Why Eskimos Are Fans of Accurate Translation

When languages contain words or phrases that may have multiple possible translations, it makes producing an accurate translation that much more difficult. Mind-freezing linguistic snafus — such as Eskimos and their multitude of references for snow — require the expert hand of a professional translator.

Whether translating the contents of a contract into Spanish or the lyrics to “Let it Snow” into Eskimo, a skilled, experienced translator will be the person most likely to make the right choices when confronted by words with multiple meanings, resulting in the most accurate translation.

Just How Many Words for Snow Do Eskimos Have?

OK, so I may have overstated this earlier (but you believed me, didn’t you?). Ask most people for a single fact about Eskimos and they’ll probably refer to that old, familiar chestnut about how they have more words for snow than any other term in their language. But this oft-repeated nugget of Inuit-related information is more urban legend than actual fact.

In actuality, Inuit languages have about the same amount of word roots referring to snow as the English language. This myth about their many words for “snow” comes from the fact that their language has many similar words to describe specific versions of similar things. Likewise, in English there are many different terms that ultimately mean the same thing. In the case of “snow,” for example, there is also “blizzard,” “flurry” or “snowflake.”

Translators are regularly faced with words in one language that can have multiple similar yet specific meanings. When translating from one language to another, the accurate translation of such terms can be tricky, and it’s usually experience and expertise that make the difference between a translation that simply says “snow” and one that says “blizzard.”

Accuracy Is What Counts

Good translation goes beyond the mere rewriting of a document word for word into another language. Each word must be translated as accurately as possible so that its specific meaning is maintained through translation. An in-depth understanding of language and expertise in the subject of the material being translated are key components of accurate translations.

A translation that’s somewhat off the mark or, even worse, completely incorrect within the context of the document is not likely to be wholly understood by the reader. Language that is accurate within the material’s context and more descriptive than a rudimentary translation communicates to readers more effectively.

Finding an Accurate Translator

A professional translator with experience and knowledge of the required technical terms is more likely to produce an accurate translation than someone who simply possesses knowledge of more than one language.

When choosing a professional translation service, make certain that it is not only fluent in the required languages, but also familiar with the proper terms and context of the document that will be translated. For example, documents like contracts require a translator with an understanding of legal terminology (and if that contract has multiple references to snow, and you can find an Eskimo lawyer, all the better). A superior knowledge of the type of language used on the documents to be translated will result in a more accurate translation.