People seeking professional translation services often find themselves pondering questions like, “How can I get high-quality translation services? Or “Can I rely on this translation service in official settings? If you are one of these deep thinkers, rest assured that we empathize with your concerns. This is certainly why we have developed a detailed checklist that contributes to the assurance of a flawless immaculate translation.
In a globalized world, businesses and individuals look for certified and professional translation companies to fulfill their communication needs. They engage in communication with clients who have different linguistic backgrounds. Also, accurate and high-quality translations are compulsory for professional documents like legal contracts, marketing materials, medical records, or any other content. Because it’s certain that a single mistake in translation can lead to serious consequences. Before we share a comprehensive checklist for professional translation, let’s focus on what makes a great translator.
Key Attributes that Make an Exceptional Translator
Formal qualifications
Translators who have acquired a professional translation degree or language degree from a renowned institution or have done a diploma in translation from the Institute of Linguists are more likely to deliver better outcomes as compared to those without such qualifications.
Translation Expertise
There is no substitute for years of experience in the world of translation. Different translation companies have different criteria for assessing the experience of a translator, and they willingly explain it to you. However, in general, renowned translation companies seek translators with a minimum of three years of field-specific experience. On the other hand, premium translators are expected to have at least five years of relevant commercial experience. This extended experience guarantees a higher level of quality.
Translator References
Although past performance does not guarantee future results, still it remains one of the best indicators around. For high-quality services, it is important to seek out and thoroughly verify translator references. Integrity varies within the translation industry, therefore we should not completely rely on the translator’s claims and should verify the claims.
Native Language Translators
Mother tongue translators produce better results while translating in their native language. You can insist your translation company employ a native translator to enhance the chances of receiving high-quality translations. There is no substitute for experienced experts working in their native languages.
In-country Translator
In certain situations, it’s essential to use a translator who lives and works in the country you are targeting. It ensures their familiarity with the latest idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances. In-country translators typically benefit while translating marketing and advertising content, as literal translations of the marketing material often fail to capture the intended impact.
Let’s now move toward the comprehensive checklist for professional translation.
Checklist for Professional Translation Services
Source Text Analysis
The first and most important step in a professional translation project is to meticulously understand the source text. This stage further involves various sub-stages. The relevant team should identify the target audience, which will aid in choosing the right tone, style, and terminology. Understanding the context is another important factor, which enables translators to make appropriate linguistic choices. Last but not least, some professional documents require adherence to specific industry standards and formatting guidelines, which must be fulfilled as per the client’s instructions.
Translator’s Academic Credentials
Certainly, the qualifications of the translator form the base of a successful translation project. The translator should preferably be a native speaker with subject matter expertise. These qualities along with the formal training and certification will enhance the chances of getting accurate translations.
Quality Assurance
Another important factor of professional translation is quality assurance. During this stage, another translator reviews or edits the translated content for accuracy and precision. Translation memory tools are used to maintain consistency in terminology and style throughout the document. Moreover, a feedback loop is implemented, clients are encouraged to provide feedback, and the suggestions are implemented to improve the final translation.
Terminology and Glossaries
A glossary of industry-specific terminology and brand-specific words should be created and maintained to ensure consistency in translations. Different cultures use different terminologies to explain the same phenomena. Therefore, having the knowledge and record of these terms can prove to be useful for ongoing projects.
Cultural Relevance
Language is coiled deeply within the culture. Therefore, while translating content from one language to another cultural nuances must be considered. Translators must avoid literal translations as they might lead to misunderstandings. They should always try to capture the intended meaning, avoid using offensive statements, and respect the local conventions to ensure precision in translations.
Technology integration
In today’s globalized world, relying solely on human knowledge will not benefit the translation industry. Human translators can use translation memory tools, machine translation, and computer-assisted translation tools to improve the quality of services. Previously stored translated content saves time and maintains consistency. Other AI-assisting tools help translators work more efficiently by providing advanced linguistic support.
Review and Proofreading
Translation companies must employ a complete review and proofreading system for translation projects before final delivery. The translated documents should undergo multiple rounds of review and proofreading to catch any errors.
Compliance with Legal Laws
Laws and regulations must be followed while providing translation services. Specific industries like medical, legal, technical, or finance involve special terminologies, industry regulations, and legal standards. While translating documents for these industries, translators must comply with the rules to ensure accuracy and precision.
Client Cooperation
Clients must be informed regarding the various stages involved in the translation process. During the initial consultation, clients should be informed of pricing, payment methods, duration, and other related details. The translating team must maintain open communication with clients throughout the process. Understanding the requirements of the clients, addressing their concerns, and incorporating their feedback are some essentials that must be prioritized to ensure high-quality customer service.
Privacy and security
Client satisfaction remains the top priority in professional translation. Companies must employ strict confidentiality protocols to protect the sensitive data of their clients. They should implement secure file transfer and storage methods. In the end, they must ensure that clients are happy and satisfied with the quality and accuracy of translation.