meaning - What is the difference between translation and transliteration



It's always intrigued me what the difference is between these two terms.


I can guess that translation is a contextual translation whereby the original foreign text is maintained with any language idiosyncrasies intact, whereas transliteration is translating the text verbatim, during which any context may be lost.


Any help clearing up this would be appreciated, and an example from another language would be awesome!


Thanks is advance.



Answer



Transliteration is a conversion in the script. eg:


arabic كتاب = ktʾb (ISO-233)


hebrew זכר = zkr (ISO 259-3)


Transcription is a conversion according to the phonological rules. The IPA is one common target for such conversion:


arabic كتاب = ktaːb (direct transcription, omitting unwritten vowels)


Translation translates text from one language to another


arabic كتاب = book


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