Ingenious translations happen when the translator grasps the profound meaning of source text

What sets a good translation apart from others? Brilliant translations are often produced by native translators who have the ability to understand the source text at a deep level, and are a skilful writer in the target language Translation is more than linguistic knowledge or accuracy. Good translators are also sensitive to industry vocabulary, project timelines and the intended audience of any document.

If you are looking to hire translators for your website or medical translation services, it is important to not simply select translation services based on their online profiles, but choose them based on the following criteria:

Advanced linguistic abilities

Any translator cannot produce precise translations if he/she does not understand the context. And the ability to do translation with finesse requires advanced, near native level, knowledge of the source language, that is only developed when the translator has a deep understanding of the text and has excellent writing skills. A skilled translator enjoys writing, experimenting with words, testing out what goes where best and keeps in mind to not exceed the character counts, if required. And adhering to such specifications require varying amounts of linguist acrobatics or lateral thinking. Ideally, your translators should be native speakers. While it’s possible to achieve complete fluency in a language that is not your native tongue, the best translators are usually native speakers. If you’re working in a language that has variations in usage between countries ensure your proposed translation provider has the right country-level expertise.

Specialist knowledge

The translator must have expertise knowledge of technical, commercial, industrial or scientific areas which is only acquired by studying various languages and combining this with a degree or diploma in the specialist domain. The professional translators are those with a full degree in a subject other than their second language and comprehensive working experience in their field, especially in a medical discipline or in law. This also helps them to become familiar with foreign rules and business practices. Translating content for different mediums requires unique skills and approaches to problem-solving. Analyze the translators carefully and look for a match in both subject matter and format.

In-depth cultural knowledge

Translators who offer professional translation services have a deep understanding of both source and target cultures that includes general cultural knowledge like values systems and culture-specific aspects like heritage and traditions. To grasp the significance and implication of any text, the translator would require cultural knowledge for better translations. And understanding the differences between your source and target language cultures will alert the translator about the text that won’t work well or will have reduced impact when translated. Therefore, a nuanced knowledge of the customs of the target market can help the translator to avoid culturally insensitive text.

Sound research skills and knowledge of translation rules

This is about the talent and experience accumulated by a translator, either during training or work experience, as befits their profession. It covers two types of knowledge - the professional practice of translation itself and an understanding of the principles governing translation. Also, seasoned translators keep researching things – wording, meanings, vocab, jargon, background info to deliver efficient translations.

Attention to detail

Apart from missing a deadline, not getting simple facts – like numbers – right is one of the deadly sins of the translation profession that might ruin any organisation’s image. Hence, It is important for any translator to transfer every factual detail to the translated document correctly. Checking the accuracy of the text separately from spelling and grammar is important for any translator. These days translators also use CAT tools to simplify such tasks so that mistyped numbers and forgotten sentences become almost impossible and a professional will always double-check to ensure that you receive accurate and factual translated output.

Apart from this, certain skills like cognitive abilities, intellectual curiosity and creativity can help the translator to synthesize information better and deliver better translations. Always ensure that the translators of your prospect translation company are qualified enough and have the competences mentioned above. LanguageNoBar is a certified and reputable language translation company that can provide you with high quality translation and localization services through native and skilled translators who are domain experts in their respective fields.

Professionalism and dependability can set the best translators apart from the rest and asking the right questions will ensure that you hire the right translation agency for the job.

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