Translation is a service that many people are often unaware of but can be very valuable to businesses. This article will highlight the basics of translation services, and what they entail so you can better understand them and choose the right service for your business needs.
What is a Translation?
Translation is the changing of a piece of text from one language to another. Translation can be done in several ways. However, the most common is to use a translator who will translate the text word-for-word. There are also machine translators which use algorithms to translate texts. They are however, not as accurate as human translations.
Translation services can be used for business or personal purposes. Businesses often need translation services for various reasons, such as marketing materials, contracts, meeting minutes, and more. However, many people mistakenly believe that they only need translations when working with clients or partners from other countries. this may be true in some cases but there are many occasions when businesses need to translate documents internally as well. For example, an international company may need to create marketing materials in multiple languages for different world regions.
Types of Translation Services
Conference Translation Services
One of the most common types of translation work is conference interpretation. This involves translating live events such as speeches, or presentations from one language to another. Conference Interpretation involves using on-site interpreters who interpret one language to another in real time for those at the conference who do not understand the original language to follow the meeting proceedings.
Remote Simultaneous Interpretation
Another common type of translation, which is similar to conference interpretation, involves using a cloud-based streaming service to interpret what someone says in one language into another. This is called Remote Simultaneous Interpretation and it can be done at conferences, webinars, or other similar events where people have gathered together from multiple countries who do not speak the same native tongue. RSI allows for many languages to be interpreted at once so everyone present will understand regardless of their background or nationality. RSI makes it possible to hold events where people with different backgrounds can come together and speak as equals.
Legal Translation Services
In some instances, it is critical to have a translator on-hand who will listen to what someone says in one language and translate it into another immediately. Interpreters are particularly useful in legal settings where individuals need to be questioned by police but do not speak the native tongue well enough to understand their rights within that country’s legal system. Legal interpreters are often used during hearings where cases cannot move forward without figuring out which text segments go with which numbers/bullet points on the page.
What to consider when looking for a translating company
What do they specialize in?
Depending on what you need, it is crucial to work with a translator who specializes in your area of business. if you operate an e-commerce business and want to translate product descriptions into Spanish for certain products sold internationally. Find a professional translation company who has experience working with clients from Latin America or Spain to provide accurate translations for the text being used. The same would apply when looking for someone fluent in another language other than English.
Are they licensed and/or accredited?
Many countries have licensing or accrediting requirements for translation companies. This is to ensure that the translations produced are accurate and of high quality. When looking for a translator, be sure to ask if they are licensed and/or accredited in your country or the country in which you will be using their services. If not, it may be best to look elsewhere.
How do they charge?
Some companies will base their fees on the number of words that need to be translated, while others may use a set rate for translation services. It’s important to know how your translation company calculates this information so you can compare it with others and find one that fits within your budget.
Translation is a valuable service for businesses of all sizes and can be used in many ways. When looking for a translation company, it’s important to consider what services they offer, what languages they are fluent in, if they are licensed/accredited, and how they calculate their fees. Always ensure that you choose a translation company that fits your business needs.