Top Tips on Translating Documents, Transglobal Languages & Cultures

TOP TIPS on Translating Documents

We have written these TOP TIPS on translating documents for anyone who is considering getting documents translated.

They are based on years of experience and advocated by key professional and government bodies.

10 TOP TIPS on Translating Documents

Effective communication is crucial for success in international trade. To get your message across, maintain good relations and promote your products, you may need to use the language of your overseas customers.
Present your company internationally as an attractive business partner using translation. Make a lasting impression on your customers by using their language. Your thoughtfulness will set you apart from the crowd.
In your text for translation (source text) use bullet points, illustrative graphics and stick to the facts! Only translate relevant information, reducing costs. Make life easy for your foreign target audience - keep it simple!
Get your source text written professionally by someone with marketing or copywriting skills. Keep it unambiguous and non-colloquial. A badly written document will not be improved by translation!
Do not be tempted to use DIY translation. Beware of using foreign language speakers (native or non-native) in the company for translation work, except for basic “gist”. Proper translation requires training and experience.
Plan ahead for your translation needs just like other bought in services. The need for translations often results from decisions taken much earlier. Allow enough time for providers to be briefed and translations done properly.
If a translation matters make sure you get it right. Translations should be transferred as electronic files, never copy typed! A translation cannot be “nearly right”. Before printing, get it checked by an educated native speaker.
Nominate someone in-house as your “translations coordinator”. This person can learn how to manage providers, ensure that deadlines are met, keep a record of past translations and manage a glossary (see 9).
Develop and maintain a glossary. This is a mini dictionary in English and key foreign languages of the specialised terms used in your business. Your translations provider can use it to maintain consistency in translation work.
Make sure that you use a professional translations provider. Translation is a highly skilled profession performed by specialists. A professional translator is someone qualified and experienced – not just a native speaker. Using professional translators is the only way to present your business professionally to foreign language speakers.

We have also prepared a two-page guide which explains more fully:

why professional translations are so good for your international business
that the effective use of translation is more than just a practical issue
how you can apply these TOP TIPS to make your translations work for you

If you would like a FREE copy of the guide please complete your details below and we will send it to you as an e-mail attachment.

Or you can ask our translations coordinator, Lindsey Evans by calling her now……

Tel: +44 (0) 161 233 0777 E-mail: translations@transgloballanguages.co.uk

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