Selkokääntäminen on kuin nuorallatanssi

The study consists of a series of semi-structured expert interviews involving seven Easy Language specialists with experience in the interlingual translation of Easy Language texts. The aim of the study is to describe the requirements and nature of Easy Language translation. The data show that the experts are largely in agreement about the distinctive requirements and nature of Easy Language translation. The source text must be adapted, as direct translation does not result in sufficient comprehensibility in the target text. Adaptation requires knowledge of Easy Language principles as well as high language proficiency. However, adaptation is constrained by the client’s requirements, respect for the author of the source text, type conventions and layout. The target text is treated as a translation despite the adaptation it requires. The experts emphasize the importance of interaction. Negotiations with the client or the author of the source text often concern permission to adapt the source text, as well as the clarity and factual accuracy of the target text. Translation is straightforward when the source text has been well adapted. If not, the translation process becomes complicated. A complex subject matter and fixed terminology, particularly in administrative or governmental contexts, also create translation problems.