Ways in Which Translators Can Offer the Best Quality Translations
If you are a translator, then you need to keep on learning new things regarding translation and use all the necessary tools to know more regarding the best techniques that will aid you to offer better translations. There are things that you should have in mind when you venture into the translation field. It is always important to provide the best work to clients, regardless of whether you are working as a freelancer or for an agency.
Translation agencies
For lots of agencies and companies, the entire process involves various stages that many freelancers may know nothing about. As a translator working for an agency, you will be able to familiarize with processes that are a requirement so as to give a serious approach and a professional one at that.
There is something that you should bear in mind: there is more to translation than just your typing using a foreign language or even using some memory tools for the translation. Translation services that are done professionally require one to revise or edit the work and also take the necessary time to proofread what has been written before they submit. The two steps are of utmost importance that should be looked at before the document is taken to the client.
There are many set standards that professional translators should always follow. Each and every stage involved in translation needs to be carried out independently. Therefore, if you translate, you cannot be the same person to revise the translation and then proofread it. Even though this may not always be possible due to time constraints, there is a need to involve a process that will ensure that the translated work is of high quality.
If you are a freelancer, you may not be in a position to translate, edit and proofread your work effectively. Even as a freelancer if this is the path you choose, then you should find the best way on how to control the quality of your work before you send it to a client. It may not always be possible to get someone who is willing to look at your work and check terminologies used because they may have other things to deal with.
With technology, we have tools like translation memories that can help you create work that is much more precise. There is a lot of information available via the internet and you can revise the work with such tools. However, it is never advisable to work as an individual in the translation area.
What clients think
Most clients refer to the process when they are talking about translation. Quality should always be top of the list so as to come up with highest quality translations and deliver everything else in a smooth manner.
Some things that translators should do include:
- Revise all documents
- Be comfortable with the subject and style of language
- Get familiar with the format of the file
- Use different reference materials, terminology databases, glossaries and style guides
- Contact the project manager if at all you encounter any issues
- Identify the best sources for reference regarding the subject to be translated
- Don’t be literal
- Check spelling and correct them and then read again
The above tips will guarantee delivery of the highest quality translation work.