What is Journalistic Translation and its challenges?

The volume of information circulating globally is huge. The news transcends borders. 

Currently, thanks to Journalistic Translation, we can be informed (and be devastated) by the conflicts between Israel-Palestine in the Gaza Strip, and the Russian-Ukraine war, for instance. 

We can also watch the World Cup, The Olympics, and other positive news about science, art, and social issues.

Usually, international news is handled by communication agencies and sent to various media in different countries. Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, EFE, ANSA and DPA are examples of these well-known agencies.

But journalistic translation is not only in the hands of agencies. Facts of international relevance, such as the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, can receive different interpretations by the media from the UK or Brazil. And we are still talking about journalistic translation.

What is Journalistic Translation?‍

Journalistic Translation is the task of translating journalistic facts (including all related content: text, images, videos, etc). 

It involves, at first, trying to maintain the essence, tone, and context of the original message. But in practice, what we see is not so straightforward. 

Translators in this field face unique challenges that require a blend of linguistic skills, cultural knowledge, and ethical sensitivity. The principles that govern journalism rely on the ethical standards of its professionals. 

Is there a journalist-translator?

According to Dr. Meta Elisabeth Zipser, associate professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC (Brazil), in her article “Translating news – The possibilities of translation” (from portuguese “Traduzindo notícias – As possibilidades da tradução”), most media opt for a bilingual or polyglot journalist rather than hiring a translator just to translate the text content. 

According to the same article, the translator and the journalist act as mediators between the sender and receive, when this mediation is necessary to intercultural communication. 

Interculturality is an important concept in translation for journalism. The journalist must bring the facts closer to readers who are culturally or geographically distant.

There is not only a source text; there is a source fact or generating fact that constitutes the news itself, which should be translated.

What principles should journalistic translated adhere to? Are they the same as journalism in general? Let 's examine that.

5 Principles of News and Interface with Journalistic Translation‍

1. Impartiality

The impartiality is part of the journalism theory. It means informing without taking a side on the subject. The media must present the truth in an “unbiased” method. 

But on a practical basis, this doesn't work exactly like that. The choices of how to translate a fact are never completely neutral, and the presence of the journalist as a story-teller is growing.

2. Fidelity
   

News articles are often packed with facts, figures, quotes, and intricate details. A translator must meticulously preserve these elements to avoid misinforming the audience. 

A mistranslation of a political statement or a misinterpretation of statistical data can have significant consequences, affecting public opinion and potentially international relations. 

Furthermore, the journalist-translator still faces editorial limitations. In other words, there is a need to inform according to the editorial line of the media outlet for which the professional works.

3. Objectivity

How can one balance objectivity and sensitivity? This is especially pertinent when translating content related to delicate topics.

Translating news about a contentious political issue, such as international conflicts, requires careful handling to avoid inflaming tensions or offending readers. 

This again relates to impartiality. The translator's role is to remain neutral, presenting the facts as they are while being aware of the socio-political climate of the target audience. 

At the same time, it’s also necessary to have sensitivity to adapt the focus so that the generating fact works culturally for your readership.

4. Tight deadlines
   

Anyone who has never entered a newspaper office should try entering one for the first time. 

What does it look like? Low ceilings and lights, lots of computers, TVs, and people sweating to deliver content on time. Writing, editing. Everything is fast, rushed, especially if it's near closing time. You must have heard the voice: The deadline is running out!

News is time-sensitive, and delays can render a story irrelevant. 

Translators in the journalistic field must be adept at working efficiently without compromising on quality.
Producing accurate and culturally sensitive translations quickly, often with limited time for thorough research and revision, can be challenging.

This explains the journalist-translator, a multifaceted professional. Translators are generally already part of newspaper office routine, so they are updated on current events and familiarizing with common terminology in advance.

1. Ethical consideration

Last but not least, ethics is the number 1 concept in journalism courses and it permeates the professional path.

Truthfulness, transparency, and respect for the original content are especially important in this field. This involves avoiding alterations that could misrepresent the source material and being transparent about any changes made for clarity or cultural adaptation.

Translators must also respect copyright laws and ensure the accuracy of the sources. 

How to guarantee good news to diverse readership?

Culture plays a crucial role in how news is perceived and understood. What may be considered a straightforward report in one country might be interpreted differently in another due to cultural differences. 

Culture is where the translation-journalism interface takes shape. 

Translation and journalism work from different perspectives, but these fields enrich each other. 

In short, we can note controversial paths in the work of journalistic translation. On one hand, the requirement of principles as impartiality, objectivity, and tight deadlines. On the other hand, there is the need to adapt content culturally, with sensitivity and attention.

There are different approaches to the same news event. Journalistic translators must navigate these cultural nuances to ensure the message is appropriately localized for  the target audience.

References:

ZIPSER, Drª. Meta Elisabeth; POLCHLOPEK, Silvana Ayub. Traduzindo notícias – As possibilidades da tradução em meio jornalístico. Available at: http://inventario.ufba.br/06/pdf/Final_ZIPSER_rev.pdf (Portuguese version).