Translation tools found online and in apps are great when considering what you are using them for. However, when considering the accuracy of the source text (or lack thereof), you might want to skip the AI version of the translation and go straight to a professional translator.
There are translation errors all over the place: Street signs, banners, store names, and so forth. In fact, there are websites that have blog articles showcasing spelling errors from sticky notes to billboards.
It is not just your co-worker or student making these spelling errors. Giant companies can make spelling errors too. Even after approval and presentation… even after you’d think that someone surely should have caught that. Sure, for some companies, the repercussions could be as simple as embarrassment, but for others, the cost can be far greater, leaving no one at the company laughing.
Here are three ways to avoid translation mistakes…
1) Avoid Using Machine Translators for Official Documents
When a company presents a document that is poorly translated, for example, the reader could lose trust in the business or be misguided, leaving them frustrated and less-than-thrilled with the company’s ability to provide service if they cannot provide a proper document.
Think about this… you need to translate a legal document. You can already see where this is going. The last thing you want is to present an official legal document that is translated incorrectly. The effects could be insurmountable.
Using those fun, free online translation tools are great for quick translations like a comment on your social media page from a foreign customer, but leave the professional documents to the professional interpreters.
2) Hire Professional Translators
It’s not enough to hire a human translator, though. Always go for experienced professionals who provide quality content writing services; they can ensure the accuracy of the text. A good translator is especially critical in the financial trading industry, so choose one who is familiar with investment jargon. Only through their industry expertise will the translator be able to carry across any informational insight.
Moreover, find a translator who is not only fluent in the language but well-versed in the culture of the audience. He or she will know how to use local idioms and slang, handle culturally sensitive topics, and reference nuances in the local culture.
3) Provide Comprehensive, Concise Source Material
Allow your professional translator to spend their time translating quality content, not fixing errors first just to translate later. The extra time it would take to correct source material before translating it, leaves far too much room for potential error. When a client provides materials that are concise, comprehensive and proofread, it allows the translator to do what they do best and translate the document with precision.
Also, provide additional useful information such as the tone you want for the material. Professional interpreters have the ability to adjust their translations according to the desired tone that the client prefers.
Translation is an investment, and it should be treated like one as it is easier to avoid a translation error than to try to fix one after the damage is already done. Trust the experts at Atlas Language Services with all your translation needs. Based in the Chicago area, and servicing clients worldwide, Atlas is there for all your translation needs.