How to Be an Educated Consumer of Language Services – Part One

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter-it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”
-Mark Twain

Today, with our world getting smaller and international relations growing exponentially, accessing and sharing information written in foreign languages has become a necessity. This is why more people and businesses seek the services of professional translators and interpreters to help them communicate properly when growing their business in global markets.

In order to navigate in this multi-lingual environment, certain facts are required that help in selecting services from linguistic industry providers. Let’s begin with becoming acquainted with the terminology and the differences between translation and interpreting. Translation is written, whereas interpreting is the oral rendering of a message from one language into another.

One of the most common misconceptions is thinking that translation or interpretation is a “word for word” process. Due to the nuances contained in each language, translating in this manner rarely makes sense. Skilled language professionals are trained to accurately and completely convey your ideas in a different language. A well-translated text delivers all the content of the source document and is read as if it were flawlessly written in the language of your target audience.

Different rules and skill sets are required for clear and efficient communication in written language translations as opposed to spoken language interpretation. This article is focused on translation, so let us explore some commonly asked questions pertaining to written translation services.

Q. Why Shouldn’t I Use Computerized Translation?

A. Instantaneous translation with a single mouse click seems easily attainable. Unfortunately, if you’ve ever tried this type of online or software service, you know the results are not something you would want to place in any type of business communication.

Without intricate personal knowledge of the language, translation software generates words, but not phrases that have correct meaning. You might compare this to the use of a dictionary that allows you to find words quickly, but without writing skills those words can be used improperly and fail to convey what you want to say. Machine translations should only be counted on for a good hearty laugh, as long as the less than perfect outcome of machine translation has not been used in any of your materials. Then, the readers of your materials will be doing the laughing.

Q. Can any Bilingual Person be a Translator?

A. This one is simple. NO.

Q. What if a bilingual person is an expert in the specialized field for which the translation text is needed?

A. The answer is still, no. Accurate translation is a combination of refined linguistic skills, specialized knowledge, and cultural competency, which a non-language professional rarely possesses.

Q. How Do Translation Projects Work?

A. The best way to handle a translation project is with the guidance of a professional translation project manager. On the surface, the project may be seemingly simple, but it requires excellent organizational skills, deep knowledge of the industry, and an impeccable “language intuition”.When a client needs translations into or from one or more languages, the project manager uses the following steps to ensure the project proceeds smoothly and is completed on time.

1. Determines the purpose of the text in terms of the following:
Area of specialization? (legal, medical, chemical, automotive, etc.)
Intended recipients? (lay people or experts)
Purpose of the project? (marketing, training, etc.)
2. Finds qualified translators, proofreaders and copy editors with expertise in the given area.
3. Sets project’s timeline with key milestones to be met.
4. Monitors project’s progress and uniformity in multiple languages.
5. Facilitates communication between translators and clients.
6. Coordinates independent proofreading and editing resources to arrive at a consensus on any areas where there are differing opinions.
7. For larger and/or on-going projects: creates and maintains a glossary of terms.
8. Submits the final product to the client in required format., Gets feedback from the client and arranges for possible corrections and changes.

As a client, being aware of these steps can help you understand the importance of using professional resources and can make your project proceed smoothly to a conclusion without developing unnecessary delays.