There are people who like to listen to songs regardless of what the language is. All that matters to them is the music and the feel. However, there are also people who are curious about the lyrics and their meaning, that is why the need for song translations arise.
Translating a song seems to be an easy task as songs usually have short lyrics and phrases. But, it is actually a serious and challenging task. There are many factors that a translator needs to consider while translating a song. It is not only about translation but also about the exact context, essence, and feelings. Moreover, there is also a problem of rhyme scheme owing to which the translation of the song is usually less literal or sensual. Although song translating platforms like translateasy.com have made things easier, if done manually, it is quite a difficult job.
Listed below are the prime aspects that must be taken care of while translating songs:
Keep the Context of Original Song Alive
The general translation tends to replace the original content of one language into the desired language. However, on the whole, there are many variables, rules, and options for translation. As for the translation of a song, there are special texts such as songs, poems, and proverbs, hence the literal translation of the songs is neither workable nor accepted.
Another important aspect is the context and subject of the song for which the clients must find a subject matter expert who holds expertise in this area. Here, the translator is required to work out ways that could convey the exact meaning of the lyrics. To do this, the translator must be able to adapt to the context of the song first. This is where the complications arise as the translator has to translate the songs into a language where cultural and historical references of the desired audience are involved. It is very important to consider and convey the intention of the song and its context.
Besides, other important aspects that need a translator’s consideration are:
- Faithfulness to the feel and sense of the original text
The translated content should be simple and easy to sing and must sync with the note values. However, singability does not only intend to make the translated lyrics fairly easy to sing but the right context of the song should also be rightly conveyed. Besides, there should be unity in text and composition among the lyrics.
Consider the Difference between A Poetic Translation and Word to Word Translation
The poetic translation is based on the original text and it intends to convey the overall essence and idea of the song or poem in language that does justice. But, the word to word translation is completely different from poetic translation as it defines each and every word accurately irrespective of the grammatical accuracy. And, this translation does not make any sense in the language it is being translated into.
It is recommended to use poetic translations to aid your word to word translation so you can know the structure and the idea of the poem to make a distinct literal translation.
How important it is for the translator to stay faithful to the Lyrics?
This aspect is quite similar to the previous aspect. The translator’s faithfulness to the original content depends upon the function. The functionality of song translation is very important. The translation is functional if it relates to the music and performance of the song in another language. However, faithfulness to the lyrics of songs should be flexible and variable. The translator must be able to decide on his own when and how much text approximation is needed to make the song complaint with the style of the conventions of the lyrics. Besides, other factors regarding music genre and the constraints like temporal, spatial, visual, and acoustic where the song has to function must be considered.
Format and Review
While translating a song, even subtle details like formatting and review are important! Formatting actually makes a huge difference in terms of comprehension. As for the review, it is recommended to have your work viewed and reviewed by an expert person in the field, as there is a probability that you might miss some errors.
Translating a song is in no way an easy job. If you want to know what a song in another language means, it’s best to use an online song translator that will do the job for you in no time!
Ways To Translate Lyrics Of Your Favorite Song
Music is a power that motivates you to discover different languages you aren’t aware of. It makes you mumble the lyrics in a language you don’t understand. It helps you feel the meaning without making you translate. Some songs may even push you on a way of learning a language just for the sake of understanding what the song actually means in the truest of its sense.
So, how can you translate a song that is in a language that you don’t understand? To your relief, here are the steps that would assist you in translating your favorite song:
Steps of Song Translation
Listen To The Song Repeatedly
Listen to the song that you wish to translate continuously, carefully, and attentively. You may be able to detect the phrases, which will boost you for the next step. You might even get a rough idea of what the lyrics mean or what is the mood or tone of the song. It might take some time but you will eventually be able to figure things out.
Find The Lyrics
With ‘Google translator,’ you can translate your favorite song into any language in a matter of seconds. Additionally, several websites and applications are also available, which help you in translating. However, one thing that you should stay away from is an existing translation. Never go through the existing translation available as it will make no sense.
At first, the whole text that you collected through a translator seems untranslatable. However, when you go through it repeatedly, few words will be easier to understand. After getting it over a few times, it’s time to highlight them. Also, you can use different coloring options to highlight it. For example, highlight the hard word with one color and familiar words with a different color.
Select A Phrase
You can start with any phrase based on your likings. But, we suggest you start with the introduction first. If you keep on switching phrases, you won’t do a great deal.
Recognize The Sentences
Quite a few songs don’t comprise of a comma or no full stop at all. Hence, recognize the large chunks with the same meaning, and include punctuation. It will lessen your confusion.
Proofread Your Translation
After you are done translating, try to proofread it 2-3 times. You will be able to recognize your mistakes during this step.
How Can You Translate a Song?
The above steps can be daunting and might frustrate you while the process is being carried out. Hence, we listed the easiest and quickest ways to translate the lyrics of your favorite song, listed as follows:
The Google translator aims to translate a whole phrase instead of a sentence. It can translate multiple forms of media, and you can opt for any of them. For instance, you can speak the phrase on the microphone at the top of your screen. As a result, it translates your phrase into your preferred language. Additionally, it is also available as an application for Android and iOS.
Several websites are available that lend a hand in translating the lyrics of your favorite song. These websites such as https://www.translateasy.com/en/top-lyrics are free and already acquire free translation of numerous songs.
For mobile phone users, several applications are available for download on the app store. You can download them for free. Once downloaded, you can include the lyrics of the song on the taskbar. Within seconds, it will display the lyrics of your favorite song in your targeted language.
Hire A Freelancer
This is the easiest and simplest option of all. However, it is not free. You have to pay a certain amount for this process. Once paid, they will do the job for you. However, this isn’t fun at all. Additionally, the internet is full of scams, so you never know which one to hire. The large volume available on the market makes it difficult to hire a freelancer.
Translating the lyrics of your favorite song is an overwhelming process. However, there are a few ways available that make the activity simpler, quicker, and fun. Choose the option that best suits you to enjoy a song in another language to the fullest!