Tagalog to English Translation
A Way to Edit

Your Tagalog to English Translation begins once you hire a back translator. More than checking spelling, grammar, and punctuation which are more the proofreader's job, the back translator's task is to give the literal equivalent in English of the Tagalog translation and then compare it with the source text. The back translator submits a back translation that confirms your fear - the translation is unsatisfactory because it is either too literal (so stilted) or too dynamic (taking liberties). You are convinced that the translation is lacking, and you begin scouting for a new translator.

Other translation issues may crop up after back translation. The non-native speaker you hire to translate doesn't have a clue on affixations (usually relative to a region). Or, the translation is Taglish. Maybe you will find out that the translator in Tagalog merely approximated the meanings instead of consulting the dictionary. Or you discover many glaring problems in diction (inconsistency in the language).

Hopefully, the Tagalog to English Translation will also suggest some fixes. In order to do this, the back translator may wear another hat, that of an editor.

Ensuring a Faithful Translation

The keyword here is "faithful." Particularly in subtitling where language doesn't have the luxury of character space, the editor must be certain of the unnecessary words to be deleted, but without subtracting from the meaning. Tagalog is always half longer than English. This presents a challenge - how to decisively cut yet retain the essence of the source text.

Checking the Idiomatic Flow

Here, Idiomatic means how the word/phrase/sentence is actually said or expressed in a locality/province/region/island where Tagalog is widely spoken. Obviously, the editor must know what words go together. Sometimes, because of a total lack of exact equivalent, the translator invents words. The editor must be aware when an invention is necessary and when it is plain indulgence on the part of the translator. The editor must listen to the words, and apply his own "ear" and recall their common occurrences.

Retaining Emphasis and Tone

While English is mostly subject/verb/object pattern, Tagalog is more naturally the reverse - verb/subject/object. The active voice in English is preferred in good writing. But sometimes, the voice is deliberately passive to emphasize certain parts of the written expression. The editor must see to it that the translation retains or captures the emphasis.

Last words for this crucial step in translation
Not only must back translators and editors meet their client's specifications, but they must also care that the targeted Tagalog readers will find the material useful.

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