How to Choose A Translation Services Supplier
by Liz Athey, Roevin Translation
Services
If you are thinking of translating your company’s technical
or promotional material into foreign languages, identifying a good
quality supplier of translation services can be a headache. Professional
translators work exclusively into their mother tongue. Their job
is to produce copy which accurately reflects the message and style
of your original text, whilst reading fluently in the target language.
Why do I need translation services?
One of the most obvious barriers to successful exporting is the
language barrier. A common assumption is that most business dealings
are held in English and that most business people speak English.
In fact 94% per cent of the world’s population does not speak
English as their first language, and not as many Europeans speak
English as we think. For example only 27% of Italians speak English
and only 18% of Spaniards speak, read and write English with ease.
How much do translation services cost?
Translations are normally charged per 1000 words so the fewer words
you have to translate, the cheaper it will be. You don’t need
to get reams of material translated – your company profile
might be sufficient at first, along with essential parts of your
website. A professional translation of a page about your services
should cost you no more than £50.
Translation agencies are generally more expensive than freelance
translators but do offer additional benefits such as an extra quality
control, specialist niche translators (medical/legal/engineering
etc.), multi-language desktop publishing and a one-stop-shop service
if you need several languages to be translated at the same time.
The important thing is that whenever you decide to purchase translation
services - use a tried and tested professional translator or agency
and don’t be afraid to ask for references.
Is translating our material really necessary?
Results of the British Chambers of Commerce 2004 Survey –
The Impact of Foreign Languages on British Business — found
that exporters who adapted and localised their products/services
and sales literature for their export markets, and who placed value
on having staff with foreign language skills, enjoyed average export
sales growth of 7% — or £290,000 – over the previous
year.
So we know there are sound reasons for producing sales and marketing
material in the language of your target markets, but where do you
start looking for a translation services provider who will produce
a translation which reflects the time and effort you have spent
on getting your English language material right?
Here is some quick advice on how to choose a reputable translation
services supplier.
A good place to find a reputable translation services supplier
is through the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (www.iti.org.uk)
whose members, both individual freelance translators and professional
translation agencies must adhere to strict codes of conduct. The
Association of Translation Companies (www.atc.org.uk)
is also a good source of information and suppliers of translation
services.
Free copies of the translation buyers’ guide “Translation:
getting it right” by Chris Durban, can be downloaded from
the Institute of Translation and Intepreting website at www.iti.org.uk
Can’t I get the text translated free?
There are numerous websites available offering free machine translations.
Whilst there’s no doubt that these services provide you with
the gist of a foreign language text if you need it quickly, they
should not be used to translate material representing your company,
as they are at the very most 75% accurate — meaning one in
four words will be incorrectly translated.
In summary, the best way of ensuring you find a reputable translation
services supplier is to look for a translator or agency with membership
of the ITI or ATC and don’t be afraid to ask for references
or free sample translations.
About Roevin Translation Services
Roevin Translation Services (www.roevin.co.uk/translation)
is a technical translation and interpreting
company, providing services in over 100 language combinations
in a range of fields including engineering, manufacturing, pharmaceutical,
medical and legal among others. We have exclusive access to a global
network of translation services experts with specialist translation
qualifications in their native language. Our core services include
Technical Translation Services and Interpreting
Services.
About The Author
Liz Athey is the Division Manager for Roevin Translation Services.
A French graduate, Liz has 12 years experience in the field of multi-language
publishing, in roles involving project management and procuring
translations for various publications from childrens’ literature
to European Commission documentation. Liz joined Roevin Translation
Services in 1999 as a translation project manager and branch manager
before being appointed to her current role as Division Manager in
2005 which involves managing four translation offices in Birmingham,
Manchester, Glasgow and Amsterdam.
Notes For Editors
For interviews and photos, contact Liz Athey on +44 (0)121 635
5060.
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