With French being one of the most spoken languages, its importance in the business world is evident. Many enterprises are opting for French translations services to get a-hold of their products among French customers residing all over the world. Apart from the business world, the French language is very much significant in the literature as well. A language which is called an international language of reference has established its roots deep in the European countries and is the working language of the United Nations. These reasons are enough for making enterprises interested in translating their websites in French. While there are 27 countries with French as an official language, there is no escaping from the fact that entering the global market will be much easier with the coherent French language. While French is important, the content available online in French is less than 10%, the reason being challenged that the brands face translating English to French.
The challenges that can be faced in English to French translation and their best solutions are:
1. Variation in the French language
The French spoken in different parts of the world are different. That makes French to English translation difficult as there are different grammar, cultures, and customs.
Solution:
To solve the difficulties in translation due to variation, you shall first learn the appropriate form of French they use over there and translate accordingly. That way, audiences will appreciate the translation and won't be confused in any way whatsoever.
2. Lengthy sentences
The sentences in French are rather lengthy than English which translates an issue at times. Word to word translation is not possible where lengths of sentences do not match.
Solution:
For translating the lengthy sentences into something shorter, professional French translation services can do that for you by giving the gist of the sentence without hampering the impact of the content.
3. Different grammar styles
English and French have different language origins. English and French have different syntax, different rules for nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Nouns and adjectives tend to change in French concerning gender while that doesn’t happen in English.
Solution:
Native translators very well understand the grammar difference and hence, will pay attention to them making translation error-free.
4. False Cognates
Both the French and English languages have a substantial effect on each other. There are several similar words in both languages. But there are also the words that appear to be similar but are quite different when it leads to translation.
Solution:
Going for the translators that are well-versed in the vocabulary of both the languages can well differentiate making the content translation accurate.
5. Pragmatic Differences
The matters that need translation are never the same. Infomercials, websites, and legal documents are all different and their translation shall also sound different to the recipient or readers. Confusion might arise as to where to be formal and where to be informal.
Solution:
An experienced translator who knows the consequences of mixing formal with informal language during translation shall be handed over with the work.