The Dynamics of Translating Standard Operating Procedures by Untrained Translators in the Kenyan Banking Industry From French to English

Abstract

Set in a background of globalization and the digital era, this study set out to investigate miscommunication errors in Bank Standard Operating Procedures translated by untrained translators. These errors were identified and their causes assessed. It also went further to look into strategies that could be used to mitigate against them. In order to achieve it purpose, data on miscommunication errors was collected from Standard Operating Procedure texts that were selected through purposive sampling. Miscommunication errors were then identified based on the basic concepts of the skopos theory and the pedagogical assessment model and were grouped into three categories; miscommunication errors in the titles of roles and functions, in special terms and abbreviations used and in sentences and phrases. The analysis of these errors revealed that they arose mainly from failure by the target text to transfer meaning, meet its purpose and have the intended effect on the target audience. There were also cases of expression errors and lack of accountability by the translator. The study also recommended strategies that could be used to prevent these errors from occurring. These were; synonymy, hyponymy, cultural filtering and information change. Furthermore, the study provided a basis for further studies on the decision making process by translators of Standard Operating Procedures and also the expectations of their consumers. Finally, in also provided insight on translator training especially in the area of specialized language use.