What makes a good translation?

VARNA, Bulgaria - Feb. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- What is translation and how to ensure good translation?

In essence, translation is not a simple word for word substitution but rather a very complex and creative process of rendering the original content in the target language by utilizing equivalent concepts and nuances corresponding to the source text. One of the characteristics of a good translation is that it reads like it was written in the target language. So, clearly, the most important aspect of producing a quality translation is hiring a good translator. Other important aspects that should  be considered are the provider responsibility as well as the usage and usage proficiency of CAT tools on the part of the language service provider.

How to identify a good translator and why hiring a translation company is your best choice?

Identifying a good translator is never an easy task and it involves serious risks. It is best to hire a translation company that would handle recruiting the right linguist for your translation project and save you the time, resources and hassle that this process usually incurs. It is important to always look for an agency with years of experience in the translation industry that has developed screening processes in line with EN 15038, published by the European Committee for Standardization in regards with translation-specific quality management.

VIAX Corporate Language Solutions employs the following practice: translators need to undergo several steps before they are approved and included in the translation agency's database.

Preliminary eligibility criteria for translators

Translators are asked to apply only if they meet the below requirements and are able to document their education, experience and identity.

•  A native speaker of the target language residing in the country of origin for at least 6 months in the last 4 years.

•  A college or university degree in translation with at least 5 years of documented translation experience or a college/university degree in another field and 7 years of documented translation experience.

•  Evidence of identity, education and experience, along with at least  4 references.

Once VIAX confirms that the translator complies with the above preliminary requirements, he or she is admitted to the evaluation and testing phase. During this phase the translator must translate a short test piece which is then evaluated by our lead translator for this language pair and subject field.

What are the attributes of a good translation?

Quality translation involves, above all, precision, knowledge of the subject matter, linguistic skills, native proficiency of the target language, experience, responsibility and usage of CAT tools.

Precision

Quality translation is always precise - which means that all the information should be faithfully conveyed in the target copy. Not only the core message should be conveyed but no  details should be omitted. Good translation is creating a precise equivalent of your source text in the target language.

Knowledge of the subject matter

This is an essential aspect of providing a quality translation. If you want to have your say conveyed adequately in the target language, using the language of your industry, you should only work with translators who either have a background in your subject matter or have years of experience translating similar content. Thus you enhance the quality of your translation and ensure that the translation will employ industry-standard terminology ratified in the target language.

Linguistic education

This is definitely a key factor to creating quality translation. Choosing a translator with linguistic education ensures impeccable grammar and style. A translator with linguistic background has received an in-depth training in the source language, grammar, culture and translation know-how. This ensures a deeper understanding of your culture and source text which is essential for creating a good translation.

Native proficiency

It may seem that the need for native speakers of the target language is somewhat overemphasized by agencies but this is actually a core requirement to creating a good translation. A translator must always translate into his or her native language only, in order to ensure native proficiency of the target text. It is not only important that your provider is native speaker of the target language but he must also reside in the target country as this ensures that  the language is practiced on a daily basis.

Experience

You have probably heard the famous Julius Caesar quote: Experience is the teacher of all things. This holds true with the translation industry as well. A quality translation is always the result of years and years of translation experience where translators hone their skills and learn how to handle linguistic challenges quickly and efficiently.

Responsibility

Quality translation is always the result of geared effort and a high degree of responsibility. Even if you happen to hire a highly skilled translator, if he or she lacks responsibility, you would not be able to trust the resulting work. Very often translation projects come with specific instructions and requirements which have to be followed as closely as possible. Terms need to be checked, no matter how experienced a translator is. Deadlines need to be met at all times. All this requires responsibility on the part of the language service provider, so establishing a good relationship with a responsible and responsive, client-oriented LSP is the key for receiving a good translation.

Usage and usage proficiency of CAT tools

The translation quality is substantially improved by using CAT tools in the right way. With the help of advanced CAT tools, expert linguists analyze, utilize a company’s previous translations, compile them in Translation Memories (TMs), and create dictionaries and glossaries both for the company’s internal needs and for reference/implementation in upcoming translation projects. This insures a consistent translation and unique brand name voice even if different translators work on the same project.

VIAX Corporate Language Solutions – Your Partner to Linguistic Excellence

VIAX Corporate Language Solutions is a language service provider operating a network of specialists worldwide and offering a diverse range of language solutions to businesses. As a one-stop language service provider, VIAX offers a diverse range of language solutions in 100+ languages – from translation and localization to copywriting, transcreation and linguistic validation. Our services are especially valuable for companies that want to venture into new international markets.

CONTACTS

www.viax-translations.com

Company Headquarters:

VIAX Corporate Language Solutions Ltd.

6 Sofronyi Vrachanski, Floor 2

9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Tel.: +359 52-600960; +359 878-120728

Fax: +359 52 600 960

Email: office@viax-translations.com

Skype: viax-translations

Company Registered in:

The Republic of Bulgaria, EU

Registration No 201375610