The vital role of translations in the museum sector
Translations play a crucial role in the museum industry as they help to make 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 accessible to a larger audience. Museums are often venues of education where people from different backgrounds and languages come together to learn about art, culture, history and science. A careful translation of museum texts can help to ensure that exhibitions and collections are 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 for every visitor, regardless of language or cultural background.
A main need for translations in the museum industry is the translation of 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 about the objects. This information may include the history, origin, meaning and artistic interpretation of the objects. Incorrect or inaccurate translations may result in visitors receiving incorrect or incomplete information, which can affect their understanding and appreciation of the objects.
Translations are also important to make 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 as well as interactive displays and digital content more accessible. Many museums offer audio guides that guide visitors through the exhibition and provide information about the objects. A professional translation of these guides is essential to ensure that every visitor receives equal information.
Translations in the museum sector play a significant role in ensuring that 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 can be reached. Professional translations help visitors better understand and appreciate the objects and content in the museums.
Impress international visitors with your professionally translated museum texts.
VocaZone has already translated numerous exhibitions from various museums.
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References
VocaZone specialises in the translation of museum and exhibition texts. We are proud to work with Stadtmuseum Aarau, among others.
Special characteristics of translations in the museum sector
Translating museum texts often requires a high 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 and a profound 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀. Some objects may have different meanings in different cultures, and it is vital to consider these meanings when translating. For example, religious symbols may have very different connotations in different cultures, which need to be taken into account. In addition, the 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 of art, history and culture can vary from country to country and from region to region. Therefore, when translating museum texts, translators must ensure that cultural subtleties are considered and that the translation is adapted to the specific needs and expectations of the target audience.
Another important aspect of museum text translation is the 𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Museum texts often contain a certain tone and language that need to be maintained to secure the authenticity and cultural context of the exhibition. Therefore, it is crucial to choose translators who are familiar with the industry’s language and who can preserve the tone and character of the original texts. Furthermore, attention must be paid to the 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 and cultural characteristics. Many of the objects in museums date back to past centuries and can have a specific language or vocabulary that may be difficult to understand. Accurate translation of technical terms is therefore crucial to ensure that the meaning of the objects and exhibitions is conveyed correctly.
Another challenge in translating museum texts is the balance between 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. Museum texts are often very detailed and complex, which can be difficult to understand. Translators must therefore ensure that the translation is precise and correct, but also easy to understand and appealing to the general public.
The translators working for 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲 specialise in these particularities of translations in the museum industry and have valuable background experience. We are happy to give advice about your translation project and provide you with a suitable translator. VocaZone works with a large network of specialist translators who can ensure that your international visitors have an 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺.
Your advantages with VocaZone
Quality
VocaZone works to the highest quality standards in accordance with ISO standard 17100 and with native-speaker translators. We always adhere to the highest quality standards and work according to the 4-eyes principle at all stages.
Value for money
Through our efficient translation processes, we offer affordable prices combined with high translation quality and optimised deadlines.
Customer focus
We offer our customers fast and reliable service because your satisfaction is our top priority. You will receive a quote from us within 24 hours with the guaranteed best offer for your language project. Your personal contact person supports you through each project.
Swiss service provider
VocaZone is an original Swiss translation agency. Among other things, we specialise in the distinctive features of the Swiss national languages and dialects. We work with Swiss translators, among others, who know the different dialects, Helvetisms and differences in vocabulary and grammar.
Frequently asked questions about translations in the museum sector
What costs should I expect for a translation in the museum industry from VocaZone?
Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered in a general way, as the price calculation depends on various individual factors. However, the price is calculated from the following factors: the number of words, language combination and deadline.
How is a translation’s deadline calculated?
Similar to the price calculation, several factors are included when determining the deadline. For this, we check the number of words and language combination as well as the translation service. Please feel free to ask us for a quote, in which we guarantee to inform you of the deadline.
In which format should the museum texts be sent?
There are various ways in which you can hand over the museum texts to us for translation. The easiest way is to send the texts in a Word or Excel document to us via email, to angebot@vocazone.ch. If you have questions about this, please contact our customer support.
Is a terminology list needed for translations in the museum sector?
You are welcome to send us a terminology list if you have one. This is helpful because we can use the terminology list to adhere to your museum’s communication style. We can also save this for future translation jobs.
What are the steps for a translation in the museum industry?
Step 1: You send us your museum texts by email or using the contact form. At this point, you can notify us about any specific wishes or information that we should take into account for the translation. For example, you can inform us about a particular tone or terminology that should be taken into account.
Step 2: In this step, we check your texts to find the right translator for your museum text translation. We select the appropriate expert based on their native language and expertise. These native-speaker translators have a strong connection with the target language and cultural context and can therefore successfully address your target audience. Thanks to our large network of over 250 translators, we can find the right language expert for your project.
Step 3: In this step, we will send you a suitable quote for the translation. With this quote, you will receive information about the price and deadline for the translation.
Step 4: Once we receive brief written confirmation, we begin with the translation. We ensure that your requirements are met and that previously expressed wishes are considered.
Step 5: Since we work according to the 4-eyes principle, a suitable proofreader checks the finished texts after translation. As soon as the review is finished, we will send you the completed job by email. If you would like us to make further adjustments, we will be happy to do so.
Chose VocaZone for a high-quality translation of your exhibition texts. VocaZone is a reliable partner for museums.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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