It is generally accepted that a native speaker is a person for whom the language is native, he/she uses it in all spheres of life, knows the basic norms well, understands and uses the modern and cultural context.
If we are talking about translations of texts or oral speech, then any translator knows at least 2 languages at a high level. In this case, one of them will be a native language. For bilinguals, this may be several languages. In simple words, when a translator translates a text from a foreign language into his/her native language, such a translation can be considered to be done by a native speaker.
What is the difference between translation by a native speaker?
When you hear a foreigner speaking Ukrainian, and the person was not born in our country, has not lived here for many years, you can hear that something is wrong in his words. It is not even a matter of accent. There may not be any obvious mistakes in speech.
The same can happen when translating texts, when the service is provided by a linguist for whom the language is not his native language. In these cases, a native speaker is contacted.
Advantages of working with a native-speaker translator:
- Larger vocabulary. Such a specialist will easily select synonyms, will be able to find harmonious analogues of set expressions, which is good for fiction texts, marketing materials, speech scripts, website localization, etc.
- The translator will be able to catch the smallest nuances and shades in the text, competently convey them to the end reader, consumer, listener. Such work helps to eliminate misunderstandings.
- Such a specialist is in the context of events, cultural trends, fashion - everything that is currently relevant in his country. Therefore, the translation will correspond to the modern agenda.
We learn our native language throughout our lives, but we perceive many things intuitively. Therefore, it is much easier and faster for a native speaker to find the right word, to convey relevant information in an accessible format.
Also, don't forget about the cultural context that influences the presentation of material in oral and written form. This is especially important when the text is addressed to a specific target audience.
If you are entering a new market, you need the trust of new partners, potential clients. If your texts, translations look unnatural, this can push away, show you as unprofessional. Therefore, a native translator can correct this situation.
In what situations can you use the services of a translator who is not a native speaker?
In fact, there is no strict requirement or standard that translations should only be done by a person for whom one of the target languages is native. A professional translator who is not a native speaker can handle certain types of texts at a high level.
A non-native speaker can be a translator in the following situations:
- Translation from rare languages is needed. In such cases, it is difficult to find a professional translator who is a native speaker. It is much better if the service is provided by a professional linguist, and not just a person who has spoken this language since birth.
- Industry translations. Technical, medical, legal and financial texts should be translated by translators with this specialization. What is important here is the precise translation of professional terms, not the selection of synonyms.
- Translation of documents. For example, you need to translate a birth certificate or a diploma of higher education. Such services are performed according to clear standards, so a specialist who works in this area will cope with this task.
In addition, in our Agency, written translations are always double-checked, including by an editor. Any errors and inaccuracies are identified at these stages. If necessary, non-native translators can consult with colleagues who will help adapt complex parts of the text taking into account the cultural context.
