• Blog
• POSTED ON April 29, 2022

5 Myths About Translation Services That Must Be Debunked

Due to their advantages, translation services are becoming increasingly popular in many industries and sectors. For one, translation services enable effective communication between people and businesses worldwide. They are necessary tools for the efficient transmission of knowledge and essential to the progress of a global economy. Due to this, highly skilled and trained translators have become quite in demand over the past years.

As more and more businesses and organisations recognise their need to connect to regional or global audiences, the translation industry thrives incessantly. However, amid its gradual growth, several myths about the industry seem to overshadow the necessity and benefits of translation services lately. Read on to find out some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the translation industry today and their truths.

Myth 1: Anyone who knows a foreign language can become a translator

Many businesses are hesitant to hire the services of a translation company in Singapore because they think translation can be quickly done by anyone who is bilingual. However, the truth is that translation services are pretty intricate and demanding, and mere knowledge of two languages is not enough. To become an effective translator, you need skills, knowledge, training, and dedication.

As a matter of fact, in Singapore, you need to acquire a professional certificate from a respected association to become a certified translator. You may also be required to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree focusing on a specific language.

If you do not have the necessary knowledge and training, you will likely find it difficult to succeed in the translation industry.

Myth 2: Translation is the same as interpretation

Translation and interpretation are often used interchangeably or mistaken as the same by many people. However, while both translation and interpretation are language services, they serve different purposes. Translation converts a word, sentence, or paragraph into a different language, whereas interpretation involves changing or converting a speech’s meaning in real-time.

Moreover, to become a translator, you need excellent reading and writing skills. On the other hand, to perform the job of an interpreter well, you should have good listening skills and command over public speaking.

Myth 3: Machine translation is better than human translation

The digital transformation affects many aspects of the translation industry. Nonetheless, it is improbable that machine translators will replace human translators very soon. While computerised translators are great for translating large chunks of text or content within a short period, they cannot provide premium-quality translations like human translators.

With that being said, there is no need to compare the human translation with machine translation, as each option has its respective uses.

Myth 4: Companies do not need translation services

Many businesses believe that they can do without translation services, as they are unnecessary for actual business practice. However, in reality, all companies require translation, especially when reaching a wider audience. If you want your business to attract a regional or global audience, you need translation services to help you ensure your company’s message is sent across effectively.

Remember, your goal is to expand your business beyond your home market. You cannot do so if your company does not speak the languages of your potential clients. By hiring translators, you can ensure extensive growth opportunities for your business. 

Myth 5: All translation services deliver the same quality 

Not all translation services are the same, at least in cost and quality. With different translation services, a variety of assistance may or may not be included. For example, some translation agencies may assign a proofreader and a professional editor at no extra charge, while others may not.

Most of the time, translation companies will charge you more if your project requires a quick turnaround time or demands special skills. Rates vary depending on the translation service you choose.

Conclusion 

Translation is a widely misunderstood term in the area of language services. Most of the time, businesses and organisations that approach a translation agency to have little to no idea about what they are asking. Worse, they are clouded by misinformation.

These are only some of the common misconceptions surrounding translation services these days. These myths must be debunked, as they tend to hamper the continuous growth of the translation industry.

If your company or organisation needs a reliable translator offering Japanese and Korean translation services, Eureka Translations is the translation agency in Singapore you should work with! Our translation service is prompt and precise to allow you to connect to your clients, partners, and co-workers easily, no matter where they are or what language they speak.

Aside from translation, we offer various other services, including interpretation and transcription. Please call us or fill out our contact form to learn more about our services.