The Importance of Common Sense in the Translation Process

During the translation process, translators are required not only to convert between various languages but also to ensure that the original information retains its meaning and that the tone and mood are consistent with the source text. This means that translators must carefully consider their word choices and select the most appropriate translation methods. For experienced translators, the common sense accumulated over years of work is often sufficient to help them handle most situations. In contrast, novice translators need extensive and prolonged practice to develop a sense of language and accumulate common sense.

Common sense, derived from life experience as a form of practical judgment, can assist translators in completing translations quickly and accurately, making the translated text vivid and in line with the stylistic conventions of another language.

Common sense encompasses a variety of types, such as knowledge of national capitals, geographical distribution, and social customs, which are relatively straightforward in translation and the easiest to master. In addition to these, vocabulary collocations, proper nouns, and emerging terms are areas that require extra attention from translators.

English contains many technical terms, professional nouns, and fixed expressions, as well as some fixed usages and obscure meanings of words. Misunderstanding phrases in a sentence can, in severe cases, lead to fundamental errors in the translation of the entire sentence. For example, consider the original sentence: "He is experienced in handling letters and visits from the masses."

Initial translation: "He is skilled at dealing with correspondence and visits from the public."

In terms of meaning, this translation aligns with the original text and is a typical literal translation. However, from the perspective of Chinese context, the translation seems somewhat rigid and not quite natural. In fact, dealing with correspondence and visits from the public refers to handling petitions and visits, which is a matter of common sense. Therefore, translating it as "He is adept at handling petitions and visits" is a more concise and idiomatic expression.

Translation must be grounded in real life. Different languages emerge from different cultural backgrounds, and people in different language cultures live in different environments. An excellent translator must consider the cultures behind the two languages and adjust the translation according to the actual application context and common sense. Moreover, translators need to maintain keen insight and keep abreast of current affairs and new vocabulary in their field of work to ensure they can quickly discern during translation.

Common sense in translation does not only mean unchanging knowledge but also implies the personal experience accumulated over continuous translation work. Gaining experience in practice and applying it back to practice, one can improve their translation skills and the quality of their translations through constant exercise. This is the significance of mastering common sense in translation.

◀️：The Importance of Common Sense in Translation

▶️：Context and Word Meaning Selection