Quality of translations deteriorating_其他_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Quality of translations deteriorating

Translation used to be a serious academic endeavor but now it has become a heavily market-oriented industry, and one in great disorder.

Since China began to open itself to the outside world about 30 years ago, exchanges with foreign countries have been increasing dramatically. That posed a rising demand for translation of Chinese and foreign languages.

Companies specializing in translation cropped up in major cities. There are now about 3,000 translation companies registered with the industrial and commercial authorities. In addition, there are numerous unregistered organizations and individuals engaged in the business. It is reported that the business has developed into an industry with an annual output value of more than 20 billion yuan ($2.78 billion).

The industry, however, is running unbridled. A large number of small companies compete for clients offering low charges. To reduce their production costs, these companies employ sub-standard translators with low remuneration. The result is translations that leave a lot to be desired.

Translation services focus on three main categories. First, translated books published by regular publishing houses; second, technical documents imported from abroad and introduction of products or services Chinese firms offer to foreign clients; and third, publicity materials local governments print to promote international communications. Poor translations can be found in all three categories, especially in the latter two.