In search of the perfect translator
4 tips to choose the perfect translator
Keep these key characteristics in mind when hiring a professional translator.
- The translation provider should be a native speaker of the target language — this is a must! If you work with an agency, ask about the backgrounds and credentials of team members. Hire providers who are familiar with your target audience. If you’re trying to reach a Latino community whose members are mostly immigrants from Mexico, you probably don’t want to hire a translation team from Spain because its translations might contain words and expressions unfamiliar to Spanish speakers from Mexico, unless the team has received localization training.
- The translation provider should be proficient in the source language. In the case of most nonprofit organizations in the United States, the source language would be English. If you’re translating from English to Haitian Creole, you want to ensure the key translator has a thorough understanding of English so he or she can fully grasp what needs to be translated.
- The translation provider should have or hire only individuals with a degree or professional certification in translation. It’s a common misconception that anyone who knows two languages can translate between them. By hiring a professional, you can be assured that your translator is trained in translation techniques and is knowledgeable about technology and resources to ensure you receive a high-quality product in a timely manner.
- The translation provider should have industry experience. Ask how long the organization has been in business, and request a list of clients and samples of its translation projects.
What can I expect to pay for translations?
Translation rates can vary widely depending on whether you use an individual or an agency. Rates range from 5 to 50 cents per word or from $10 to $50 an hour. The fee to edit and proofread also varies. Some languages command higher fees. In its ebook, “Get It Right,” the American Translators Association states:
If translators are netting little more than a babysitter, they are unlikely to be tracking your market with the attention it deserves.
What is the advantage of using an agency vs. a freelance translator?
Freelancers have flexible work schedules, and you can develop a relationship with one person. But you may need a backup if that person gets sick, takes a full-time job or retires. An agency may have greater staff turnover and stricter working hours, but it is better equipped to handle volume. Agencies offer several people to review quality. Agencies can provide complementary and value-added services, including desktop publishing and marketing assistance.
Can I save money by using online translators?
Online translators such as Google Translate substitute words or phrases in one language with possible equivalents in a second language to create a “translation.” While machine translation might be helpful when you’re trying to navigate a foreign country or figure out website content, its results are so inconsistent and unreliable that you should never use it for your organization’s business.
Can bilingual staff translate content?
When looking for cost-effective solutions, many organizations want to know if they can use bilingual staff instead of hiring a freelance translator or translation agency. In most circumstances, the answer to this is a clear and resounding no, unless, of course, they meet the four requirements listed above. Otherwise, you’ll put your organization’s message at risk of being poorly translated, which could do more harm than good.
You wouldn’t trust your computer technician to write your promotional marketing material just because he’s fluent in English. So don’t trust your company’s reputation to an untrained translator just because he or she speaks the language.
Bilingual employees can and should help with the translation process. Their language skills can be incredibly useful to learn about the target audience. They can play an important role in communication with minority language speakers through in-person meetings or by answering questions by phone or email.
