Science or Art?

Is Translation a Science? Yes.

Professional language specialists follow recognized rules, methods and practices.

Translators are skilled in the use of document and language resources to ensure accurate and consistent terminology.

The vocabulary used complies with accepted usage in the specific field.

Is Translation an Art? Yes.

A good translation is characterized by a particular quality that essentially conveys the author's voice.

Good translators have a sense of style, a mastery of the language and can read between the lines to understand the meaning of a text.

Of course, machines can translate too! However, to see the true value of a human interface for the art of translating, type a simple sentence into any translation tool on the Internet. Once the translation appears in the target language, whether it be French, Spanish or Swahili, copy and paste the sentence back into the tool, and translate it back into English. You see? While the machine may assist at times, a trained and talented professional is more likely to accurately convey your message.

Translation is both Science AND Art!

Google Translation Example: 

Original sentence - If the pilot picks us up in Fontainebleau will the pilot also bring us back to the train after the flight?

Translation - Si le pilote vient nous chercher à Fontainebleau sera le pilote nous amener à la gare après le vol?

Re-translation - If the driver picks us up at Fontainebleau will be the driver take us to the station after the robbery?