12 Valuable Tips For Buying Translation Services

Professional translation of texts into foreign languages in an expensive proposition and buying translation services can be a frustrating experience.

We have summarized tips to procure translation services from a translator or a translation agency. These tips are based on suggestions from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting in London.

1. Does it really need to be translated?

Many times clients request large document translations but often only a portion of a large document needs translation. You may be able to trim hundreds of pages and thousands of dollars from your budget if you translate only relevant sections of the source.

2. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Sometimes maps, drawings, and diagrams are far more effective than verbosity so use text only when you must.

3. Think "international" from the start.

Avoid cultural cliches within your text and imagery that might be relevant to only one culture. These only yield lengthy translated wordplays to keep the local flavor but check with your international team.

4. Should you use a translation company or a freelance translator?

Both a freelance translator and a translation company can be appropriate. Companies will generally charge more because of the added value of project management, quality control, file conversions, and standardized presentations for multilingual projects. This price, however can ultimately save you hours of work and countless headaches.

5. Translations "for information" purposes.
They generally can be produced faster and more cheaply than "for publication translations." Some translators and translation companies routinely supply "for information" translation as standard work rather than a "for publication" job.

To avoid confusion, clarify what you prefer with your translation services.

6. Resist the temptation to do it yourself.

Speaking is not the same as writing. Oral fluency does not make for smooth, stylish writing. Further, in many cultures, the incorrect use of the local language is not amusing; it is insulting.

7. Finalize your document before translating it.

Writing a document and translating it simultaneously is not a wise idea. The time spent editing and revising the translation work greatly increases your translation cost.

8. Tell your translator the purpose of the translation. He or she then will be able to prepare the document for maximum impact with your intended audience.

9. Professional translators will work into their native language. Make sure you are speaking your readers' language. No one is more qualified to ensure this than a native speaker.

10. The more technical your subject, the more important your translator must know it inside out Technical translations require translator knowledge of the subject matter, the source language, and good writing skills in the target language as well as good understanding of the source language.

11. Have your translation company or vendor proofread the typeset copy.Typesetters are not responsible for accurate and proper text. Good translation practices include a final proof from the translator.

12. Take into account that typographical conventions vary from one language to another.

Countries have different typographical conventions, even when they speak the same language. If you need to localize text for a specific country, make sure you are following that country's conventions.

For example, numbers can be divided into thousands by a comma or by a period, depending on the country.