Making the decision to translate documents and materials can be fascinating, but also complicated. Where to start How to choose the best provider? Who to ask for help?

Here are some strategies to help you make a better informed decision when choosing your translation service provider. They also aim to help you better understand what the translation is about and why it is a good idea to actively participate in the process.

Before translating your documents, keep the following in mind: Do you have to actually translate the entire document? Sometimes you only need to translate relevant sections of a document. It may also be that a more succinct version fulfills its purpose.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Use images if possible, unless it is absolutely necessary to have written content, or that this is the best way to convey your message. Images you can use are pictographs, infographics, graphs, diagrams, maps, etc.

Start by thinking internationally

Since not everyone can understand all the idiomatic expressions that you might want to use, it is advisable that you refrain from using metaphors and clichés specific to your culture, unless it is possible to really adapt them without having to resort to ridiculous word games and mentions.

Do you understand your readers?

Show your customers how important they are. Put yourself in their place, understand them, be sensitive to their culture and discover how you can help them with their products and services.

Have finished text translated, not drafts
The translation of preliminary versions of a document takes more time, so it is more expensive. If your budget requires saving as much money as possible, it is better to make efforts to translate the final version of your document.

Different languages, different fonts!

The typography varies from language to language. It is not sensible to modify it to adapt it to the typography of your language. Show respect for your customers respecting the typographic protocols of their languages.

How much will it cost?

When we value the image we are projecting in the world, price should never be the only determining factor. The value must always be classified above the price. The value that a translation company adds can save you and your team hours of work and money.

Avoid translating yourself

Speaking a second language is not the same as writing. Project a less "foreign" and more polished image that does not run the risk of being perceived as mocking or insulting.

How about the services of teachers and students?

Similar to the above, we do not recommend doing this. The skills of teachers and students are very specific and have nothing to do with the skills required for translation; Therefore, they are not interchangeable.

Why not use bilingual people, then?

Translators are trained writers, while bilingual people may not write as fluently nor be too skilled to translate, even if they speak fluently.

Why not use translation software?

Let's not forget that "we get what we pay for." Automatic translation does not handle disambiguation well; does not recognize the nuances of languages, colloquialisms, the order of words in certain languages or cultural sensibilities. In addition, a human being has yet to review and edit it.

Look for translators who work in their mother tongue

One of the golden rules of translation is that translators must work in their mother tongue. The reason for this is that translators have a deeper linguistic and cultural experience in their mother tongue than non-native speakers.

Contact your translator

As always, communication is the best option to understand each other better and get better results. To have a greater impact, explain the exact purpose of your document to your translator, give references and be available to answer questions as soon as they are presented.

Welcome the curious translator

The best translators read the text carefully, analyze it in order to produce the best possible version and ask relevant questions. It is always excellent when you have a translator who asks questions, so be pleased if you have one of them!

Ask your translator to check your copy to print

Are your materials intended for publication? If so, it is highly recommended that you always have them checked by a professional translator and not simply by a bilingual person with good intentions, who could unintentionally ruin them.

Technical topics require experience

Translators must be experts in their field and not be learning it while working on their documents and at their expense. The more technical the subject, the more expert your translator should be.

Finally, it is not always easy to choose between a translation agency and a freelance translator. However, when the time comes to make the decision, ask for samples of translations that have been made previously, not simply references.

Also, acknowledge the merit of your supplier in your printed materials; this will encourage you to continue providing translations of the highest quality.