I've been thinking a lot about how people translate stories lately. Everyone has their own approach to translation. It's not just how we translate something, but how we treat it; It is the process from being assigned a job to its completion. So this is one of my translation processes. Specifically the process of translating my manga.
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Step One: Plan the Process!
+ Step two: Read the manga (more than one volume if possible in less than 1 day). Take notes on key terms (start a glossary)
+ Step three: (Re-) Read the instructions again!
+ Step four: First draft
- Format -> Translate (page by page)
- Highlight uncertain segments (two colors)
- Fill in the glossary
Step Five: Editing (Second Draft)
- Test in Japanese
- Polished lines (accurately reflect Japanese, keep them brief)
- Edit the glossary as needed
+ Step six: Proofreading (Final Draft)- Only re-reading English
+ Step seven: Submit the manuscript
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Specific Process 7 Steps to Translate Manga.
+ Step 1: Plan the process!
This is an important step that helps me maintain work-life balance. (At least in theory...)
I will calculate how many pages a day I need to translate if I work five days a week until the deadline. I try to give myself the first time to read the manga and create the glossary, then the last time to edit and proofread.
For example, I received a 160-page manga that will release in 4 weeks, aka 20 days.
I like to give myself time to read the manga first (although I usually do this in my spare time before finishing another translation.) I also want five days to edit and proofread. So I have 15 days, which is 10,6 pages a day. However I often have a problem (due to various reasons), I'll round up then add an extra page, so I try to aim to translate 12 pages per day.
This is often easier said than done as the ease of translation depends on the project. (For example, if a manga story requires a lot of research, it will take longer.)
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+ Step 2: Read manga
My first step is always to read manga books. I know not everyone does this, but I've found that reading the manga (and if possible, a few volumes) before translating helps me in the long run. It gives me a better sense of the character's voice, of frequently used terms, and hints for any cues.
During this stage, I make notes on paper of terms and character names, and possible translations. Sometimes I even take notes to look up if there's something that could be a reference. (You may come across a manga that feels like it could serve as a reference, especially if the manga is a comedy.)
I really enjoyed buying a physical copy of the manga during this period. But I also bought a digital copy from Bookwalker to use as I translate. (Both copies count as business expenses! Wow!)
+ Step 3: (Re-) Read the instructions again!
Even when I'm translating a manga for a client I've worked with, I'd still like to read the style guide before I start translating. (Or at least I should do it more often.)
I try to request an updated style guide before starting. At least if it's been a few months to a year since I last received it. But not all clients contact me with up-to-date style instructions. (This could be because they don't have an update, or it could be because they forgot to reply.)
+ Step 4: First draft
For the translation phase, I would have the digital copy of the manga on one half of the screen, the translated word in the other half, then the Internet would open on the third. The internet window will usually be available:
- Several dictionaries (jisho.org and ejje.weblio)
- Thesaurus.com
- SFX reference (such as jadednetwork)
- A few Google tabs to research
There are several ways to approach the first draft, but what I do is write down the formatting of a page before I start translating. This means writing down the speaker, narration, SFX, etc. on that page (how this is laid out depends on the style guide).
Then I will translate the page, filling in the gaps. I will also add the translator's note with “TN:” in the comments. This is for reference (of other things), jokes or translations that I really don't want them to change and why.
I like to write down the formatting then translate because it allows me to focus on the flow of text throughout the page. If I write down the speaker etc as I translate, it can interrupt that flow leading to unnatural dialogue. It also allows me to get everything on the page. Sometimes I still miss minor SFX or subs, but this helps me to catch 99.9% of them.
(However, I know some translators who prefer to translate everything first and then put in the format. This similarly allows them to focus on the translation flow. Adding the latter gives them a chance to choose whatever they want. missed and a good chance for a second draft.)
This first draft is also where I include key terms in my glossary. I usually separate the glossary into “terms” “characters” and “SFX”. This doesn't mean just taking Japanese and English spelling notes, but adding any comments, links to references, and images as needed.
I will also highlight the segments of the translation that I want to return to Yellow for “double check in Japanese” and blue for “double check in English”.
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+ Step 5: Edit (Second Draft)
I find it helps me start editing after a break. At least a good night's sleep. It was because I needed to go from writing to editing. For me, editing meant rereading each page and focusing on the Japanese part of the translation. Especially the segments I've highlighted in yellow because I'm not sure what's going on.
If I change any key terms during this period, I'll make sure it shows up in the glossary. I'll try and finish editing in 3-4 days, dividing the manga into a third or a quarter.
+ Step 6: Proofreading (Final Draft)
This is separate from the editing phase as I won't be looking at Japanese at all. The focus here is on English. Is it like what an English speaker would say? Sounds like something the character would say? Will it fit the bubble (or can I shorten it)?
I try to read English aloud, but I admit I can't always read (especially if I'm in a hurry). Also, if I'm having a hard time proofreading, I use Word's text-to-audio feature. (I don't like doing this when there are multiple formats. I do this more with novels.). Also, since I didn't mention the Japanese source, this step takes even less time. That means 1-2 and a half days.
+ Step 7: Submit the manuscript
I'll make sure I'm sending the correct file before attaching it to the email. (By the way, I usually create a separate save file for each draft and back up all drafts and glossary just in case!) I should also submit the glossary at this point, I admit that I have forgot to send it many times.
Depending on the client and their system, I will either send the invoice with the translation or send it separately to their accounting department. Then I filled in my income/expenses excel with invoice number, sent date, amount, etc.
Then get the next project!
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Nguyen Trung Khang - Talented interpreter and translator, passionate about translation
Nguyen Trung Khang is a talented interpreter and translator, with many years of experience in the field of translation and linguistics. He graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, majoring in Linguistics in 2015.
After graduating, Mr. Khang participated in a professional interpretation and interpretation training course at the University of Foreign Languages - Hanoi National University. He achieved a high-level certificate in interpreting and interpreting, and was also awarded a master's degree in linguistics.