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The Art of Transcreation: Moving Beyond Literal Translation

by Dr. Abu Mazhar Khalid Siddique - May 09, 2024

What is transcreation?

The act of converting a message from one language to another while preserving its intent, style, tone, and context is referred to as transcreation, which is a term that was formed from the words "translation" and "creation." This idea is utilized in the field of translation studies to define the process. When a communication is successfully transcreated, it is able to arouse the same feelings and have the same meanings in the destination language as it does in the language from which it originated.

The term "transcreation" refers to a hybrid of the languages of translation and creative writing. The process entails modifying the message of a source text so that it addresses the cultural subtleties and preferences of the audience that is being targeted. The context, tone, and intent of the original text are taken into consideration, and then the content is rewritten in a manner that is resonant with the audience that is being targeted.

Because the goal of marketing, advertising, and branding initiatives is to elicit a particular emotional response from the audience that is being targeted, transcreation is frequently employed in these types of campaigns. It is possible that a transcreated message does not employ the exact same words as the source text; nonetheless, it is able to transmit the same idea in a manner that is culturally relevant and engaging.

Other names for transcreation include creative translation, cross-market copywriting, international copy adaptation, marketing translation, internationalization, localization, and cultural adaptation. The term "transcreation" may also be used interchangeably with these others. It makes no difference whether word is used; the message remains the same.

 

THE TRANSCREATION PROCESS

This type of creative translation is intended to achieve the goal of expanding a company's market accessibility. However, a particular procedure is necessary in order to release its potential:

Research. At this point, you are prepared to get started because you have the marketing briefing in your possession and access to the objectives. Without a comprehensive understanding of the customer, the target audience, as well as their culture and language, it is impossible to achieve success successfully.

 

Preserving the essence. Following the collection of all relevant information, the message is subsequently adapted to target the specific audience. In spite of this, the creative message needs to be evaluated in relation to the client's vision, style, and objectives in order to preserve its essence. The next step is to choose linguistic tools that are appropriate for the language of the intended audience.

Transcreation. Creativity is crucial in this situation. The language must be able to transmit the message efficiently, and it is essential In terms of slogans, providing a variety of.

 

Competence in transcreation

If you want to get good outcomes with transcreation, you should seek out individuals who still have an understanding of how the creative process genuinely operates. The production of high-quality translations for high-profile content demands not only the translator to devote time and talent, but also to take care of the content and be dedicated to the process. In the event that the translator does not go the extra mile during the process of marketing translation, you can almost certainly anticipate that the client will provide feedback that is unfavorable.

In most cases, we are informed that the client has examined the translation and that "the majority of corrections are only preferential changes." Of course, they are; the customer would rather have a translation that is better and more fluid. That is all there is to understand! The pain that comes from literal translations in comparison to high-value target materials is exactly what they are pointing out. They are simply sticking the knife right where it hurts.

 

Transcreation: The Art of Creative Translation

A critical channel for overcoming linguistic boundaries is provided by the translation industry, which plays an important role in the intricate web of worldwide communication. Transcreation is a domain that extends beyond the simple act of converting words from one language to another. It is an elegant synthesis of linguistic expertise and cultural awareness. There is no possible way to overestimate the relevance of transcreation in today's hyperconnected world, as businesses compete with one another for attention among a cacophony of voices.

At its foundation, transcreation is not only about language accuracy; rather, it is about capturing the essence of a message and reframing it within the cultural context of the audience that is being targeted. It is necessary to have a sophisticated awareness of cultural nuances, colloquial expressions, and societal standards in order to guarantee that the content that is translated will resonate in an authentic manner with the audience that is supposed to benefit from it. By going beyond the literal limitations of translation, transcreation makes it possible for companies to establish genuine relationships with the demographic they are trying to reach, which in turn helps to cultivate trust, loyalty, and engagement.

In essence, transcreation is the bridge that bridges the gap between different languages, cultures, and beliefs. It makes it possible for people to have true conversations with one another and helps bring about mutual understanding. It is a demonstration of the transforming power of language, in which words cease to be merely containers of meaning and instead become channels through which empathy, connection, and shared experience can be conveyed. Transcreation is becoming a vital tool for businesses as they negotiate the complicated terrain of global marketplaces. It enables businesses to effectively communicate their brand narrative and forge long-lasting relationships with a wide variety of people all over the world.

 

What is the significance of transcreation?

Because it enables businesses to establish a more profound connection with the people they are trying to reach, transcreation is an essential practice. It is not sufficient to merely translate a message from one language to another; the message must also resonate with the cultural subtleties of the audience that it is intended for. Particularly crucial in situations when the goal is to establish a powerful emotional connection with the audience is the fact that this is the case.

The fact that transcreation assists businesses in avoiding cultural gaffes is another reason why it is essential. It is possible that something that is accepted in one culture is not acceptable in another society. It is possible for a straightforward translation mistake to result in unanticipated effects and to do harm to the reputation of a corporation. It is through the process of transcreation that the information is not only accurately communicated but also suitable for the culture in question.

 

How is Transcreation Different from Translation?

A communication is translated when it is rendered from one language to another while preserving its original meaning. Translation is the process of translating a message. The original text has been converted in a manner that is substantially literal. Transcreation, on the other hand, is a more creative process that entails customizing the message to the cultural subtleties and preferences of the audience that is being targeted. It necessitates a more in-depth comprehension of the target audience as well as the cultural preferences of that audience. It is not a literal conversion of the source text; rather, it is a reproduction of the message in a style that is engaging and relevant to the culture in which it was first written.

 

The Significance of Transcreation in Advertising and Marketing

Companies of all kinds are presented with a plethora of commercial prospects as a result of globalization; nevertheless, in order to capitalize on these chances, language and cultural adaptation is required.

The result of this is that texts are no longer written exclusively for a particular audience; rather, they now have a wider reach across a variety of locations, cultures, and languages. It is now quite evident that merely translating marketing texts is not sufficient to meet the requirements. Beyond that, you need to go further. How come?

Due to the fact that literal translations do not possess the effectiveness that is necessary for effectively promoting items or services. In order to be persuasive and to resonate with the nuances of their target audience, texts used in advertising, art, and marketing must be persuasive.

Discovering the appropriate message is necessary if you wish to accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself and leave a significant impression on prospective clients. Within the scope of this discussion, transcreation is an essential instrument for breaking into various markets. It takes things a step further, going beyond literal translation, with the intention of evoking feelings and connecting with customers instead.

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