| DOs |
|
DON'Ts |
| Use your own style of
writing, but write in the language and terminology of the target
audience. |
|
Do not try to mimic
the author's style unless it can improve the content of his message. |
| Translate ideas, and
remain true to the author's intentions. |
|
Do not translate words
or even sentences, unless it contributes to the intended meaning
of the author |
| Eliminate redundancy
where emphasis is not clearly intended by the author. |
|
Author's often repeat
themselves, when intending no additional emphasis. Do not pass
an author's poor writing habits onto your target audience. |
| Eliminate unnecessary
and ambiguous language, if it does not contribute to the author's
intention or ideas. |
|
Do not make your target
audience suffer, because of the author's inability to express
himself clearly. |
| If you can improve on
the author's logic without contradicting his intended meaning,
then do so. |
|
Do not be afraid to
consult the author, when you are uncertain about his intended
meaning. |
| Know your author's intentions
and basic assumptions. |
|
Do not filter the author's
ideas with your own value judgments, and do not purposely incite
your target audience, unless it was the author's intention to
do so. |
|
In the end one must understand before one can translate. |