14 04 2017

When you do not know the language, it becomes a challenge to select the right service provider who will do justice to the translation task. Translation being a human endeavor there is no guarantee that the translation will be without any mistake.That does not mean machine translation will do or any freelance translator will do.

Select a professional translation service provider after checking the process being followed from selection of appropriate translator to final delivery.

1. Selection of an appropriate Translator: Instead of choosing a translator who is cheaper, it is better to choose one who is the best fit for the job. The chosen translator should have command over the target language and excellent proficiency of the source language. Apart from this, he or she should have proven track record. That’s why professional translation service provider always relies on native translators who are not only certified but also have a proven track record. In fact, many agencies have resource managers whose job is to keep updating their database of translators. They invite them for empanelment and negotiate with them for contract rate.

2. Project coordination: Quality of translation just goes up a few notches higher, just because the project coordinator is able to guide the translator with glossaries, client mandataries, and references. It is important to get details of Project Management team and satisfy on their ability to deliver high-quality translation within stipulated deadline.

3. Use of CAT (Computer Aided Translation) tools: Leveraging technology helps in minimizing errors, maintain consistency of terms used, a speed of delivery. The most commonly used CAT tool is Trados. It is better to check and satisfy on the translation technology usage. The glossaries and mandataries as well translated matter can be kept in the translation memory bank which could be used for repeat jobs and thus reduce a cost of translation.

4. An internal review by an Editor: It is better to check if the translation service provider has an in-house editor and if so what language. It is an ideal situation if the editor is a linguist with experience in translation. An editor does value addition by bringing out linguistic errors and localization issues.

5. Proofreading: Proofreading is always done by the translator before sending the translated matter. As this is only a self-check, errors can go unnoticed. Depending on the product, target specification and culture of the market, outside proofreaders are deployed.

6. Formatting: If there are layout issues and the source files available in DTP software, the Project Manager will always add a cost of formatting for such file. Once the translator sends the translated text, it is imported and formatted in the required DTP software.

7. Final Review: Before sending the translated file to a client, a final review is done and approval from translator is received. Any suggestion from a client is taken into consideration for revision.

As quality is the key in translation, give first priority to translation process adopted by translation service provider.

Shakti Enterprise, an ISO certified professional translation service provider has their translation process developed over years of experience. Call +91-720-888-5555 or email your requirement to info@shaktienterprise.com for a detailed presentation of our credentials and capabilities in providing language solution.

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