| With the contemporary emphasis on the Middle East, | | | | Bad translations can come from a number of sources. |
| Arabic translation, transcription and editing have | | | | First are machine or software-based translations. Even |
| become big business. Unfortunately, a large | | | | the best of these programs can only provide the most |
| percentage of the translations produced are at best | | | | literal of translations, based solely on the language |
| inaccurate, and in many cases incomprehensible, | | | | dictionary specifics that are in the database. They do |
| misleading, and/or just downright wrong. This can lead | | | | not think, or reason, or allow for needed interpretation |
| to loss of communication, loss of time, and for | | | | to ensure a sensible movement from one language to |
| companies trying to do business in the Middle East, it | | | | the other. Next are translations by Arabic speakers |
| can lead to great financial losses and | | | | with no experience or in-depth knowledge of the |
| misunderstandings. | | | | Middle East. These people may have taken classes in |
| | | | | generic Arabic, but have little or no knowledge of the |
| To start with, Arabic is not a single language. There | | | | language variations. There are others who may have |
| are 23 “Arab” nations – each with its own | | | | lived or worked in the Middle East, learned to speak |
| language variations, nuances and cultural influences. | | | | the language – but never studied it to truly |
| And within the nations, are regional variations | | | | understand its complex grammar. |
| comparable to the U.S. regional usage differences. For | | | | |
| example - in Buffalo, NY a flavored carbonated drink is | | | | To ensure your Arabic translations won’t be |
| “pop.” Further down state in NYC, it’s soda | | | | misunderstood or even laughed at by the end-user, an |
| and in Boston it is tonic! In Kuwait the Arabic word | | | | individual, government entity, or private company will |
| “kabat” means cupboard in Lebanon the same | | | | best be served by seeking an educated native |
| word means to repress. | | | | speaker with first-hand experience in multiple Middle |
| | | | | East locations, and therefore multiple Arabic languages, |
| Further complicating the process are the variations, | | | | cultures and nuances. And, this translator/transcriber |
| grammatical inconsistencies and idioms of the English | | | | editor must have a thorough knowledge of English. |
| language that often do not translate well to or from | | | | |
| Arabic. There may not be a direct translation of English | | | | The best translators can certify the accuracy of their |
| words into Arabic or Arabic words into English. It takes | | | | work, and will work with you to understand your |
| a thorough knowledge of both languages to ensure | | | | audience and desired outcome so as to be sure the |
| that the word choices result in complete accuracy. | | | | level of language meets your purpose. |
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