Translating English and Finnish

Translation is the art and science of interpreting the meaning of a text and subsequently producing an equivalent text that communicates the same message in another language.   A common misconception is that there exists a simple word-for-word correspondence between any two languages. However, translation is not such a simple mechanical process. Translation must take into account constraints that include context, the grammar rules of the two languages, their writing conventions, and their idioms. A word-for-word translation process, which fails to consider these factors, produces an unnatural and potentially incomprehensible document.

Cultural factors further complicate translation. A word may have several meanings, including offensive or derogatory ones. In addition, a phrase, saying or cultural reference in one language may mean nothing or even have the opposite meaning if simply translated word for word.  No matter how well a language is taught, there are some things a non-native speaker of that language cannot learn in school. Dictionaries and other resources give meanings, synonyms and contexts for words but they do not offer any further insight. Is the word correct? Is it contemporary or old-fashioned? Is the word the most appropriate for the context?

Appropriate and accurate word choice is a particular concern when translating highly specialized technical documents. In addition to having a native speaker’s cultural sensitivity and awareness, a translator needs to be familiar with the jargon used by professionals working in that narrow field.

Have you ever been amused, or even worse confused, when reading product instructions? Do you wonder if your customers have the same experience when reading your operating manuals or process descriptions? Do you worry that what they read could be offensive?  These situations can be avoided with high quality translation.

These considerations show the need for the professional services of Finnish English Translations. Our translators are native speakers of American English and Finnish with many years of translation and engineering experience. We will provide you with accurate technical translations both in Finnish and in English.