This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
Now that the Internet is such a huge part of how companies find clients and do business, it only stands to reason that translation services are becoming increasingly important. And larger corporations aren’t the only ones worrying about their ability to translate accurately their documents, product descriptions, and transcripts. Small business owners, freelancers, and independent webmasters are also discovering a growing need for language services. In either case, perhaps you’re ready to partner with a translation service and take your business or website to the next level at long last. What should you be looking for in the company you select? Here are five characteristics of a top translation service provider.
1. Native Speakers
It isn’t enough to simply have studied a language, no matter how extensively. In most cases, language students may well have a thorough grasp of basic grammatical rules and vocabulary, but lack any real understanding of the nuances required for truly accurate translation work.
That said, the best translators aren’t just trained in the language they translate into – the translated language in question should be their native tongue. Alternatively, they should have extensive experience living and/or working in a country where that language is the dominant one. Look for a service provider that only assigns projects to native translators.
2. Passionate About Their Work
No one is in the translation business just for the money. Language workers should be truly passionate about languages and people. They should give you the impression that they’re personally invested in what they do, and producing quality material should be incredibly high on their list of priorities.
Without that natural enthusiasm, the work a translation service generates will be all-around inferior to the work a more passionate team would do. This will, in turn, affect your business, as well as your relationship with your clients.
3. Thoroughly Qualified
Not every bilingual person is also going to be a good translator. They will also need to be capable of accurately expressing ideas and concepts in both languages, with equal skill.
The best way to make sure a translation service works with resources like this is to find out what their qualifications are. Are they properly credentialed in a way that’s easy to verify? Do they have multiple references that can back up their writing ability, work ethic, work history, and so forth?
4. Scheduling and Deadlines
Unlike a permanent employee working on the premises, the translators your service provider works with won’t be punching a time clock. They will be self-motivated and self-disciplined. That being the case, it will be up to you to communicate your scheduling needs and deadlines early and clearly.
When will you need your translated materials to be completed? Will you be sending them for review after delivery? From a large set of documents, which ones should be prioritized? Make sure your translation provider knows exactly what you need, and when you need it.
5. Specialized Knowledge
Last, but absolutely not least, you’ll want to make sure your translation service who have the specialized knowledge and experience your industry requires. For instance, if you run an IT company, the translators will need a thorough, detailed understanding of IT lingo and terminology in both of the required languages.
The same goes for fields like medicine or law, and any branch of industry. Subject matter expertise and knowledge of the terminology involved could make the difference between a project that goes smoothly, and one that nets a lawsuit for your business. Make sure all bases are covered before making your final decision.
