Syntax and Semantics
The translation is not just about converting your text from the original language into a desired foreign language. You need to know and obey the rules of language grammar in order to ensure the legitimacy of the original text.
A good translation is not about finding the equivalence of the original and target text but the correct usage of words to maintain the original context of the text. This is where syntax and semantics come into play.
Syntax
Syntax refers to the set of principles and rules in linguistics for comprehension. It is the process that governs how you are going to structure a sentence in any language. You can also say that syntax is responsible for defining the word order of the language. However, some syntax rules are common to all languages.
One of the fundamental roles of syntax is to define the sequence of usage of a subject, verb, and object in a sentence. Typically, it is the subject followed by a verb, and the object comes in the end. However, this sequence can change in any order according to each language.
A complex phrase structure may result in more derivations of the subject, verb, and object sequence. You can also say that syntax is primarily responsible for maintaining the grammatical integrity of your sentences.
Semantics
Semantics refers to the studying of references and meanings of the comprehension. It is responsible for addressing the meanings of the written text to the core of words, sentences, phrases, etc. Linguistics semantic can use different approaches to establish a relationship between the form of text and its meanings.
The syntax identifies all the properties of a sentence or phrase to reflect its true meanings by identifying the meaning of each word used. In terms of translation, this allows the linguists the flexibility to deal with subtle differences in words used in different languages.
If you know the semantics of the text you are about to translate, it does not matter which sequence of words you use for translation. The idea is to convey the accurate meaning of the original text into the target foreign language/s.
Syntax and Semantics and You
You probably understand how hard it must be for a translator to get the meaning right for each word and use the words with exact meanings in the target language. That is why we always recommend hiring services of a professional translation company to take care of your needs.
A single error in syntax and semantics can jeopardize the validity and legitimacy of your entire document. While many pieces of text may appear simple on the surface, they may be delivering a more profound message.
You may have come across several instances where a single word can mean multiple things and both make sense; however, only one is applicable in that particular scenario. Therefore, we understand the importance of each word and how one word can have a lot of nuance to what you want to convey to the reader.
Yes, there are some words and sentences with clear and literal meanings. However, others include figurative essence to make the text more than what it actually appears to be. If you are learning a language or skills to translate, you need to master the art of knowing the actual meaning behind each word and which one fits best.
The syntax and semantics that you are going to use will change the overall complexion, tone, style, and message of the original text.
Always Hire a Professional Translation Service
If you are an individual or a company looking for a technical translation service, you must hire a professional translation service to ensure the integrity and soul of your text. MIMIN can help you get your syntax and semantics right the first time.
Reference for further reading – https://books.google.com/books?id=xDSBaet2uSsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false