The act of Spanish translation implies two givens, a process and a product. The process involves converting the source language text into the target language text. The product refers to the target text. The process of Spanish translation can be divided into two component functions, the ‘input’ function and the ‘output’ function. The input function is the first step in the process of Spanish translation. It refers to the act of comprehension, or understanding the source text, and is a relatively passive process. The output function is the second and last step of the process. It demands pro-activity on the part of the translator because it refers to the actual act of translating or expressing the meaning of the source text in the target language.

For a translator, both the act of comprehension and the act of expression have very deep meanings. Comprehension or understanding should extend beyond the surface level of the words of the source text in order to include the context as well as the culture in which the source text has been produced. He or she must also attain proficiency in speaking and reading the source language.

Expression, on the other hand, focuses solely on the target language. The Spanish translator must be adept and skilful at expressing himself or herself in the target language. He or she should be familiar with the idioms, the customary expressions and the collocations that are typical of the target language.

The following suggestions might help a translator to improve his or her efficiency and effectiveness.

In the first place, he or she must have:

• knowledge in a wide range of matters;
• particular knowledge of the subject of translation;
• respect for the author of the source text as well as his or her culture;
• pleasure in the subject of the source text; and
• the twin senses of motivation and satisfaction.

In the second place, he or she must remember that:

• the words as well as the ideas of the source text must be communicated. One cannot be given preference to the detriment of the other;
• the language of the target text should sound idiomatic;
• stylistic originality is not forbidden, but it should not overshadow the style of the original author.

In conclusion, the Spanish translator would do well remembering that the process of Spanish translation is a creative process instead of a mechanical one, and he or she will have to rely on rules as well as on ingenuity to make a success out of it.