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Helpful
tips |
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| There are hundreds of ways a translation
project can go off track: unrealistic deadlines,
ambiguities in source text, translators working in a vacuum, no proofreading, poor project management, no client input, and much more. |
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By simply applying even half the lessons in the following articles,
you will
improve your chances of getting a translation
that works. The articles are contributed to a large extent by A. Aparicio and C. Durban. |
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| No time to read the above? Here are some key steps to how you, as a client, can contribute
to an excellent translation. |
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Provide
a clear and error-free original:
A clear and error-free original text
is the most important factor in ensuring
a good translation. This takes time
to prepare but the investment is well
worth the results. Check for typos,
spelling, grammar, repeated or missing
text, and exclude or clearly mark words
that you do not want translated. We
may help you do all this for additional
cost. |
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Appoint
one contact person:
Appoint one contact person in your organization
who can answer specific questions that
we may have during our work. |
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Schedule
sufficient time:
Quality translation does not occur overnight.
For a good translation, estimate 1,500
words per day per translator. Then add
two days for administrative work and
possible difficulties. Expect questions
to arise from translators and set aside
time to address them. Depending on your
project, we may in fact need more or
less time, but the above is generally
a safe average. |
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Submit
all your questions in one document:
For optimal results, many types of translations
(particularly film scripts) by their
very nature need several revisions using
your feedback. To make this process
easier and more efficient, send us all
your feedback, questions, corrections,
or modification requests at one time
in a single document. This will save
time and avoid confusion or possible added billing. |
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Provide context:
When possible, provide us with context for the original
source material and for your feedback.
For example, with catalogs and brochures,
provide a sample brochure in the source
language, if available, and tell us
who your market is. With subtitled files,
provide an electronic copy of the original
script with scene descriptions or a
VHS/DVD copy of the full film or program,
if available. And with feedback or corrections,
help the translator wherever possible
with explanations of what you need or
what the source text is in fact trying
to say. |
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Provide
any on-screen text:
When you send us a VHS tape of a program,
specify before the work starts whether
you want the final translation to include
on-screen text that is not provided
in the electronic script. Otherwise,
our translators will use the tapes only
as a reference for context. Provide
any additional on-screen text either
at the end of your original source script
or on a single, attached document. |
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Give
feedback:
Give us feedback on completed work.
This will help us keep your specific
requirements in mind for next time around. |
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Cultural references and slang:
Be aware that cultural expressions,
idioms, puns, slang, and culture-bound
references (for example: references
to TV shows, sports, local history and
geography) are usually not translatable.
Our translators will use what they believe
to be the closest or most appropriate
translation or expression employed by
their own target culture. |
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| Questions? Comments? Feel welcome to contact us. |
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1-888-95-ENGLISH
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