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When it comes to communicating your message from one language into another nothing can damage you more than a bad translation. There are a few things you should have in mind when documents need to be translated or when you are getting an interpreter:
- Make known all the details to the translation agency about the project so you can get in the return a suitable linguist. Example: Mandarin is the most common language spoken in China but there are more than 200 other dialects spoken there. So, if you ask for a Chinese interpreter or translator it may not be enough to get the professional linguist you require. You have to do the necessary research to find out exactly the dialect or language you require in order to secure the success
- Provide as much background information on the project as possible. The better the interpreter/translator is prepared the better the outcome will be. Give complete details to the translation company. For example if you require expert interpreting services for a conference, make sure you inform the agency the subject of the conference so they can match the right person with the right skills and experience for the project. It is totally unrealistic to think that a professional linguist will be expert in every field
- The job of the interpreter is only to interpret what is being said. He is not allowed to make any judgments or to change a sense of a phrase
- When selecting a translation agency you have to ask the right question to ensure you work with a professional organisation. Examples: How many languages have you worked in? What industries do you have experience in?
- Make sure they are members of reputable organisations such as ATA
I hope this tips are going to be useful in selecting a language service provider.
