What should you know about document translation?

by Target Language Translation Services

- July 7, 2021

Nowadays, document translation covers various topics and various industry niches, which involves the conversion of a source language (SL) text into a target language (TL). Translation services are essential to help the global economy go round by helping promoting understanding and proper communication among people who do not speak the same language. Translation affects lives, economies, public and private governance, and almost every aspect of society.

The process of document translation

People who are not familiar with the language services sector may find it difficult to understand document translation and its process. The first thing to remember is that translation involves more than just replacing the source text with words in another language. The following considerations linguists take into account may help people to comprehend the translation process and have an idea of the significance of the translation service.

1.  Preparation

Before starting the process, the linguist, especially one who is just starting in the job, prepares for the entire process. The linguist acknowledges that the translation should be precise but at the same time, they accept that a perfect translation is very hard, if not impossible, to make. Other considerations include the time constraints, the theme or subject of the document and the target audience.

2.  Familiarity with the Subject and Specialization

Linguists have various specializations and expertise. Some can do translations of general subjects, while others only deal with medical, educational, legal, financial, or business translations.

Although they are familiar with the subject or topic of the content, they prepare for the project beforehand. They do an initial read-through to get an overview of the content. Then, the linguist usually do research, use reference materials as well as ask clients for specific terminology to make sure that the translation is precise and consistent.

They also consider the style and register of the content in order for the translation to be authentic. This aspect is of particular significance to the translation of marketing materials, which are specially written not only to inform but to offer credibility to the company or product, elicit a response and develop trust.

The linguist likewise considers the utilization of a formal or informal tone for the translation, based on the requirements of the language pair.

3.  Target Audience

In relation to the above, the linguist should know the target audience, so they can tailor the translation to the person who will utilize the translation. While linguists follow translation guidelines, each work may need a various approach. Terminology is crucial, especially for technical translations, which are specific. Likewise, the linguist also has to consider the cultural vocabulary, which may or may not have a direct translation in another language. Translation conveys a message from the original language into various languages, to ensure that people who do not speak the same language can receive and understand the message or information in their native language.

In some instances, the translation maintains the original brand name. But in some instances, the name or tagline may be changed or revised because the cultural connotation or meaning is detrimental to the acceptance or success of the company or brand.

4.  Speed and Delivery

On-time delivery is vital because clients have deadlines to meet as well. A key factor is that the linguist may have other projects lined up. Speed is essential but the linguist's main concern should be the precision of the translation. Meanwhile, the translation rate also includes the time to edit and revise the work.

5.Editing/Proofreading

At Target Language Translation Services, we offer two kinds of review services for previously translated documents – editing and proofreading.

As part of our editing service, one of our professional editors will thoroughly review the translated content, comparing it to the source text, and fixing any translation mistakes. The translation is checked for precision, grammar, spelling, punctuation, among others. The editor also verifies that the original linguist any client-specific instructions and that no text has been left untranslated. Our editors can also take a translation intended for a particular target audience and modify it for a various target audience.

6.Document Review

For clients that have a large volume of foreign language materials, but are not sure if all of the content needs to be completely translated, we also offer a document review service.

This service is particularly beneficial with legal e-discovery and involves a professional linguist (or team of linguists) reviewing all of the content based on a specific set of guidelines offered by the client. The linguist will then flag any documents that meet the specified criteria and work with the client to determine which documents or pages may need to be fully translated.

Our document review services can be provided either remotely or on-site at a client’s location and for either short-term or long-term projects.

7.Summarization/Gisting

A summary or “gist” translation is typically utilized in situations where the turnaround time is extraordinarily tight, or if a client only requires a general understanding of the topic of the foreign language document(s) or certain pieces of relevant information.

One of our specialized linguists will read through the document, assessing the most essential elements of the text as they go, and based on instructions and specifications detailed in advance by the customer. This information is then summarized and translated into the target language, offering a concise and precise summary of the foreign language content.

This service is regularly applied to create summaries of foreign language newspaper articles, press releases, and other published materials. In this way, the most salient information can be transmitted to the necessary parties as soon as possible.

Average Costs of Document Translation Service

There are enormous variations in cost for document translation service. The target language, size and complexity of a document, turnaround time, and the quality of the source text are a few of the most significant considerations in terms of pricing.

--Total cost, price terms, and turnaround time should be agreed upon at the very beginning stages of a service agreement.

--Flat fees for payment by the hour or page are not ordinarily used as a translation billing method for lengthy documents. However, in the case of legal or shorter documents it is more common.

--The most common pricing method and industry standard is determined by a cost per word basis.

--It is common for companies to charge higher fees for languages with more complex translation demands.

--Some translation services charge extra fees for proofreading and editing services.

--Rush translation jobs typically incur charges higher than regular rates.

Conclusion

Document translation helps to narrow the gap in communication by making sure that the global audience can comprehend information in their language.

Translation services are essential to all aspects of society and beneficial to global business. Translation helps multinational companies grow, promotes cultural interchange, disseminating information, transferring news, boosting tourism, etc.

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