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| Chester Claff, Technical Translator |
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Welcome to my website!
On this home page, we'll introduce our business and our site. .
To a translator, words are variables but intended meanings are immutable. As a tiny example, the German
"ggf." can mean "optionally", "as appropriate", or "as the case may be." The correct choice depends on context, and the meaning
depends on the choice. The choice makes all the difference when converting the German thought into the equivalent English
expression.
The primary objective of a translator is to convey ideas faithfully from one language to another. Considering
the constraints imposed on a translator by the vast differences that may exist between the source and target languages and
cultures, his or her task might at first glance appear impossible. As proof of its possibility, we can only cite its daily
successful accomplishment.
The detailed objectives of a translator vary according to the source copy and the target
audience. Poetry, of course, calls for an emphasis different from that required by technical manuals.
The technical
translations with which we are primarily involved require "faithfulness" in the sense of precision and completeness, with
lesser emphasis on style. "Precise" does not mean "literal" in the sense of word-for-word. It means rather the accurate expression
of the original idea, thought, or meaning in another language. In general, all material in source copy is to be translated
into the target language, including such printers' and publishers' notes as "Printed in the USA" and "Revised 8/26/73." Trade
names and/or company names may or may not require translation, but in any case must be included in the target copy.
Although
style is not central in technical translation, all translations should read as if they were originally written in the target
language. English derived from German sources, for example, must use English word order and idioms, and the source language
should in no way be detectable. Translations should flow, not stumble. This result ordinarily requires editing of the translator's
first draft, which is done here routinely to smooth the flow and detect errors and/or omissions. Our work will very likely
be reviewed, criticized, and evaluated a number of times after it is submitted to our client. Discussing such a client's criticisms
is part of the job of translating, and often contributes to our skills. Forthrightness and credibility in this phase are important
to our relations with our clients.
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Our specialty is chemistry, with emphasis on organic chemistry, pharmaceuticals,
and medicinal chemistry. Whether the document is a patent, a journal article, correspondence, or a legal brief, you can be
assured of a prompt, accurate, error-free, professional translation at a very competitive price. You can review our qualifications
on the following pages.
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