving distinct purposes in different contexts.

The diversity of translation types isn’t merely an academic categorization; it’s a practical necessity in a world where global interactions are the norm. Understanding the different types of translation is not only about linguistic proficiency but also about contextual awareness. Each type demands a unique skill set, from cultural sensitivity to domain-specific knowledge. Navigating this multifaceted landscape empowers translators to provide more accurate, nuanced, and effective translations tailored to the specific needs of their clients and audiences.

In the following sections of this blog post, we will delve deeper into each type of translation, exploring their nuances, challenges, and the skill sets required. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a budding translator, or someone seeking translation services, this exploration into the various types of translation will unravel the intricacies of this dynamic and essential field.

Table of Contents

• Classic Simple Categorization
• Based on the Translation Method
• Based on the Translator(s) Involved
• Based on the Subject Matter
• Based on the End Product

Classic Simple Categorization

Roman Jakobson, a linguist born in Russia, developed the classification now employed by most experts. According to Jakobson, there are three distinct categories of translation:

Intralingual Translation or Rewording: The interpretation of verbal signs utilizing other signs of the same language,

Interlingual Translation or Translation Proper: The interpretation of verbal signs through some different language, and

Intersemiotic Translation or Transmutation: The interpretation of verbal signs employing signs of non-verbal systems [like music or image]. (Jakobson, 1959/2004: 114)

However, there are several ways in which we might categorize the many distinct kinds of translations that exist. It depends on the foundation of the classification, whether it is the translation method, the translator(s) engaged, the subject matter, or the use of the translation end product. 

Based on the Translation Method

This categorization is based on Peter Newmark’s (1988) theory, which classified various translation techniques by whether they prioritized the target language (TL) or the source language (SL):

1. Word-for-Word Translation: Without considering the context, the words are translated into their most common meaning while preserving the SL word order and grammar.

2. Literal Translation: All SL terms and grammar structures are translated into their closest TL counterparts. Again, context is unimportant and is not taken care of.

3. Faithful Translation: Words from the SL are translated into the TL with their contextual meanings reflected in the grammatical structures of the target language.

4. Semantic Translation: It is similar to faithful translation. Semantic translation, on the other hand, is more concerned with the aesthetic values of the text than the meaning. For instance, wordplay should receive priority over meaning when translating a poem. In this case, the focus of the translation is on the author.

5. Communicative Translation: As the name suggests, this kind of translation concentrates on communicating the overall message of the SL text. Consideration is given to the original text’s context, and efforts are made to recreate that context as accurately as possible in the translated version. Here, the translation focuses on the audience rather than the author, in contrast to the semantic translation.

6. Idiomatic Translation: Similarly, this form of translation focuses on conveying the intended meaning rather than word-for-word accuracy. However, the translator uses idioms in the target text, where the original does not use idiomatic or colloquial language.

7. Free Translation: This type of translation is just concerned with the content, and the form is unimportant. Because the translation essentially recounts the author’s thoughts from their own point of view, the translator’s subjective opinions may alter the final result and move it away from the author’s goals.

8. Adaptation: This is the freest type of translation. The theme, characters, and plot are usually retained, but the SL culture is transformed into the TL culture, and the text is rewritten. Plays are the most common recipients of this type of translation.

Another sort of translation based on the translation process is called transcreation. Although it is not a component of Newmark’s theory, it can be thought of in the same vein as adaptation. This term can be broken down into two parts: translation + creation. Creating new content in the target language that has the same impact on the new audiences as the original is what makes this form of translation known as transcreation.

Based on the Translator(s) Involved

1. Human Translation: A human translator carries out the entire translation process. To ensure the highest possible quality, the translator may use Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools or have a second translator check the translation before it is released. (It is worth noting that at SinceWordsMatter, we both use CAT tools and a second translator-editor.)

2. Machine Translation (MT): A type of translation performed only by a software program, often known as artificial intelligence, such as Google Translate.

3. Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE): First, a machine translator translates the text, and then a human proofreads it for accuracy. The human translator’s work is called Post-Editing Machine Translation (PEMT) here.

