Buying translations can be frustrating, especially if you’re new to it. How do you ensure that you get the best possible translation, and how much should you be involved?
Accutranslate have written an ebook “How to get good translations”, to help you. The first stage is to make sure that you brief your translation agency completely, in writing or face-to-face.
Writing a proper translation brief may seem a difficult or time-consuming task, but it is essential if you want to get a good translation.
Key points for your translation brief
The brief should explain your business, the product or service the translator will be working on and your target market. It helps to include:
- The countries you are targeting – a Spanish translation for the Argentinean market will use different dialect to a translation for mainland Spain
- The target audience – translation of software materials for specialist computer programmers will differ in tone and vocabulary to translations for individuals using personal computers
- The nature of the text – highly technical texts need technical translators, literary texts require literary specialists
Should you meet your translation agency to brief them?
Your agency may request a meeting, especially if this is the first time you have worked together. The briefing meeting helps both parties to clarify the requirements of the brief and what is needed on both sides to make the project a success.
Having a face-to-face briefing meeting is not always possible, especially if your deadlines are tight, however Accutranslate would recommend a meeting. The translation agency will be able to answer your questions and explain their process; you’ll be able to explain your business and target clients more completely, which will lead to a better translation.
To sum up, a clear translation brief (in writing and preferably with a face-to-face meeting) is essential for any business that is serious about dealing with overseas clients or suppliers. It’s the first step in getting a good translation of your materials. We’ll publish a series of these articles to help you get the best translations – keep an eye on our website and Twitter feed for more! Accutranslate is on 0800 466 1335 and info@acctranslate.co.uk