GOOD PRACTICES IN TRANSLATION
GOOD PRACTICES IN TRANSLATION
Tips to ensure a quality translation
The paradox of translation is precisely that it shouldn’t seem like a translation. In other words, it must accurately convey the original message, be well-written, error-free, and sound as natural as in the native language. This can only be accomplished through great command of the structure and rhythm of the target language (into which the text is translated), avoiding an overly literal translation that is neither natural nor fluid.
Below are 10 tips for a good translation:
1 – Define your goals: the first step is to understand what needs and purpose your document has to meet, as well as the target culture and how it will be presented to the reader;
2 – Know your target audience: every document should be prepared with a focus on the reader/user and their specific needs. The text’s language, depth and approach must be comprehensible to the reader;
3 – Terminology glossary: using a glossary for technical terms is key to achieving faster turnaround times. In addition, the glossary serves as a reference for those who are translating the material;
4 – Planning: avoid leaving important details for the last minute. Dedicating more time to planning and structuring your project will help you avoid working at off-hours, which in turn will increase your chances of working with the best available professionals. Organize your demands for translation, including production and planning, defining budgets and planning processes whenever possible;
5 – The translation process: although it may seem like a one-step process, translating a document requires a series of carefully planned steps, encompassing tools that assist with review, quality control, and even the ability to meet deadlines, ensuring the best possible quality in all final documents/products;
6 – Native language support: use native translators to achieve more accurate translations and consistency in terminlogy and content, in order to meet the client’s local requirements for quality and cultural adaptation;
8 – Layout of materials: when dealing with materials that require layout work, be prepared to reserve the necessary space to display the new text. In some cases, a new layout may have to be created. Many translation companies already have a DTP department to reproduce the same style as the original document.
9 – Focus on the translation: translation could even be performed within your own company. However, special attention should be paid to how work is conducted, so as not to hamper the translation process while also keeping focused on you main activity. A translation company has processes in place and a team of native translators for multiple languages, which can make your communications more focused, streamlined and assertive;
10 – Cost effectiveness: a translation process is one of the main reasons for translation companies to exist in the first place. However, it can be quite difficult for a company to incorporate this type of task into its daily routine, which would have to include optimized processes and management of a different production chain, especially if its in-house team is not trained and experienced in translation and localization. Most often, it isn’t cost effective for a company to handle translations internally. The investment in a good language services partner adds value and streamlines multilingual communication with your target audiences.
By choosing ZAUM Language Services, you will find a translation company that strives to uphold its reputation and excellence in project management. Contact ZAUM today and find the perfect solutions for your company: +55 19 3579.1000 or info@zaum.com.br.
