When it comes to Arabic translation, there is a common misconception that Arabic sentences are always longer than their English translation. This case of so-called text expansion does happen when it comes to Arabic translation, but it is not always the case. The question now is: what should our standard metric really be when judging the quality of translation into Arabic, or other languages for that matter?
First, look for accuracy. Make sure that the Arabic translation is neither shorter nor longer than the length of the font. We are not talking about the word count of the document here, but rather the message itself, the main text, and the sub-points of the article. The task of the translator is only to translate the document into a completely new language. There is little to no room for creativity here. Sometimes the author of the document is actually the client, and in this example, the author is likely to make the final decisions.
However, switching from one natural language to another is never simply a matter of composing one-for-one replacements. Cultural and location factors must always be considered. Clients should make the most of the translator’s knowledge of how different expressions can be used to express the same thoughts in Arabic translation. Making use of the alternatives could help the client’s message reach the target audience in a more effective way.
Second, check the grammar and structure. The work of any Arabic translator will never be considered satisfactory if the structure, as well as the grammar, are used incorrectly. For translators, there is always the technical challenge of the difference between structural accuracy and the true meaning of the text. This could lead to misjudgment about the use of adverbs and the proper placement of adjectives. Consider how the passive and active voices might weaken or strengthen the impact of each statement. An example is that of structural considerations that could alter the message. A good translation agency will do its best to fix these issues before delivering the final version of the translation to its clients. On the other hand, the client must be able to evaluate the translations carried out. Basic knowledge of the language is essential.
Last, but definitely not least, consider the style and language. These are more subjective topics, where translators actually have more control. However, this could also mean more traps to fall into. An example of a cheat is being inappropriately creative when translating into Arabic. The Arabic language has its own classical and modern modes, as well as colloquial varieties. There is the big question when translating whether the agency should preserve the font style or just use their own style. If the font style is already good, it’s better to keep it. Basically, this could make the entire Arabic translation process more stable.