If you’ve commissioned translations before, you’re most likely familiar with these five important considerations. On the other hand, if you’re about to embark on your first or biggest translation project, you should ensure that you’ve got the following sorted out.
1. Understand The What As Well As The Who
What is the document or content that requires translation? In which language or set of languages does it need to be translated? Are there any dialects or other cultural identities that should be taken into account during translation?
These are just some of the questions that would need to be answered in order to create an effective translation. With the what covered, it’s time to move onto the who.
Who is the audience for this content? Is it a technical audience that is familiar with vernacular, or would high-level language do a better job at conveying the intended message?
When dealing with different audiences, the same information may need to be translated in different ways to better deliver the intended message.
2. Consider Applying An International Translation Standard
If you wish to translate a website or information leaflet, you can probably skip this step.
However, if your translation project involves official documents that you will need to present to banks, national authorities, or international organisations, then this consideration is critical.
There are several ways to attain a translated document that is certified according to international standards. You could, for example, engage an ISO 17100-certified translation agency. This will provide both you and the recipient of the document with the peace of mind of an accurately completed translation project.
3. Identify The Most Appropriate Format
Sending a document by email is certainly the quickest and most efficient way to transfer it. This option may, however, not always be possible.
Depending on the content that is being translated, including whether it’s text or a combination of media, different formats may be more appropriate.
In addition, if you are translating official documents, including residency forms or wills, you will likely need to present these documents as originals. Moreover, you would likely need the translator who carried out the translation to include a signature and declaration or translation certificate.
4. Calculate The Available Timeline
Most translation projects are time-barred, meaning that they need to be completed within a stipulated timeframe. Depending on what the particular project entails, a deadline could be close, or sometimes, unrealistic.
Professional translators require a reasonable amount of time to carry out translation of text and multimedia. You also need to consider periods of higher workloads or holidays.
5. Choose Whether A Sole Translator Would Suffice
Once again, this very much depends on the exigencies of your particular translation project. For smaller tasks, a single translator could be enough. However, for larger projects, it’s best to have a team of professional translators.
Transcripta is able to support your translation project in either case. Our trained and qualified translators have for years been entrusted with personal, corporate, organisational and governmental projects that we have delivered on time.
In addition, we can provide you with the necessary guidance on international standards, file formats, and audience composition.
Take the first step towards realising your translation project by requesting a free quote today.
A member of our team will get in touch with you shortly afterwards.
