Common Mistakes in Written Translation

Misunderstanding of original text

This mistake applies when the reader can see—usually by back-translating the target-language text—that the error arises from misreading a word, for example, or misinterpreting the syntax of a sentence. In other words, the result is wrong because the translation was based on a misunderstood source text.

Examples:

The deal's complexity is mind-bending, involving six countries charged with putting down no fewer than nine guerrilla outfits that operate inside Congo.
Here, the phrase charged with means responsible for, not accused of.

Mistranslation into target language

The meaning of the original text is not conveyed properly in the target language. For example, a term in the translated text might be much more general (scientists instead of researchers, protein instead of albumin) or more specific (stallion instead of horse) than the original term. Mistranslations can also involve the choice of prepositions, the use of definite and indefinite articles, and the choice of verb tense and mood.

In the context of this examination, regionalisms should be avoided if a more generally used word is available.

 Addition or omission

Something is inserted that is not clearly expressed in the original text, or something essential to the meaning is left out. The tendency to insert “clarifying” material should generally be resisted. It is permissible to shorten the ponderous modes of expression that are common in some source texts, so long as the meaning does not suffer.

Terminology, word choice

This error often involves terms used in various technical contexts. In an article about a metallurgy, for example, the English word “cross-hair” should be translated as交叉标线rather than十字线. This also applies to legal and financial contexts where words often have very specific meanings. In more general texts, the candidate might not have selected the most appropriate word among several that have similar (but not identical) meanings.

Register

The register (language level, degree of formality) of the source text should be preserved in the translation. Examples of errors include using everyday words instead of medical terms (spit instead of saliva), translating a legal text into a journalistic style, using the familiar rather than the polite form of address, and using anachronistic or culturally inappropriate expressions.

Too freely translated

Chinese translators are to translate the meaning and intent of the source text, not to rewrite it or improve upon it. If a “creative” rendition changes the meaning, an error will be marked. If recasting a sentence—i.e., altering the order of its major elements—destroys the flow, changes the emphasis, or obscures the author’s intent, an error may be marked.

Example in English:

Because she was so sensitive, Susan thought her classmates were teasing her.
Susan thought her classmates were teasing her because she was so sensitive. (obscures meaning)

Too literal, word-for-word translation

Translations that follow the source text exactly may result in awkward, often incorrect renditions. Translate literally when it works, but not at the expense of clarity and natural syntax.

Inconsistency (same term translated differently)

In general, a term that is used consistently in the source text should be translated consistently into the target language. Conversely, if the source text uses different terms for the same idea interchangeably, the translator should attempt to come up with a similar variety in the target language.

Ambiguity

If the meaning is clear in the source text but ambiguous in the translation, an error may be marked. The reader should not have to puzzle out the meaning.

Examples in English:

To reduce risks to the human embryo, in-depth studies on suitable laboratory animals are needed. (clear)
In-depth studies on suitable laboratory animals are required to reduce risks to the human embryo. (ambiguous)

The probability of birth defects in humans increases as more animal species react with developmental defects. (clear)
The probability of birth defects in humans increases the more animal species react with developmental defects. (ambiguous)

Grammar

Grammatical errors include lack of agreement between subject and verb, incorrect verb tenses or verb forms, incorrect case of nouns, pronouns, or adjectives, and use of an adjective where an adverb is needed.

Syntax

The arrangement of words or other elements of a sentence should conform to the rules of the target language. Errors in this category include sentence fragments, improper modification, lack of parallelism, and unnatural word order. If incorrect syntax changes or obscures the meaning, the error is more serious.

Examples in English:

The cupboard was infested with moths that organic foods enjoy.
Climbing the mountain, the cabin came into view.
She skis, plays tennis, and rock climbing.
The from Berlin coming and now on platform 12 arriving express train is two hours late.

Punctuation

The conventions of the target language should be followed, including those governing the use of accents and other diacritical marks, quotation marks, commas, semicolons, and colons.

 Spelling

There is less tolerance of spelling errors in some languages than in others, for reasons that derive from the language itself as well as from the national culture. In all languages, a spelling error that causes confusion about the intended meaning is more serious.

Examples in English:

The student disagreed with the principle / principal.
The specialists agreed that systemic / systematic treatment was required.
The men set out early to peddle / pedal their bicycles through the town.

Usage

Correct and idiomatic usage of the target language is expected. Errors include use of the wrong preposition or misuse of a grammatical form.

Example in English:

He is married to (not with) my sister.
They were suspected of breaking (not to break) the rules.
I am going to take (not make) a walk.
He committed (not performed) a crime.

Style

If the source text is characterized by a distinctive manner of expression—flowery, staccato, conversational, instructional—this should be reflected in the translation.