A translator is someone who converts text from one language to another and is also known as an interpreter. Translators offer various services to help clients translate materials from a source language to a target language. For example, the service of translating from English (the source language) to Malay (the target language).

A professional translator refers to an individual who has made translation their career. Professional translators usually master two or more languages and have specialized areas of focus. They are also trained and recognized by translation bodies, such as the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM) and the Malaysian Translators Association (PPM).

What is Professional Translation?

Professional translation refers to the process of translating materials using deep knowledge, skills, and high ethical standards, carried out by trained translators. The outcome is a translation that meets quality standards and aligns with the cultural nuances of both languages.

Malay Translation Gateway, as an example of a professional translation institution, offers the following 5 services:

1) English to Malay Translation Service

This service helps translate various materials such as books, journals, academic articles, annual reports, financial statements, agreements, contracts, manuals, user guides, advertisements, brochures, flyers, website content, birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, educational certificates, learning modules, press releases, government policies, legal documents, surveys, official letters, emails, and more.
These materials must be translated carefully to ensure the message remains accurate and unchanged.

2) Editing Service

This service is provided to maintain the quality of translations. Key aspects considered by editors include:

  • The flow of the translation
  • Appropriateness to the context and local culture
  • Grammar and spelling accuracy
  • Clarity of the message being conveyed

Editing is crucial to ensure that the translated material uses the right terminology and is consistent, clear, and easy to understand for the target audience. It also ensures the tone and style of the language are suitable for the intended readers.

3) Transcreation Service

This service ensures that cultural, emotional, and value elements are maintained in the translated material. Transcreation is essential for producing translations that have a deep emotional and creative impact on the target audience.
It typically applies to marketing materials, scripts, promotional content, brand names, slogans, app content, websites, social media content, video games, blog articles, motivational content, etc.
This process helps with localization, ensuring the material resonates with local culture and context while appealing to the target audience.

4) Ghostwriting Service

A ghostwriter writes content on behalf of someone else or an organization, remaining anonymous to the public. Ghostwriters help individuals or organizations produce high-quality content while maintaining the original style and ideas of the content owner.
Ghostwriting services are commonly used for books or memoirs (biographies or autobiographies), media articles or columns, various genres of books, advertisements, brochures, marketing content, speeches, training modules, website content, blogs, social media posts, research or financial reports, scripts for TV programs or radio shows, surveys, emails, official letters, and more.

A collaboration between a ghostwriter and an individual or organization can enhance the effectiveness of writing and publishing high-quality content for target audiences.

5) Jawi Writing Service

Jawi writing uses the Jawi script, primarily for religious texts, Islamic history, culture, and Malay customs.
Examples of materials written in Jawi include religious books or scriptures, collections of prayers, greeting cards or letters for religious celebrations like Aidilfitri, Aidiladha, Maal Hijrah, and Maulidur Rasul, halal product catalogs, textbooks, historical and Islamic civilization content, literary works, calligraphy, speeches, wedding certificates, nasyid lyrics, academic papers, and more.
Jawi writing plays an important role in preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the Malay community and serves as a gateway to accessing the works of past scholars.


Other Services Offered by English to Malay Professional Translators

Professional English to Malay translators also provide the following services:

  • Website and Social Media Content Writing: Creating content in Malay for products and services from foreign countries originally written in English.
  • Rewriting Marketing Content, Articles, Blogs, and Website Content: Translating content from English websites to Malay for the target audience.
  • Subtitling for Videos, Films, and TV Programs: Providing subtitles for foreign videos or films in English, translated into Malay for the target audience.
  • Audio or Video Transcription: Transcribing audio or video content in English and translating it into Malay.
  • Software and App Localization: Translating user interfaces, buttons, menus, and messages to align with local language, culture, and norms. This also includes adjusting images and other elements for relevance and acceptance by the target audience.
  • Language and Terminology Consultation: Assisting in selecting appropriate terminology, especially in specialized fields like law, medicine, technical, and technology.
  • Language Training and Mentoring: Offering training and guidance on understanding the Malay language, local traditions, culture, literature, and traditional skills.
  • Certification and Translation Validation: Providing certification services for official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic certificates, and immigration-related documents.



Benefits of Using Professional Translation Services

Professional translators are capable of producing accurate, high-quality translations, going beyond literal translation.

  • They are always aware of current trends and can provide contemporary translations.
  • They understand both cultures and can blend nuances to create expressions that are easy to understand.
  • They follow a systematic management process, ensuring the timely delivery of translation projects.
  • They adhere to ethical standards, ensuring the confidentiality and security of client documents.
  • Working as a team, they can handle various types of materials and adapt them to meet the needs of the target audience.
  • Professional translators use advanced technology, like Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT), to improve translation efficiency, quality, and consistency.
  • They provide services tailored to meet clients' needs, whether for basic or value-added services.



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