Before a translator from a corporate language translation service starts a corporate translation there are certain steps that should be taken while completing the translation
Translating is not an easy process as it doesn’t just involve scanning the text provided by a
corporation and then translating it into a second language but any type of translation
requires expertise, skill, effort, time, and research so that high-quality translations will be
the result. All professional translators need to use checklists to help them get the best
the translation that fits their corporate client’s needs.
1. Understand the corporate project
When a translator is given a corporate translation the translator should make sure
the translation instructions provided by the client are carefully reviewed.
2. Study the context
When it comes to translation, context is crucial. Usually, a professional translator is an
expert in a certain field, so the translation project should suit the translator’s strengths.
The translator should not only be able to translate the words accurately but should also be
able to ensure that the translation makes perfect sense and fits into the context. All
industries have their own jargon and lingo so understanding this is important for an
accurate corporate translation.
3. Conduct research
Sometimes the subject matter of a source text covers a completely different theme so some
research may be required before the translation is completed.
4. Provide personality
An expert translator will provide a text that always gives the impression that it is accurate.
Unless asked to do so by a corporate client, translating any document word for word often
looks careless and is rarely perfect. This means the translator has to adapt the translation
so that it meets the client’s requirements and is not a simple word-for-word translation.
5. Be Consistent
If a corporate translation is required for a regular client, it is essential that the translations
are consistent so the client’s brand value is not threatened by confusing their audience with
inconsistent messages. This means the translator should stick with the writing style used in
previous corporate documents including the use of similar phrases throughout the
translation. The same tone should be embedded in the whole translation. Translation
memory programs can help throughout the translation of the text. These programs are able
to help highlight similarities between the new content and earlier translated texts. This
saves time and helps to maintain the brand’s consistency.
6. Provide feedback
Any efficient and serious translator will provide feedback to the client particularly if any
mistakes are discovered in the source text. It’s also quite a good idea to provide comments
regarding formatting or word usage if required.
7. Proofreading
The first step when proofreading a corporate translation is to spell-check and correct all
typos. Once the text is free of all grammatical and spelling mistakes the translation should
be read again and compared to the source text so that any mistranslation can be corrected.
The final document in the targeted language must make sense and read as if it was written
in the original language. A final review of the translation should take place after the
translator has taken a break. This is equivalent to a set of fresh eyes reviewing the
translated document.
All corporate translations need to take the utmost care with translations otherwise the
the corporation may lose its reputation if its brand is misrepresented in an inaccurate
translation.