how to "translate" multiple "x's" across a field (obviously meaning non-applicable) Thread poster: Lisa Reutenauer
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Translating an older paper version of a Belgian driver's licence into English.
On the page displaying the categories of vehicules for which the licence is valid, the fields for the categories that don't apply are filled with "x's", like so: xxxxxxxxx
I'm inclined to just write N/A, but for the sake of being a faithful and accurate translator, should I instead indicate in brackets something like [multiple "x's" across filed signifying non applicable]?
I know there ... See more Translating an older paper version of a Belgian driver's licence into English.
On the page displaying the categories of vehicules for which the licence is valid, the fields for the categories that don't apply are filled with "x's", like so: xxxxxxxxx
I'm inclined to just write N/A, but for the sake of being a faithful and accurate translator, should I instead indicate in brackets something like [multiple "x's" across filed signifying non applicable]?
I know there are no standard rules, technically, other than needing to be as accurate and faithful to the source language as possible.
experienced advisors welcome. ▲ Collapse
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I’d do exactly as in the source document...
| | | | Lisa Reutenauer 
France
Local time: 17:07
English to French
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TOPIC STARTER | @maria teresa but is it not a "picture" | Aug 27, 2023 |
makes sense, but aren't the "x's" types of symbols, therefore which should not be duplicated?
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Do you care to explain why a symbol shouldn't be duplicated in this kind of documents?
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Lisa Reutenauer
France
Local time: 17:07
English to French
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | @maria teresa it's not a picture | Aug 27, 2023 |
I just assumed that anything that wasn't a word was a type of symbol / picture which cannot be 'translated' should only be described as to not cross any "forgery looking" lines.
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I’d say that’s taking the rule too far in my opinion. I’ve always replicated signs like xxxx, -----, ___, □, etc. without any problem…
| | | | | 'Not applicable' not the right translation anyway | Aug 27, 2023 |
If a vehicle questionnaire requests the diameter of the steering wheel and the vehicle in question is a motorbike, the question is not applicable, which means 'not relevant'.
In the case of a driving licence, it is highly relevant to indicate that the licence is not valid for certain vehicle categories. 'Not applicable' does not mean the same as 'licence not valid for this category'.
| | | | Lisa Reutenauer
France
Local time: 17:07
English to French
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TOPIC STARTER
Heya, thanks! You're absolutely right. Not valid is the appropriate word in this case.
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| Obviously ... ? | Aug 27, 2023 |
Lisa Reutenauer wrote:
(obviously meaning non-applicable)
Translating an older paper version of a Belgian driver's licence into English.
On the page displaying the categories of vehicules for which the licence is valid, the fields for the categories that don't apply are filled with "x's", like so: xxxxxxxxx
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Those strings of X's do not mean 'not applicable', and your translation should not use that or any other 'translation'.
They are there only to fill the space on the licence with meaningless 'rubbish', to prevent an unscrupulous user from adding data suggesting they are qualified to drive vehicles for which they have not passed the appropriate test.
As we say in the trade, rubbish in, rubbish out!
| | | | Lisa Reutenauer
France
Local time: 17:07
English to French
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Yes, I got that non applicable is not the right term as Thomas was also pointing out in his post. So my real question is, if it's just filling material, what do I write in in my translation? The same filling material (x's) and specify in bracked that it's not valid? What would you do Jennifer?
| | | | | Question already answered | Aug 27, 2023 |
Lisa Reutenauer wrote:
So my real question is, if it's just filling material, what do I write in in my translation? The same filling material (x's) and specify in bracked that it's not valid? What would you do Jennifer?
Maria Teresa Borges already answered that question 14 minutes after your initial post, and so far, six translators have agreed with her. Why do you want to add anything in brackets that is not written in the original document? You can just copy the x's as they are. It is not necessary to explain to the reader in brackets that a string of x's is a string of x's. Most people can figure it out.
| | | | Lisa Reutenauer
France
Local time: 17:07
English to French
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Ok, thanks for pointing it out. I didn't realize everyone had agreed with her (don't use this forum much). Explanatory comments kept coming so I kept thinking someone would have another practical suggestion. Thank you all, I'll just write as is.
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