The Complete Guide to Translating Travel Texts Is Here!

Recently, there has been another wave of travel fever due to China’s visa-free policy. With its rich natural landscape and unique traditional culture, China attracts many foreign tourists to travel and visit China. The most important way to introduce Chinese attractions to foreign tourists is through the translation of tourism texts.

Therefore, the translation of tourism texts has become more important. Tourism translation plays a vital role in introducing tourist attractions and spreading national culture. The translation of tourist texts such as public notices of attractions and explanations will not only affect the development of China’s tourism, but also affect China’s tourism image in the world.

So what are the considerations when translating tourism texts?

First, the pursuit of the beauty of the text

Tourism text is not a single, it has a variety of forms: such as the description of attractions and travel itinerary, etc., whose words are usually more concise, cultural characteristics of the word is not much. Tourism contracts and agreements, etc., whose words are more formal, standardized. The ancient Chinese language, poems and songs and couplets, etc., are very elaborate, mostly using four-character structures, and the language is full of poetic meaning. Chinese tourism texts also tend to use rhetorically ornate and sophisticated words to express thoughts and feelings. While English tends to use more direct expression.

Second, be purposeful

The translation of tourism text is with a purpose, that is, through the translation of the landscape features, customs and habits, as well as the history and culture of the scenic spot to convey to the tourists. Therefore, when translating, one should have a deep understanding of the culture of the scenic spot and capture the unique charm of the attraction. At the same time, we should make clear the difference in expression between Chinese and English, and adopt a unique translation strategy to introduce the characteristics of the scenic spot. Translation should be tourist-centered, avoiding the use of overly specialized and remote vocabulary, with the aim of letting tourists know the relevant knowledge of the attractions.

Third, pay attention to cultural differences

There are differences between Chinese and English language expression habits. Chinese favors meaning and English favors type. In the process of translation, attention should be paid to the adjustment of sentence structure to avoid too cumbersome expression. At the same time, attention should be paid to the differences between Chinese and English traditional customs. For contents with strong cultural information, it is necessary to add explanatory translations and supplement relevant historical and cultural background knowledge to avoid misunderstanding.

Fourth, respect and protect the tourist attractions

When translating tourist attractions, translators should respect and protect the local attraction culture. Avoid using derogatory or discriminatory language and respect local values and customs. At the same time, the interpreter should also remind tourists to abide by local cultural protection policies and remind them not to damage local scenic objects as well as the environment.

Tourism translation is a challenging task that requires translators to have professional translation level. Through the translation of tourism texts, people can break through the barriers of language and culture and feel the beauty and diversity of the world.