| Pages in topic: < [1 2] | Poll: Do you convert the currency when translating? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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| Very much depends on document and target | May 31, 2012 |
In essence, if the intended reader is likely to have an understanding of (the value of) the figures involved without conversion, don't bother. If they won't or might not, then you could ADD (not replace) a rounded conversion in brackets, which for an ephemeral document probably won't need any further comment, but might require "as at" + date or similar for a document that might be read many years hence.
In terms of euros and US dollars, yeah, probably not needed that often. But if y... See more In essence, if the intended reader is likely to have an understanding of (the value of) the figures involved without conversion, don't bother. If they won't or might not, then you could ADD (not replace) a rounded conversion in brackets, which for an ephemeral document probably won't need any further comment, but might require "as at" + date or similar for a document that might be read many years hence.
In terms of euros and US dollars, yeah, probably not needed that often. But if you're translating a previously domestic-use only document for, say, a UK reader, from say, Columbia or the Ivory Coast, then I suspect I would consider it (either checking with client first or notifying afterwards - it's easily removed). The Columbians and Ivorians no doubt know how much 10,000 Columbian pesos or CFA francs are worth - how many of us can say the same? So why not facilitate understanding, which is, after all, the name of the game
And there are clearly situations when any interference at all would be a mistake.
And in any event, it would only ever be an addition not a replacement (unless perhaps I were localising prices on a website, say).
So yup, arguably a "non-issue", but only insofar as common sense should tell you what is needed most of the time, and not because there is absolutely nothing to discuss.
(Edit make a little less dogmatic )
[Edited at 2012-05-31 15:39 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Mark Hamlen 
France
Local time: 04:48
French to English
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| What a strange question | May 31, 2012 |
I normally translate legal documents. The currency is part of the agreement and if it is changed, then it would be subject to negotiations to agree on the exchange rate. I can't imagine where the translator would change the currency. I read translated books, too, and the last mystery was translated from Danish but the money was still in Danish Krone.
I'm curious when a translator might change the currency.
| | | | Anthony Baldwin
United States
Local time: 22:48
Portuguese to English
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Angus Stewart wrote:
I never convert the currency when translating, as I consider that it is outwith my role as translator to do so. As a legal translator, I translate a lot of contracts. These contracts contain obligations to pay specific amounts, which require to be paid in a specific currency. Accordingly, if I were to convert the currency I would be meddling with the underlying legal relationship between the contracting parties and thereby providing an inaccurate translation.
Exchange rates have a tendency to fluctuate over time and currencies can even be devalued. Therefore it is vital to retain the original currency in the target text, since it is for the contracting parties to decide how to allocate this risk between themselves.
This is precisely my position on the matter.
I translate contracts, court briefs, patent materials, licitation materials.
It is good to see another professional express the same position.
| | | | | Localisation? | May 31, 2012 |
Mark Hamlen wrote:
I'm curious when a translator might change the currency.
Website localisation?
'course, mebbe you'd consider that different from translation, which is a different discussion, but a "translator" might still be the one doing it
What about sales materials, then? Prices of stuff people might buy, is, I suppose, the general category I'm groping for here
(That is "change" in the sense of "replace", rather than adding info that the reader might find helpful.)
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| could constitute change in meaning! | May 31, 2012 |
I do a lot of financial translations, where various currencies are used, and unless specifically asked to convert, changing the currency could be considered a change of meaning. In many cases, the currency is key to the document itself, and should absolutely not be changed, unless specifically directed by the client.
| | | | Mario Chavez (X)
Local time: 22:48
English to Spanish
+ ...
| No on currency conversion | May 31, 2012 |
Actually, I never had to do a currency conversion on my translations, not even in financial texts. Measurement conversions (from Imperial to metric, or vice versa) is a different animal entirely.
| | | | Michael Harris
Germany
Local time: 04:48
Member (2006)
German to English
José Henrique Lamensdorf wrote:
neilmac wrote:
That's up to the client.
The same applies to measurement units.
| | | | Muriel Vasconcellos (X)
United States
Local time: 19:48
Spanish to English
+ ...
| Depends on the context | Jun 1, 2012 |
I'm surprised at all the "no's"! As it was pointed out earlier, it depends on the context. In an informal text for popular consumption, I may either do the conversion directly or add "the equivalent of xxx (in 20xx dollars)." However, I would only do it if the time frame is clear, so that the exchange rate applies to the date in question.
I'm not at all impressed by this "I don't do windows" attitude, which I noticed also came up in connection with a recent discussion about translat... See more I'm surprised at all the "no's"! As it was pointed out earlier, it depends on the context. In an informal text for popular consumption, I may either do the conversion directly or add "the equivalent of xxx (in 20xx dollars)." However, I would only do it if the time frame is clear, so that the exchange rate applies to the date in question.
I'm not at all impressed by this "I don't do windows" attitude, which I noticed also came up in connection with a recent discussion about translating abbreviations. A true professional does what the situation requires (or else doesn't accept the work).
[Edited at 2012-06-01 03:09 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Kay Denney
France
Local time: 04:48
French to English
| "I don't do windows" | Jun 1, 2012 |
Muriel Vasconcellos wrote:
I'm surprised at all the "no's"! As it was pointed out earlier, it depends on the context. In an informal text for popular consumption, I may either do the conversion directly or add "the equivalent of xxx (in 20xx dollars)." However, I would only do it if the time frame is clear, so that the exchange rate applies to the date in question.
I'm not at all impressed by this "I don't do windows" attitude, which I noticed also came up in connection with a recent discussion about translating abbreviations. A true professional does what the situation requires (or else doesn't accept the work).
[Edited at 2012-06-01 03:09 GMT]
I agree completely. If the target audience doesn't know about the currency or measurement or abbreviation then it's helpful to fill them in.
I didn't see the discussion about abbreviations but am similarly amazed at those who don't bother to translate them. I actually have an "acronyms glossary" where I shove the official acronyms I come across, and my best solutions for those that don't have official translations. I really don't see the point of translating a text if you leave crucial information like the name of an organisation in the source language!
When I had to translate an answering machine message, I wrote the numbers out in full
"Our offices are open from nine ay em to six pee em gee em tee plus one" so the "bilingual" secretary would know exactly what to say. Everybody was amazed that I went to so much trouble, but I knew there would be trouble if I wrote 9.00 am GMT+1 as I would if it were merely for printing purposes.
| | | | Haluk Levent Aka (X)
Local time: 06:48
Japanese to Turkish
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I'm quite sure that it would be totally inappropriate to convert currencies. Not my job... Also, based on what am I to convert them? I can understand converting imperial in to metric and vice versa (even than, in parentheses preferably) but FX rates fluctuate.
A translator converting currencies sounds a bit like a pharmacist diagnosing sick people... Not my job... Not my problem. -unless customer asks specifically and tells me the basis for the conversion (i.e. based on Central Bank... See more I'm quite sure that it would be totally inappropriate to convert currencies. Not my job... Also, based on what am I to convert them? I can understand converting imperial in to metric and vice versa (even than, in parentheses preferably) but FX rates fluctuate.
A translator converting currencies sounds a bit like a pharmacist diagnosing sick people... Not my job... Not my problem. -unless customer asks specifically and tells me the basis for the conversion (i.e. based on Central Bank of XXX Selling rate for June 3, 2012 etc.)
[Edited at 2012-06-02 21:27 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Interlangue (X)
Angola
Local time: 04:48
English to French
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