I know that the English language has become sort of like a global language, but you’d be surprised by how many people don’t know how to speak English. And that’s alright, nothing wrong with that.
But this raises some questions, especially when it comes to sports. Big sporting events usually go live, and whether you are watching the Olympics, the World Cup, or a popular horse race like the Breeders’ Cup, it is quite easy to stay in sync with the action, especially if you don’t understand a word from the commentators.
This is where sports translators come in handy. I was recently on a trip to Germany and was quite surprised to find out that every single TV show and program was dubbed (had voice-over performances in the German language).
But things get a bit tricky when we talk about live sports, right? After all, these TV shows are pre-recorded which means it is easy to find voice actors and record a new audio, but what about sports like football or horse racing?
Can you imagine watching the Breeders’ Cup after placing a bet on TwinSpires without a local commentator and not understanding a word he is saying? You’ll understand the action, but having someone explain the nuances of each competitor makes a big difference if you are thinking of placing a wager.
What is Sports Translation?
The term is quite self-explanatory, to be honest. It involves converting sports-related content into multiple languages, just so fans, players, teams, and officials from all over the world can understand and engage with the actual content.
There are many sub-categories in sports translation anything from live game commentary, player interviews, press releases, social media posts, and even legal documents.
But what makes sports translation so unique? Well, let me tell you, it’s not only about translating the words, it is also about giving the same vibe, understanding the cultural context, and sometimes even regional variations in terminology.
So, it’s difficult, and you’d need some experienced sports translator to do it. The situation is even tougher just because we know that the person commenting on the sport also plays an important role in the user experience.
Have you watched those Spanish commentators going crazy? I was full of adrenaline after hearing them, even though I didn’t understand a word.
Who Are the Translators?
These translators are sports enthusiasts themselves, often with specialized knowledge of particular sports. They’ve mastered not only multiple languages but also the intricate terminologies and rules that come with each sport—whether it’s soccer, basketball, or tennis.
It’s like being bilingual, but also knowing every technicality of the offside rule in both languages!
They’re also super aware of cultural sensitivities. Imagine translating a team chant from one language to another—you’ve got to hit the right tone, or you might unintentionally offend the crowd. A lot of what they do hinges on nuance. Sports are incredibly passionate, and translators have to keep that emotion intact.
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), these translators and commentators will be replaced by machines sooner or later. Let’s just hope that they will be able to give off the same vibe as actual human beings.
How Do Translators Work at Big Sporting Events?
Translators don’t work in a vacuum, especially at major events. The atmosphere is intense, and the pressure is real. When working on live events, many translators take on the role of simultaneous interpreters, meaning they translate in real-time. This requires razor-sharp focus and the ability to think quickly. Whether it’s translating commentary, interviews, or speeches at the closing ceremony, these pros are making sure the global audience gets the full experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of sports translation services that might pop up at these events:
- Live Commentary Translation: Translating sports commentary in real-time is the most thrilling and challenging. It’s like speed chess for language pros. Miss a beat, and the audience misses key moments.
- Document Translation: Legal contracts, team sheets, and event regulations all need to be accurately translated. Here, every word counts, as a small misstep can lead to misunderstandings that affect the whole event.
- Subtitling and Dubbing: Sports documentaries, interviews, or promotional videos often require subtitling or dubbing. This form of translation goes beyond just the words. Timing and cultural adaptation are everything here. Translators need to ensure the subtitles fit perfectly with the speaker’s pace and maintain the original tone.
- Localization: Localization is more than just translation. It’s adapting content to make it relatable to a local audience. Sports translators localize everything from marketing campaigns to team slogans, ensuring they resonate with the target market.
Tools of the Trade
Sports translators use advanced tools like Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, Translation Management Systems, and translation memory software to ensure consistency and efficiency. For real-time translations, many rely on voice recognition software to capture commentary and transcribe interviews quickly. It’s like having a second brain that stores and organizes terms so nothing gets lost in translation.
Final Words
This is a dynamic and quite fast-paced industry, just as the games and races themselves. One thing is for sure, that sports wouldn’t feel the same without commentators and translators.
So, the next time you are watching an international game, take some time to appreciate the translators working tirelessly behind the screens.
