5 Common Mistakes Made When Translating Documents
Mistake #1: Selecting the wrong translation agency. Most new buyers of translation services often underestimate the level of detail involved in selecting the correct translation agency. Often times, these agencies do not have a clear and detailed Request For Proposal (RFP). This means that prospective clients are unclear on exactly what services they require, which can lead to an unproductive negotiation process. Check out https://www.translatemedia.com/technology/ to get started.
Mistake #2: Attempting to translate a document in the client's native language without the proper expertise. As with any other project management task, the key to effective language services is to select translators who can successfully execute the translation process while adhering to the client's instructions. Many translation agencies will require a minimum level of skill to translate, such as Narten English (a German national language), in order to proceed with translating a document. When there are communication issues between the client and the translation agency, such as when a question or request is unclear, this can cause delays in the translation process and add extra cost to the project.
Mistake #3: Using a non-native speaker, such as a local translator, to perform the language services. While using a native speaker may be appropriate for simple translation projects, it is often not appropriate for more complex and difficult projects. Non-native speakers often have limited subject matter knowledge and/or may speak at a different accent than the speaker of the original language. In addition, a non-native speaker cannot verify the quality of the translation, since they are not native speakers. The result can be a low-quality translation, which costs money and delays the project. Visit translatemedia.com for more info.
Mistake #4: Not asking for revisions. Even if you use a reliable translation agency, it is still possible for mistakes to occur. Mistakes can occur because of unclear instructions or a misunderstanding of the materials. Therefore, it is always important to ask for a number of revisions, to ensure that the translation project is accurate and complete.
Mistake #5: Not checking the client reviews. Some clients can provide helpful tips and notes after the work has been completed. Other clients will be critical, complaining that the translation agency did not do a good job translating the documents. Either way, it is important to check the client reviews to see how satisfied the other clients were with the services offered. A reputable translation agency will provide a list of clients who were extremely happy with their services.
The above mistakes are a small sampling of what can go wrong during a translation agency project. If you want to avoid making these types of errors, be sure to choose the right translation agency, one with a solid reputation and plenty of experience. It is also important to get things together early, before a project goes underway. Arrange for a proofreading and editing of documents beforehand. Keep in mind that once a document goes out into the world, it must be edited and proofread to remove any errors and inconsistencies. A professional, experienced translation agency will take care of this, as well as proofreading and editing anything provided by the client.
To know more about this, go to http://www.huffpost.com/entry/clearing-up-the-top-10-my_b_1590360.
Mistake #2: Attempting to translate a document in the client's native language without the proper expertise. As with any other project management task, the key to effective language services is to select translators who can successfully execute the translation process while adhering to the client's instructions. Many translation agencies will require a minimum level of skill to translate, such as Narten English (a German national language), in order to proceed with translating a document. When there are communication issues between the client and the translation agency, such as when a question or request is unclear, this can cause delays in the translation process and add extra cost to the project.
Mistake #3: Using a non-native speaker, such as a local translator, to perform the language services. While using a native speaker may be appropriate for simple translation projects, it is often not appropriate for more complex and difficult projects. Non-native speakers often have limited subject matter knowledge and/or may speak at a different accent than the speaker of the original language. In addition, a non-native speaker cannot verify the quality of the translation, since they are not native speakers. The result can be a low-quality translation, which costs money and delays the project. Visit translatemedia.com for more info.
Mistake #4: Not asking for revisions. Even if you use a reliable translation agency, it is still possible for mistakes to occur. Mistakes can occur because of unclear instructions or a misunderstanding of the materials. Therefore, it is always important to ask for a number of revisions, to ensure that the translation project is accurate and complete.
Mistake #5: Not checking the client reviews. Some clients can provide helpful tips and notes after the work has been completed. Other clients will be critical, complaining that the translation agency did not do a good job translating the documents. Either way, it is important to check the client reviews to see how satisfied the other clients were with the services offered. A reputable translation agency will provide a list of clients who were extremely happy with their services.
The above mistakes are a small sampling of what can go wrong during a translation agency project. If you want to avoid making these types of errors, be sure to choose the right translation agency, one with a solid reputation and plenty of experience. It is also important to get things together early, before a project goes underway. Arrange for a proofreading and editing of documents beforehand. Keep in mind that once a document goes out into the world, it must be edited and proofread to remove any errors and inconsistencies. A professional, experienced translation agency will take care of this, as well as proofreading and editing anything provided by the client.
To know more about this, go to http://www.huffpost.com/entry/clearing-up-the-top-10-my_b_1590360.