Based on the Subject Matter

1. General Translation: General translation services are necessary when the text does not pertain to a narrow academic discipline and can be understood by anyone.

2. Legal Translation: Legal translation aims to translate any document that is related to the law, has legal value, or is used in legal proceedings.

3. Medical Translation: Documents dealing with healthcare, pharmacy and medications, medical products, and biotechnology all need to be translated using medical translation solutions.

4. Technical Translation: If the content pertains to a specialized area of study and is filled with specialized phrases and jargon that laypeople cannot comprehend, it requires a technical translation. In other words, if your content is intended solely for use by experts in a specific sector (such as economics, engineering, science, etc.), you should seek the assistance of a technical translator.

5. Literary Translation: The name is self-explanatory. Novels, poetry, plays, and other works of literature require the assistance of literary translators.

Based on the End Product

1. Document Translation: The scope of this service extends to the translation of any text or document, regardless of its subject matter.

2. Certified Translation: It is also known as official translation and is commonly used to translate legal documents that require translation certification.

3. Subtitle Translation: Subtitle translation or subtitling is the process by which the subtitles in one language are transformed into subtitles in another language. The translator occasionally has to translate from the audio because the original subtitles are not available. It’s worth noting that surtitle translation (also known as supertitle translation) is a subtitling technique. Surtitles, sometimes called supertitles, are frequently utilized in the performing arts, especially at the opera and the theater.

4. Script Translation: It’s a lot like a subtitle translation. The difference is that in script translation, the translated content is then audio recorded as dubbing or voiceover. In subtitle translation, the subtitles can be on the screen when the speaker has stopped speaking, but in script translation, the lip movements are important, and when the speaker stops, no translation can be heard.

5. Website Localization: Localizing a website entails more than just translating the content. Website layout, graphics, videos, etc., in addition to the translated content, must be localized for the intended audience. The term “localization” refers to the process of adapting an existing or developing a new website so that it seems to visitors as if it were created in-country rather than translated. It is also known as web localization.

6. Software Localization: In many ways, software localization is just like website localization. “App localization” is another term for this type of translation. A subcategory of software localization is game localization. The basic things to localize are the user interface, symbols, currencies, date, and time. Sometimes, colors, graphics, concepts, and ideas are localized for the new target culture.

7. Media Localization: Media translation and localization is necessary for any program that will be broadcast on the media. Media of all types—documentaries, TV shows, kids’ shows, news, etc.—need to be localized for new target audiences.

8. Journalistic Translation: Journalistic translation is used in written news that is intended for publication in newspapers and magazines.

9. Ads And Marketing Localization: This area includes translating and localizing marketing materials such as advertising, brochures, landing pages, banners, TV commercials, etc.

10. Training and E-Learning Localization: The scope of the E-learning resources goes much beyond traditional course materials. Professional translators in the relevant fields work on translating and localizing any and all documents, homework, images, videos, etc.

11. Interpreting: Live audio is translated to audio in this sort of translation, either simultaneously or with a slight delay. Sign language interpreting is a subset of interpreting in which spoken language is converted into a visual form for a deaf or hard-of-hearing audience.

Recognizing the distinctions among these translation types is paramount for professionals in the field and those seeking their services. Literary translators, for instance, must harness creativity to convey the spirit of a poem or novel. In contrast, technical translators require a meticulous approach to maintain the precision of scientific or engineering documents. Knowing the nuances of legal terminology is indispensable for legal translators to ensure the fidelity of contracts and legal proceedings.

Literary translation, an art form in itself, captures the essence and beauty of poetry, prose, and creative expressions. Technical translation involves precisely rendering scientific, engineering, or technological content, ensuring accuracy and clarity. Legal translation navigates the intricacies of legal systems and terminologies, maintaining precision in contracts, statutes, and court documents.

Medical translation plays a critical role in conveying healthcare information accurately facilitating communication between medical professionals and patients. The realm extends to audiovisual translation for films, subtitles, and dubbing, where linguistic and cultural nuances are delicately woven into visual storytelling.