By Adelaida

Is translation an art or a skill? The question divides translators, teachers and clients. The most useful answer is that it is both, and the balance depends on the kind of text being translated.

Literary translation: closer to art

Literature is widely seen as an art, so it makes sense to view literary translation the same way. A literary translator has to make the new text create the same feelings and ideas as the original. Poetry is the hardest case. Such texts cannot be translated word for word, only sense for sense. The translator needs deep knowledge of both cultures and real creativity. Readers sometimes even say a translation reads better than the original. Transcreation and advertising work call for the same inventive approach.

Legal and technical translation: closer to skill

At the other end are legal and technical texts: agreements, patents, certificates, manuals and specifications. Here creativity is not the goal. What matters is precise knowledge of the subject, correct terminology and faithful wording. The translation is more literal, and the right equivalents come from expertise rather than style. This is why official documents such as birth, marriage and academic certificates are handled by specialists. For immigration, study or work abroad, authorities usually ask for a certified translation that follows a strict format.

Journalism and marketing: a mix of both

A third group sits in between: news, marketing and e-commerce content. The translator must understand the subject and follow the conventions of the genre, but the text also needs a natural style that works for the target audience.

Conclusion

Translation is an art and a skill at the same time. Techniques can be learned and practised for many kinds of text. Other work, especially literary translation, also needs creativity and a personal style. A good translator knows which the text in front of them requires.