In our ongoing commitment to providing top-notch services, Service Objects has recently updated our DOTS Name Validation web service to improve support for non-Latin text languages. While we currently support omni-directional translation for over one hundred languages, our Name Validation service has shown that when it comes to international name validation, transliteration holds a distinct advantage over translation alone. This blog will explore the benefits of transliteration, and why it takes precedence in certain contexts.
Transliteration vs. Translation in Name Validation
Before delving into the advantages of transliteration, let’s briefly differentiate between transliteration and translation. Transliteration is the process of converting a word or a single character from one writing system to another, while translation involves rendering the meaning of words from one language into another. For an in-depth exploration of transliteration versus translation, refer to our dedicated blog post: Transliteration vs. Translation Blog.
Name Validation’s preference for transliteration over translation is particularly crucial when dealing with names originating from countries and cultures that use characters with specific meanings and significance. In essence, these names are more than just words; they are imbued with cultural and personal importance.
Take, for instance, the Japanese name 犬山, which literally translates to “Dog Mountain”:
- 犬 => Dog
- 山 => Mountain
However, a person from Japan wouldn’t use the literal translation “Dog Mountain” as their name. Instead, they would opt for the transliteration, yielding “Inuyama”:
- 犬 => Inu => Dog
- 山 => Yama => Mountain
In this case, using transliteration ensures that Mr. Inuyama’s name appears correctly in English-language addresses or documents as “Mr. Inuyama” instead of “Mr. DogMountain.”
The decision between transliteration and translation becomes essential because certain languages and cultures rely on characters that carry specific meanings and associations. Utilizing transliteration ensures that the significance of these characters is preserved, maintaining the authenticity of the names.
Navigating the Complexity: Choosing Transliteration Wisely
Deciding when to transliterate and when not to can be a nuanced task. Not all languages necessitate transliteration, while some have unique non-Latin scripts that require this specialized treatment. Consequently, the support offered by Name Validation includes transliteration for 34 languages, reflecting a strategic approach to address the distinctive needs of each linguistic context.
The power of transliteration shines through ensuring accuracy and cultural sensitivity. While omni-directional translation remains a valuable tool, the focused support for transliteration in Name Validation attests to the nuanced considerations needed to provide robust, culturally aware services. As we continue refining and expanding our offerings, Service Objects remains dedicated to delivering solutions that go beyond language barriers, facilitating seamless interactions in a diverse global landscape.
