Detecting the source

Detecting the source

Choosing the right translation company is obviously a crucial element as far as ensuring top translation quality is concerned. However, if you are producing (i.e. writing) the source material yourself, there are other important steps that you can take – some prior to even approaching a translation provider - both to reduce your costs and to make sure that the final target language version of your text is fit for purpose.

A snappy way to remember these critical steps is a word that will sound familiar to you. The word is LINGO, which in this context stands for Lay the foundations – Indicate your formatting requirements – Note potential problems – Get consistency – Obtain answers.

Lay the foundations

Kicking off with a well-written, carefully proof-read definitive version of the source text saves a lot of trouble all round. Ensure that your source text is proof-read (by another colleague, perhaps) before you submit it to a translation company for a quote. Bear in mind that while translators are highly-skilled professionals, they are not miracle-workers. In other words, if the source text isn't already of good quality, then transforming it into a first-rate translation is bound to involve a lot of extra work, which inevitably has an impact on the final cost...If a text doesn't make sense in the source language, then it certainly won't make sense in the target language either. So be clear, be concise and be sure the text says what you intend it to.

Indicate your formatting requirements

You may have specific formatting or layout requirements – this is to be expected. But it is very important to point these out right at the outset, not after the translation has been completed. By the same token, if your format requirements change during the project, let the translation provider know as soon as you can.

Note potential problems

If you would like your translated text to have a particular style or tone, it's helpful to make this clear when you order your translation project. The more information a translation supplier has about your target readership and intended message, the better the translators can be briefed and the intended style achieved. With marketing texts in particular, finding equivalent puns in one or more target languages can be time-consuming, problematic or even impossible. Remember that your snappy slogan may not work in Portuguese or Vietnamese, or whatever language you require. It is definitely worth bearing this in mind when you or your colleagues are writing the source copy, as these issues can affect both price and timescale.

Get consistency

If you've had translations of similar material produced before, or if your in-country colleague has lists of terms which are used regularly within your industry, please ensure your translation provider has access to these. Any glossaries or background reference material help enormously, as they allow the translator to ensure that your text is written using the same specific in-house terminology as previous documents.

Obtain answers

More than likely, you will be sailing rather nervously into uncharted waters when it comes to translation. You are no doubt an expert in your own industry, but you may well feel a little lost in ours. It is completely natural to have questions about the processes and procedures involved. Even if you just have some general queries and don’t necessarily want to take things further right now, any professional translation provider should always be happy to discuss your requirements and answer your questions.

Here at Lingo24, we're always happy to talk to our clients and can help you work out the best language (and language-related technology) strategy to come to grips with your export markets either at this moment or in the future.