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| Translations You Can Trust |
By:
Dan Lee |
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The U.S. State Department reports that American companies lose billions of dollars a year due to poor-quality translations. Typically, the translations are not only flawed, but culturally unsuitable. As businesses have become more global, the need for reliable, accurate and trustworthy translations has grown exponentially. Many individuals and companies typically outsource their business documents, including press releases to third-party translators.
There are countless stories of insulting headlines and blatant ignorance of local languages that is often displayed in translated advertising materials and other business documents. If the translator is not well-versed in certain nuances of a local language or dialect, it can not only be humiliating, but can also be detrimental to your company's image. This type of mistake could end up costing you money.
Finding translations that are honest and accurate is dependent on your needs and identifying a translation service that meets your standards. Below are some helpful guidelines to finding a translator who is right for you:
1. Hire a Native Speaker: Generally, the most accurate and reliable translations will come from translators who are native speakers of the language and are located in their mother country. They are more likely to be up-to-date on the latest changes in the language. By choosing to work with a translation company situated in the actual nation you are targeting, you can dramatically increase the probability that your translated materials will be linguistically, as well as culturally correct.
2. Relevant Experience: You must find a translation firm that has an excellent understanding of your needs. Speaking the language is just one component of the translation process; the translator should possess relevant experience and know your business. Someone who is a native speaker may not suffice, especially for mechanical, scientific and technical materials.
For example, translating documents for an engineering firm necessitates having a translator who possesses the required expertise to successfully convert the complex and technical aspects of the original document in the translation. If you hire someone who has excellent command of the language, but has a background in law, you may come up short.
3. Get Samples: When you interview translators, obtain samples of work they have completed that is similar to your project. If the bid is for product brochures, look at similar brochures and pamphlets they've created for other clients. You should then obtain the assistance of someone who you trust and who is a native speaker, to give their judgment on the quality of the sample.
4. Quality Control Process: Whether you are working with an individual translator or an agency, you should find out about the quality control (QC) process. Many translation agencies outsource projects to freelancers who have the language pair and necessary experience. Once the materials are translated, they are sent through the in-house QC procedures before they are given to clients.
5. Target with Precision: Many individuals and companies start their search by looking for a "Spanish" or "Chinese" translator. It is a given that you'll need a translator who knows the country, language and market you are targeting, but there are other factors which must be considered before selecting a translator. It is important that the translator has a thorough understanding of when it is appropriate to use traditional vocabulary or a more contemporary lexicon that is geared toward a younger market. They must also have the language skills necessary to deal with regional variances in matters like style, the method of phrasing and the length of sentences.
6. Use Less Text: When appropriate, you can make your translation efforts go a lot smoother with less reliance on text and the liberal use of diagrams, maps and illustrations. Making use of images, instead of lengthy, rambling text and highly technical descriptions, has proven to be very effective worldwide.
7. Choose Certified Translators: You should conduct business with certified translators. There are several recognized certification entities, such as the American Translator Association (ATA) or Certified Translation Professional (CTP). Certified translators are individuals who have proven expertise and a high level of professionalism in the field. They are required to pass a written examination. Translators are certified in a specific language pair and direction in accordance with the certifying association's standards. This basically means that the translator is capable of reading a document and translating it from or in to English.
If you are looking to buy a translation there are plenty of translators from which to choose. It is up to you to conduct the due diligence to find one that fit your needs. In the age of the Internet, the world is at your doorsteps. Translations can be handled in a very timely manner by phone communication and by the use of emails.
Typically, you can receive a free consultation and a quote on the cost of the translation. Once you have identified a translator you can work with, it is in your best interests to cultivate an ongoing relationship. As translators become more familiar with your business culture and your products or services, their translations should become even more accurate and effective.About Author:At Harvard Student Agencies we are committed to offering a level of quality, confidentiality, and affordability that our for-profit competitors are unable to match. We are comprised of nine different agencies including boston bartenders and certified translator with each headed by a student manager. Visit online for nonprofit services today. |
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