“100% native translators have what is referred to as the mother tongue advantage in the world of professional translation services. The mother tongue advantage confers 100% native translators certain benefits.”
The Scramble for 100% Native Translators
The preponderance of ‘native-only’ clauses in job proposals relating to language indicates
that many people prefer using native speakers to conduct writing and translation projects. In the world of translation, these native speakers are quite bluntly referred to as 100% native translators. 100% native translators are those translators whose primary or parent language is the one contained in the source document or text to be translated. So why opt for 100% native translators as opposed to the non-native translators?
The Mother Tongue Advantage of 100% Native Translators
100% native translators have what is referred to as the mother tongue advantage in the world of professional translation services. The mother tongue advantage confers 100% native translators certain benefits. The benefits inherent in the mother tongue advantage include greater fluidity in communication, better cultural sensitivity, correct spelling and phrasing, effectiveness in localization and proper grammar usage.
Fluidity in communication by 100% Native Translators
Fluidity in communication is a mother tongue advantage that 100% native translators enjoy. This is because they have grown up speaking the language for several years. They are therefore in a better position to convince, make jokes and charm in a fluid manner. Most of the non-native speakers are excellent in word-for-word translation. Unfortunately, word-for-word translation does not achieve fluidity. Therefore, 100% native translators are better placed to achieve fluidity.
Better Cultural Sensitivity of 100% Native Translators
Culture refers to the way of life of a people. Different people have different cultures. Some people find making certain jokes funny while other do not. Some people perceive certain gestures to be offensive while others perceive them to be respectful. 100% native translators are in a better position to be aware of the cultural dynamics of his or her fellow native speakers of the language in question than non-native speakers.
Correct Spelling by 100% Native Translators
Spelling is a very delicate matter to most people especially those in the academic quarters. Chances are non-native speakers would not know how to spell a majority of words in the language concerned. 100% native translators on the other hand have been brought up using and seeing the words over a lifetime. Some even emerged victorious in spelling bees during their school days. 100% native translators are therefore the safe bet when one seeks to have a translation with zero spelling mistakes.
Effectiveness in Localization achieved by 100% Native Translators
Localization service refers to adapting language to the local audience concerned. This could be by way of replacing certain words with the preferred word of the local audience. 100% native translators are better placed to achieve effective localization as they are part of the local audience.
Proper Grammar Usage by 100% Native Translators
Grammar is an aspect of a language that takes years to master completely. It is very likely that non-native language translators have been exposed to the language for a few months or years. They are therefore not well acquainted with all the grammatical rules in their entirety. 100% native translators are very likely to be well versed in the grammar of their mother tongue.
