Japanese Translation Company: Culture Definitely Factors Into Translation

This post is a continuation of the article series What is the winning translation methodology you need?

Use the pointers suggested here to develop a translation methodology of your own, one that suits your work style, and which will enable you to translate more efficiently and accurately. Regardless of whether you’re a Japanese translator or a client of an Japanese translation company, there is something here for you. So, read on & profit!

1. Read the original document.
2. Research the translation.
3. Now, do the work:
   • Translate into your native language ONLY,
   • Let Stalk Strine,
   • Culture does factor into translation,
   • Know your limits,
   • Context is important,
   • Simple is really bests,
   • What is NOT written is as important as what is written, and
   • Give it natural flair.
4. Ask the right questions.
5. Compare with the original.
6. Edit (proof) the translation.
7. Sleep on it!.

(Just joined or want to start at the top of this article series? Click What is the winning translation methodology you need?)

Culture Does Factor Into Translation
In Japan, and indeed in most Asian countries, humility and modesty are considered virtues. However, in western countries it’s a case of “you got to blow your own trumpet ‘cause ain’t nobody going to do it for you!”

A client who’s a professor at a Japanese university in Tokyo commissioned me to translate a letter of recommendation to an American graduate school for one of his students. The source text was laden with cultural innuendos of modesty and self deprecation. An example line read:

“Although this student has a limited breadth and depth of general knowledge, and is not the top student in the class, she is very hard working and makes friends easily.”

Well now, as a graduate assistant in the admissions department at an American graduate school, it was my job to screen such recommendation letters. I don’t need to tell you that such a recommendation wouldn’t even make it through to the admissions review board.

Yes, culture definitely does matter. And if you need to alter text significantly in translation, then do it! Then explain to the client why you did what you did. Remember:

Language is defined by culture.

Clients will understand and appreciate the insight you bring to the translation, so you shouldn’t hesitate to do the right thing.

A couple of years back my company translated monthly newsletters for a global Japanese automobile parts manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo. The CEO, in his attempt to show that he is approachable, often regaled his audiences with bar hopping escapades in downtown Tokyo with employees. An accomplished English speaker, he wanted to know why we altered the translation leaving out the nitty gritty of his legendary escapades. After explaining to him that, while we understood it is part of the corporate culture in Japan that the CEO take part in nomikai (drinking sessions with employees), it comes across as excessive drinking by a leader at the helm of a global corporation and, therefore, it would tarnish his reputation at large.

He was very appreciative of the insights we brought to the company projects.

Indeed, if you think about it, this is the kind of knowledge that you can’t expect your client to possess. It is, therefore, part of your responsibility as a professional translator to incorporate this unique cultural knowledge in your translation work where appropriate.

Conclusion
Use the suggestions presented here to polish your translation style: given consideration, they will lead to improved results as seen from repeat client requests for your translation skills. And, clients should know that translators that follow these basic suggestions will produce quality Japanese translation that meets their requirements.

(p.s. Be current – Bookmark this page, get the latest news on what’s happening in the translation industry!)