In part one of this article, we discussed the main characteristics of image, audio and subtitle files. In part two we are going to continue looking at how to translate specific types of files, running through the relevant features, their potential problems and the solutions made available by professional translators.
Some text files are uneditable, which means they cannot be translated directly using software unless they are first modified to make them editable. Essentially these documents cannot be modified thanks to the use of security functions that guarantee authenticity or avoid accidental changes being made. This kind of document is usually password protected, which must be entered to unlock the protection however they are also often documents that have been digitally signed.
In the case of password protected documents, the customer has to provide the key to unlock the document. There are solutions online to crack passwords to access document content. However, that should always be a last resort, also bearing in mind that they will not necessarily offer adequate security to guarantee the confidentiality of the documents.
WATCH OUT! That kind of website only works with basic security features. If the password or the encryption technique can be cracked by a free program on the internet, then you might want to review your security policies!
Another solution is to convert a file into an unprotected format, such as an image. Then it is possible to follow the same step for the main category of uneditable file types: the scan of a hard copy of a document.
In these cases, professional translators rely on OCR software (Optical Character Recognition). This kind of program “reads” the text making it recognisable to text readers, this means software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. That way it is possible to convert a document in PDF format or the image of a document and work on it using a CAT tool or other form of reader.
The main issue with this technology is that it is still in its early days and converting documents into an editable form more often than not causes problems with the page layout or formatting issues, to the point where there are too many to deal with.
When that happens, it is necessary to use a DTP or formatting expert. A reliable translation agency will always be able to offer you that service to guarantee that the result is as similar as possible, if not identical to, the original.
Graphic files with text content constitute the broadest and most complex type of files that are difficult to edit. They are often created using vector graphics making them unrecognisable to text editing programs. Moreover, given that it is a very specific format of graphic, it is only possible to modify them using the digital graphic program that was used to create the document (or an equivalent software).
Although professional translators always seek to offer a broad range of services, which is as comprehensive as possible, design does not always fall within their scope of expertise. Not just because professional graphics software is expensive, but also and above all, because it requires specific competencies.
If a customer needs to translate vector graphics containing text they should keep that in mind and provide the translator with the content that needs translating in an editable format, for example in an Excel or Word file, possibly requesting a parallel translation when translating into more complex languages (for instance, for translations into Arabic or Chinese).
Bearing that in mind, translation agencies can provide professional translation services of graphics materials relying on the expertise of internal or external designers. It is always a good idea to consult with the agency to pinpoint the best solution. They will certainly be able to advise you on how to obtain the best quality translation without compromising on excellent graphics.
Translating websites and software is very similar. In actual fact, the most common assisted translation tools offer functions for managing HTML and similar files.
In short, websites and software use codes instead of text. Each code is a set of commands expressed using a specific structure that determines the aspect or the function of the page when it is read via a browser (which is a software that can read and convert the code, for example, Google Chrome). Therefore, translators must distinguish the code and provide a translation that respects the characteristics and limitations specific to that section of code. Often due to the very position of the text, its function, role or features, some limitations havemust be respected in order to guarantee that the website or application functions properly.
Here is an example code comprising text elements:
</p></a></article><article class=”_single-other-news_9p1v5_1″><a href=”https://www.loremipsum.it/2024/07/15/casual-numbers/“><h3 class=”_article-title_1aaqi_4″ style=”font-size:18px;font-weight:700”>Generating casual numbers is not simple </h3><p class=”_article-paragraph_e98aq_1″ style=”font-size:14px;line-height:18px;font-weight:400;color:#000″>Computers are not good at generating one thing we really need: an old radio would be better </p></a>
The translator just must translate the sentences in bold and not confuse the code with the text elements.
Thankfully, there are technologies to help: CAT tools only show the text part to translate, protecting the code and guaranteeing the customer that their website will be high quality and function properly.
The technology does not just help the translator, but also website and software programmers, with programs that significantly simplify the construction of a website and the codes and that identify and categorise the text elements to facilitate their translation.
Although technology renders the practical side of projects more straightforward for professional translators, by allowing them to focus on translating content, their areas of expertise still have to be refined as well as broad, to ensure customers the best translations and a variety of services that satisfy all linguistic needs. Especially considering how rapidly communications are evolving.
Agencies such as Traducendo Ltd are able to provide the translation of uneditable files using both software and internal and external professionals.
However, although we have the necessary expertise, these services can nonetheless sometimes entail logistical or procedural issues. For that reason, it is essential that customers provide detailed information on the characteristics of the materials they require translating and if they might pose problems from an operational point of view. In these cases, the best option is to provide the materials to the translation agency directly so we may identify the best way to proceed in terms of both method and timing to produce the highest quality work.
Contact us now to identify the best and most efficient solution for your translation projects.
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