French Translation Services—Basic facts for Language Service Providers to know

מאת Halen Terry
בתאריך 31 מרץ, 2022

French is one of the top-rated and most spoken languages in the world. It is also one of the most requested languages for translation, for all good reasons.

French Translation Services—Basic facts for Language Service Providers to know

The French language

French is one of the top-rated and most spoken languages in the world. It is also one of the most requested languages for translation, for all good reasons. However, there is much more to the French language than a mere translation.

Here are a few basic and essential facts that translator vendors need to know before offering French translation services.

It is also important to note that Canada has a great Francophone community. However, Canadian French is different as compared to standard French.

All French words can not be translated literally 

Fact number one says that there are few French words that should never be translated literally.

Despite the dire need for French translation services and Canadian French translation services, there are few words and terms that do not go well with the literal translation well.

A few of the examples are

  • Amuse-bouche: Literal translation: “Mouth fun.” Actual meaning: “appetizer.”

  • Pomme de terre: Literal translation: “Earth Apple.” Actual meaning: “Potato.”

  • Rabat-joie: Literal translation: “Joy reducer.” Actual meaning: “Party pooper.”

French idioms                    

The French language has a number of fantastic idioms that are, however, tricky and technical to translate. So, it is better to take care of that factor. Idioms in particular are tough to translate correctly reserving the original context. 

Here are a few examples of the funny idioms from French

  1. C’est la fin des haricots:

Literal translation: It’s the end of the beans. 

English: It’s the last straw.

  1. Coûter les yeux de la tête:

Literal translation: To cost the eyes in your head.

English: To cost an arm and a leg.

  1. Appeler un chat un chat:

Literal translation: To call a cat, a cat.

English:: To call a spade a spade.

  1. Avoir le cafard:

Literal translation: to have the cockroach.

English: To feel down/to feel blue.

  1. Boire comme un trou: 

Literal translation: To drink like a hole. 

English: To drink like a fish.

  1. Les carottes sont cuites: 

Literal translation: The carrots are cooked.

English: The goose is cooked.

Looking for French Translation Services?

When it comes to French, it is important to note that it has many variants and dialects. French has more than one type of it. It is spoken on five continents. It helps bind France, Canada, Haiti, and Madagascar together. So, it is easy to understand that different French-speaking regions at times end up divided by one language.

Most French speakers from different areas can understand each other’s language, but African French, Canadian French, and standard French are all different in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar as well.

Considering all these differences, it is important to customize the needs, either going for French translation services and Canadian French translation services. So, it is important to convey the needs as per the preferences and choices of the target audience. Moreover, it is important to make the content regionally appropriate.

Expansion of English text in French

French translation services vendors need to keep another important thing while making the offers. It is important to note that when a particular text is translated from English to French, it takes around 15-20% more space on the page. This refers to the re-alignment and formatting of the documents after translation. The second option could be about translators coming up with an alternative and concise translation.

Compliance with law and Policy

French and Canadian French translation services go side by side. Around 23 % of the total population of Canada speaks French and it has a new name now that is Canadian French. In all the areas where French is the first or second language particularly in France and Quebec, the language service providers need to know that when it comes to French translation services they have to comply with laws and policies that are designed to protect the language. so they have to take it into account.

Toubon law

Toubon law’s example is here, It was introduced in 1994. It mandated the use of French in these below-mentioned areas:

  • Government and official publications

  • Advertisements (English, business have to provide French translation)

  • All workplaces (including software, and instructions manual)

  • Commercial contracts                                    

  • Govt and financed schools

Moreover, product packaging and labeling have to be in French, other languages are included as well.

However, the law doesn’t require companies to go for translation of registered brand names, this helps companies to choose a course of action that best fits their business interest.

Charter of French Language and Quebec

According to the charter French language, French is considered the sole official language of Quebec. Manuals, product labels, instructions, and warranty certificates as well as restaurant menus need to be in the French language. However, they can also feature other languages too.

Moreover, catalogs, folders, brochures, and other commercial content must also be in French. Signs and posters also need to be in French. Once again, other languages can be used but French has to be prominent in the labeling and packaging. These laws are enforced and monitored by the charter of the French language, and they are quite strict when it comes to laws and regulations. Hence, it is important for the language service providers who claim to provide French translation services that they are well aware and well versed with the legal requirements regarding French and Canadian French translation services.

French-One of the top 10 Languages Online

French is one of the top 10 languages that have an immense number of connected users and online content. Its place keeps on varying, but it does not go below 10. It is also one of the languages of the United Nations. 

Final words

There are hundreds of language service providers that claim to provide French translation. However, many of them are unaware of the basic facts that they need to know before offering these services. They need to be well versed with the laws that are relevant to French translation and other requirements which concern the French language. In order to provide easy, understandable content, that compels people to read and aesthetically good too, there needs to be an expert and experienced team of translators who are also well aware of the dialects and variants of the French language that are spoken in different territories and countries.

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