Easy Steps to get Quality Translations Every time
Most people need quality translations but fail to get them, most of the time because of using wrong people for the job.
There is no professional translator that is free from learning new techniques to translate better. Most of them are still in the process of learning new ways to provide quality translations every time they are hired. Still, due to various reasons, translators working on their own are prone to mistakes and therefore could provide average quality output. Taking a job not falling in their field of expertise, getting a bigger job than they can chew or accepting short deadlines are some of the reasons freelancers can not always provide quality translations.
For a lot of translation companies, the translation process involves certain steps that freelance translators are not conscious of. There is more in translation than just typing words or using a memory tool.
How to get quality translations
- Be sure that you revise the documents before you translate them and try to use plain language. This way you make sure they’re exactly what you wanted and the meaning of the phrase can be easily understood.
- Make sure the translator you are using is comfortable with the language, the topics, and the style. Even if a translator knows well both languages, he won’t be able to provide quality translations, if he’s not comfortable with the topic.
- Be sure the translator is familiar with the file format. Usual word formats are all fine, but if you need to use translation memory, things change. The translator could be using a different translation tool and you may end up with a file format you can’t use.
- Provide materials for references, terms, and glossaries. Do not neglect providing such materials when specialized translation is required as the translator may not use the proper translation of certain terms thus making the output unreadable.
- Provide a comfortable deadline. Quality translations do take time. If you’re forcing the translator over his limit, you will only get average output.
Using a freelancer over a translation company could cost less but there are some disadvantages to consider. What would you pick up the next time you need translation services?
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