Translation refers to the rendering of different types of content from one language to another, resulting in fully adapted or edited output. Translation has traditionally been referred to as converting text from one language into another. But it has since been broadened to include translating text to other formats such as software, videos, and other multimedia content.
Different types of translations exist:
- institutional/legal translation
- post-edited machine translation
- audiovisual translation
Other types of translation also exist, like medical, technical and literary translation.
Institutional translation takes place in public institutions, both national and international. It often involves multilingual operations and is governed by translation policies and institutional operations. Here, translation is usually standardised, with style guides and certain tools being used, with an emphasis on stylistic consistency.
A translator in an institution deals mainly with legal translation, with texts from, e.g. technical, agricultural and financial fields.
The European Commission’s DG for Translation is one of the world’s largest institutional translation bodies with over 2 500 linguists and support staff. The Commission proposes legislation on different areas and produces translations in all EU official languages.