More businesses are crossing cultural boundaries (and thus language barriers), than ever before.
This is making significant demands on how people in the business world communicate. Not only do you have to be well versed in your field of speciality, you will also be expected to ensure your messages translate well into other languages and cultures. The margin for error is usually minimal – whether you’re in construction or stocks.
How to avoid translation mistakes
Your options for avoiding error can be simplified into two courses of action. The first is to source a technical expert in your field who is also bilingual – a rare commodity. The second is to find a very accomplished translator whose expertise will allow them to comprehend your topic area and translate accordingly.
The first option for many, is an ideal scenario. So if, for instance, you can find a civil engineer who speaks fluent English as well as Farsi, who is willing to bunker down in a remote location to translate plans and can communicate with your construction staff, then you should rejoice. Of course, this is based on your company being able to keep such a highly skilled and therefore highly paid individual on your payroll. Above all, it’s contingent on finding this rare type of specialist in the first place.
More often than not the need for translation is sporadic and the necessary talent is in short supply. But that doesn’t make it less important that it’s accurate each time it’s needed. So where do you compensate?
Even basic translation tiers are more effective than Google Translate
In these instances it’s helpful to know that most translation agencies offer different tiers of translation.
The first is basic. UK-based translation company London Translations compare this option to a supermarket’s value range.
“Entry level tiers of translation are more accurate and dependable than free software like Google Translate. What this option ensures is that the meaning of your article or letter is effectively and clearly conveyed,” explains Jennifer Ball from London Translations.
These formats are usually not suitable for publication though. A basic translation can serve you very well if you need to know the content of an article or an email to decide on a course of action. They are great for personal use, things that are perhaps for your eyes and a certain few others only – not for potential clients or people you’re interested in working with.
Higher tiers increase the value of the translation
The tiers increase in accuracy and editorial quality from thereon up. Standard business translation are suitable for most business documents and presentations. Any good translation service offering you a Standard Business tiered translation will often assign translators with a good history in your sector.
“If you really can’t afford any error, we recommend business critical translation as it is rigorous and leaves no room for error,” says SUE. For high value and technical contracts that deals with information that could lead to loss of life, assets or reputation, you will need this higher level of translation. The same applies if the work is going to be mass-distributed, such as marketing material.
If you can find and afford a bilingual technical expert, and have a more than sporadic need for their services, then that is the way you should go. But if you don’t have a continuous need, then a good translation service will still be able to do some very high quality work depending on your individual requirements and what tier you decide upon.
