As a customer you can have as much input in the translation project as you wish, ensuring that it is carried out to your complete satisfaction.
The following information provides useful tips on how to obtain the best possible translation:
Plan Ahead
The length of time required to complete a translation depends on many factors, including the length and difficulty of the text, the languages involved and the quality of the manuscript. Please bear in mind that a professional translator is able to translate on average between 10 and 15 pages per day.
More complex texts and unusual language combinations may require more time. Please also allow extra time (and possibly further costs) for proof reading, editing, graphic design and print, etc.
Please provide the following details when placing an order:
- the required language combination
- the target country for the translation
- whether you require a certified translation
- whether the translation is for publication or external use
any required format and what type of end product you require
Translation Aids
Any glossaries, related texts and other reference materials you are able to provide, help our translators to carry out accurate and consistent translations.
Translation-oriented Authoring
Using translation-oriented authoring, potential translation problems can be identified and therefore avoided in the early stages of development of a document in its source language. Texts which have been written without the possibility of translation in mind can cause the following problems:
- More work for the translator who must do extra research in order to understand the document.
- Higher translation and layout costs due to extensive corrections and formatting.
Furthermore, translation-oriented source documents support the efficient use of our computer-aided translation tools, such as translation memory systems. The project preparation time will therefore be considerably reduced.
The translation process does not start with placing an order with us, but as early as writing the documents in the source language. Where possible, documents should be culturally neutral, addresses should be written as is standard in the target country, and all other non-verbal means, such as signs and icons, should also be matched. It is also important to watch out for the formatting of the foreign texts and especially the use of idioms.
Suggested Guidelines
The following list provides intended guidelines to help you produce a translation-oriented document:
- Language neutral formatting
- A fixed meaning for every word
- No use of synonyms
- No “filler” words
- No complicated sentence structures
- Clear meanings through word order
- Maintain logical word order (first cause, then effect)
- Present tense
- Each sentence in a specific style
- Culturally-neutral illustrations
