7 Steps to Prepare for A Translation Project
Do you have any experience with translation? Do you want a step-by-step guide for obtaining your documents translated?
We understand that starting a language project can be intimidating. This is precisely why we have told to prepare some simple questions for you to help you gather the necessary data for your forthcoming language project.
1. Gather the following project details:
You should ideally realise which language you want to translate into.
What is the significance of this? – This may seem obvious, but consider the following example: You have had an English document that you would like translated into Spanish. The Spanish language has many dialects: US Hispanic, Mexican Spanish, Argentinian Spanish, Latin American or Iberian Spanish, and so on.
Second, notify the translation agency about the document’s purpose and intended audience.
What is the significance of this? – For instance, if it is an advert or a marketing document, it must be transcreated rather than translated, which necessitates specific skills and a translator with experience in this area.
2. Structure
You must also know what kind of document you want translated. “PDF” is not the answer we’re looking for here!
A PDF file can be generated from a variety of file types, so it will be simpler to create the quote if you can offer specific info on the classic file format. Format data using a word processor, PowerPoint, scanned document, or InDesign. It included a sample or the entire project in your quote request email if possible.
3. Size
It is critical for the translator to have a firm idea of the word count of your project. Don’t be concerned if you do not have it. Simply submit the original documents to your agency, and they will calculate the word count for you.
Why is it significant? – The majority of translation works are cited on a per-word basis. As a result, a 50-page PowerPoint presentation containing 3000 words will cost the same as a 2-page Word document containing 3000 words.
It should be noted that the final quote may differ depending on the time required by the designers to prepare and display the final versions in order to ensure the same look on both versions.
4. The deadline
Ideally, you should be aware of your timetable and be able to estimate when you’ll need the documents translated. Your translator would be able to let you understand if it is feasible within your timeframe.
Why is it significant? – When human linguists translate (rather than translation software), they translate an estimate of 3000 phrases per day. Of course, the sophistication of the original file will determine this, but the documents will then be evaluated by a completely separate linguist for modification and/or proofreading. As a result, keep this in mind as you plan some translation projects.
5. Additional information
If at all possible, gather all supporting materials for your venture, such as photographs, tables, graphics, and
logos.
Why is it significant? – If your file contains pictures with text, the designers will require the originals in order to replace the text in one language with its translation. They will re-insert the images in the final transcribed document once this is completed for all of them.
You will also need to send any translation recollection or glossaries from your company. Why is it significant? – Nowadays, translators use translation tools like translation memories as well as other software to help them with their work. It enables them to start creating a recollection for similar circumstances.
6. Contact your translation service.
The very next step is to contact your translation company and speak with a Project Manager. If this is your first interaction with the translation firm, you will be assigned a Program Manager who will handle all of your future projects directly.
In order to evaluate your project, the Project Manager must ask you all of the above questions. The project manager must provide you with a quotation for the job along with an expected delivery date based on the deadlines, size, and sophistication of the original documents.
7. Assess the quote
This final step is the simplest and, most likely, the most important. You must decide whether you want to proceed
with your translation quote.
This will almost certainly be determined by three factors: Quality vs. Price vs. Time:
– Are you satisfied with how they handled your primary request?
– Did they respond quickly to your emails?
– Does the quote match your budget?
– Is the deadline compatible with your project?
– Does the translation agency’s website or company profile include client testimonials?
– Do they have certification?
– Once you’ve decided, your agency’s staff will walk you through the final part translation process, making sure
you’re comfortable with every step until the final delivery of your files and receipt of your invoice.
By Whatjobs.com
Pic@Freepik.com
September 2022
