How to Hire a Translation Service

If you are in need of translation services. There are several questions you need to ask to determine how to select the best translation service that meets your needs. This is true whether your translation needs are immediate, or you are looking for a more affective translation service to hire. The questions are similar.

Scope (How Much and How Many?)

Are you in need of a one-time or infrequent translation service, or are your translation needs constant? The answer to that question will determine whether you hire an independent freelance translator or a translation service. It costs more to hire a translation service, but that cost may be mitigated based on how often you use the service. Obviously, if your needs are short-term and unlikely to be continuous, then you can get what you need from a freelancer. If you anticipate long-term translation needs, signing a contract with a translation service will save you time and money over the long haul.

It is possible that you are looking for a new translation service because the one you used previously was not sufficient for your needs. This could be the result of scope. Perhaps you tried to go with the cheaper option by using a freelancer but found your needs extended beyond his or her capacity. Perhaps your translation needs turned out to be more complicated than first imagined. You may discover that a translation company offering a wide range of services better suits your needs.?

Expertise (Do They Speak Your Language?)

It happens often. A company hires a translator to provide smoother operations between global participants, only to find that the translator is not cognizant of the specific language of the business involved. Fields of science, in particular, have unique language requirements, different terminologies and specialized meanings to certain phrases. Medical fields and research businesses know that much can be lost in a translation if the language of the work is not completely understood.

Interview any potential translator to find out what they know about the field you work in. Consider the linguistics of your work. Has the translator with who are speaking worked in your field of expertise? Have specific examples of word choices been prepared to ensure they can provide adequate translation to others in your field?

Culture (Do They Know the Neighborhood?)

Translation is not just turning words from one language to another, it is much more. Often, translation requires an understanding of cultural differences in word choices and definitions.

There are cultural differences in the way people interact with each other based on geography. What is considered permissible conversation in Location A may be considered offensive or dismissive in Location B.

Your translation service needs to know the community in which your words are being transmitted. Innocent misunderstanding or unintended meanings can ruin a global business relationship. There are inherent dangers and pitfalls in proper translation between languages due to cultural differences, and those dangers need to be understood and avoided.?

Communication (Tell Your Story)

You want to be able to fully describe your translation needs in order to find the correct service. As stated above, you need to have ready examples of the kind of translation documents or spoken words that must be translated. If you do not fully communicate your needs, you are likely to spend time and money correcting errors that need not occur.

A quality translation provider is going to ask you questions as well, and if they don’t, they are not going to provide you with an appropriate translation. They need to fully understand the work you do and how and why such a translation is necessary. Be prepared to answer with responses, and be wary if inquiries of your needs is not addressed.

Proper translation is not simple. It requires knowledge of multiple languages, as well as understanding the specific terminology that exists within the type of business involved. Hiring a sufficient translation service should take time.

An Invitation

A conversation with specialists at Globalspeak Translations will let you know if you are looking in the right place. Based on your needs, GlobalSpeak Translations can determine the level of translation services you require and whether you need to hire a service like ours.

ABOUT THE COLLABORATORS:?With more than 25 years of experience in translation and interpretation leadership,?Flor Dimassi, CEO of GlobalSpeak Translations, and?Thomas Lacombe, President of GlobalSpeak Translations, sharing the passion and vision of GlobalSpeak, one translated word at a time.

GlobalSpeak Translations |?November 01, 2023 | Your Business in Every Language

Tags:?business translation,?certified translation company,?GlobalSpeak Translations,?legal translation,?marketing translation,?medical document

?