Choosing the right translation partner is crucial for businesses expanding their global reach. A reliable and experienced translation partner can ensure high-quality translations that accurately convey the intended message. At the same time, a poor choice can result in costly errors and damage to the brand’s reputation.
With so many translation bureaus available, it can be overwhelming to select the right one. In this article, we will provide an overview of the questions to ask when looking for a translation partner. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of finding a translation partner with experience in specific types of content, as this can greatly impact the quality and accuracy of the translations.
Do you have experience in translating the type of content I need?
Asking a potential translation partner about their experience in translating the type of content you need is crucial. This is because different types of content require different levels of expertise and knowledge. For example, translating a technical manual requires a deep understanding of technical terminology and language, while marketing materials may require a more creative approach to translation.
Common types of content that are commonly translated include legal documents, medical reports, technical manuals, marketing materials, website content, and financial reports. Each of these requires a different level of expertise and familiarity with the subject matter. For instance, a legal document requires knowledge of legal terminology, while a medical report needs familiarity with medical terminology and procedures.
Therefore, it is important to choose a translation partner who has experience in translating the specific type of content you need. This ensures that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to accurately translate your content, resulting in a high-quality final product that accurately conveys your message.
What tools and procedures do you use to ensure quality translations?
One of the key aspects of choosing the right translation partner is ensuring that they have the tools and procedures in place to deliver high-quality translations. A good translation partner should have a robust quality management system that covers all aspects of the translation process, from project initiation to final delivery.
The use of translation tools and procedures is essential in ensuring consistency, accuracy, and quality across all translation projects. Some examples of translation tools include Translation Memory (TM) systems, which store previously translated segments for reuse in future translations, and Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, which assist human translators in the translation process.
In addition to tools, a good translation partner should also have a set of established procedures that cover aspects such as project management, quality assurance, and client communication. This ensures that all translation projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
When choosing a translation partner, it’s important to ask about their use of translation tools and procedures, as they can significantly impact the quality and consistency of the translations delivered.
How do you handle the formatting and layout of translated documents?
When considering a translation partner, it’s important to inquire about how they handle the formatting and layout of translated documents. Maintaining the same formatting and layout as the source document is crucial to ensure the translated document looks professional and functions as intended.
For example, if the source document is a brochure or marketing material, it’s essential to maintain the same layout and design in the translated version to ensure the same impact on the target audience. If the source document is a technical manual, maintaining the same formatting and layout is important to ensure the translated document is easy to use and understand for the end-users.
Different types of files may also need to be translated, such as PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, or HTML files. It’s essential to ensure that the translated document maintains the same formatting and layout as the source document, regardless of the file type. A good translation partner should have the expertise and tools to handle the formatting and layout of various file types and deliver high-quality translations.
What is your process for managing urgent translation requests?
When choosing a translation partner, it is important to consider how they handle urgent translation requests. Urgent translation requests can arise unexpectedly and require a quick turnaround time without compromising the quality of the translation. A good translation partner should have a process in place for managing urgent requests, which may include prioritizing urgent projects, having a team of available translators to handle urgent requests, and efficient project management to ensure timely delivery.
One example of a process for managing urgent translation requests is having a dedicated team of translators who are available for quick turnaround times. This team should have experience in the specific type of content that needs to be translated, and they should be able to work efficiently under pressure. The translation partner should also have a project management system in place that allows them to prioritize urgent requests and track the progress of the project.
It is important to ask potential translation partners about their process for managing urgent translation requests, as this can give you a better understanding of their capabilities and whether they are the right fit for your translation needs. A good translation partner should be able to provide timely and high-quality translations, even under tight deadlines.
Do you offer multilingual and international support?
Choosing a translation partner that offers multilingual and international support is crucial for businesses with global reach. It is important to ensure that the translation partner has the capacity to handle various languages and provide support for international customers. This is especially important for businesses with a global customer base or those that operate in multiple countries.
For example, a company that sells products or services internationally may need to provide customer support in multiple languages. In this scenario, having a translation partner that can handle customer support requests in various languages would be critical. Another example is a company that operates in a country with multiple official languages, such as Canada or Switzerland. In this case, the translation partner would need to be able to provide translation services for all of the official languages used in the country.
Choosing a translation partner that offers multilingual and international support is important for businesses that operate globally or have a diverse customer base. It ensures that the business can communicate effectively with customers, employees, and stakeholders in various languages and across different countries.
What certifications do you hold, and what do they mean for the quality of your translations?
ISO certifications and other quality certifications are important for a translation partner to have because they demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing high-quality translations. The most widely recognized quality management standard for translation companies is the ISO 9001 certification, which outlines the requirements for a quality management system. Additionally, the ISO 17100 certification specifies requirements for translation services, including the qualifications of the translators, the process for handling projects, and quality control measures.
Other certifications to look for include the ASTM F2575 standard, which specifies requirements for quality assurance in translation, and the EN 15038 standard, which is similar to the ISO 17100 certification. The TAUS Quality Dashboard certification is also becoming more widely recognized in the industry, which evaluates a company’s translation quality against industry benchmarks.
When choosing a translation partner, it is important to ensure that they hold the necessary certifications for the type of content that needs to be translated. For example, a medical translation may require a translation partner with ISO 13485 certification, which outlines the requirements for a quality management system in the medical device industry. A legal translation may require a partner with ISO 17100 certification and a legal translation specialization. By selecting a partner with the appropriate certifications, businesses can be assured that their translations will meet the necessary quality standards.
Conclusion
Choosing the right translation partner is crucial for businesses that require regular translations, small or big, sometimes urgent, and sometimes with limited budgets. By asking the right questions, such as those mentioned above, businesses can ensure that they find a translation partner with the experience, tools, and procedures necessary to deliver high-quality translations. Slavis Translations is a reliable translation partner with over 20 years of experience in providing translations of the highest quality. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your translation needs.