Introduction
Translation is one of the fastest-growing businesses in the world, and it is predicted to reach USD 70 billion by 2023. The necessity of document translation has significantly expanded as a result of the current globalization period. The need to translate documents has grown significantly as we live in a globalized world. But what is the best way to do so, and what should you take into account when preparing your documents to ensure optimal results, and save time and money? Preparing documents for translation is the cornerstone of producing high-quality, culturally sensitive, and effective translations that align with the original content and the target audience’s needs. A successful translation is dependent on a number of crucial variables. There are several things to take into account, including the format, content kind, quality and source of the information, and cultural allusions. The expectations for quality, budget, and productivity have all drastically changed as a result of translation technology, including machine translation and computer-assisted tools.
Why Should We Prepare Documents for Translation?
The possibility is that the rest of the team won’t understand anything if the document preparer doesn’t. Certain information about customer requirements or preferences can only be provided by the client or LSP, even if translators, editors, and proofreaders are expected to conduct little research. For the sake of doing their jobs correctly, the members of the translation team need this information.
Define the Scope and Purpose of the Translation
- Review and evaluate the document:
Clarify the Purpose and the Target Population: To guarantee that the translation reflects the intended message and appeals to the intended readership, it is important to comprehend the goal of the document as well as the target population.
- Finalize your document before translation:
Check and finalize your documents by completing an internal review and approval process. In large-scope and long-term projects, adjustments are normal and expected. Changes in translation documents may result in confusion, longer delivery times, and higher expenses.
- Share any hard deadlines:
It’s critical to let your project manager know about any urgent deadlines you may have for the translation process. The number of words, language pair, and translator and editor availability will all affect how quickly your translation assignment is completed. But in order to make sure you have what you need, mention to your translation team any specific deadlines you may have, such as a forthcoming event or product launch.
- Format and standardize the document:
Consistency in formatting and standardization plays a crucial role in preserving the document’s readability and visual integrity across languages. Making sure the layout, font style, paragraph structure, and any embedded elements are intact to improve the user experience is an essential step in getting documents ready for translation.
- Research potential problems and find solutions:
Ideally, each person on the team should solve the problems they encounter during their phase of the production workflow. The reality is that oftentimes, issues are simply ignored.
- Correctly format your document for translation:
Find out what file formats your translation service provider can cope with. Some may be able to deal with whatever you send them and also be able to offer advice on how to prepare them, such as Brightlines.
- A CAT tool’s best friend is an editable file:
Be careful to look for any annoying, uneditable content that might be hidden in a file that can be edited otherwise, such as copied and pasted photos. If necessary, see if you have the original versions of these to send to your provider for translation.
Types of Translation Services
Human translation:
Human translation is reliable, accurate, and of high quality. It is the best form of translation when it comes to translating highly specialized texts and documentation. Human translators are always preferred for localization projects since they can add a local flavor to the translated material that helps set it apart and make it relatable to the intended audience.
Technical Translation:
Technical translation is the process of translating texts like user manuals, product specifications, and guidelines that include technical knowledge. Proficiency in technical terms and the capacity to communicate complex ideas clearly are required for this kind of translation.
Financial translation:
You could need to translate a variety of internal financial documents, even if you don’t own a financial services company. For example, you might have offices in Spain and North America, and you have to produce business accounts in both Spanish and English for investors and local authorities.
Machine translation:
Machine translation translates text using software without human intervention. Moving further, MT is categorized into two types: customizable and generic MT. Generic machine translation (MT) implies free services like Google Translate. It is simple for everyone in the world to set up and access these services.
Administrative Translation:
Translations used for internal communication within businesses or organizations are referred to as administrative translations. Manuals, court records, and other kinds of documents can all be translated in this way.
Literary Translation:
This kind of translation is often seen as the most difficult or thorough since the translator must accurately convey not only the words’ intended meaning but also their context, tone, and emotional connotation.
Final Touches
Proofreading the Final Document
Proofread the final document to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies. This step ensures that the document is polished and professional.
Ensuring Consistency and Accuracy
Double-check that the translated document is consistent with the original in terms of formatting, terminology, and overall presentation.
Conclusion
Preparing documents for translation involves careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can ensure that your translated documents are accurate, culturally relevant, and effective in communicating your message. Prioritizing preparation not only streamlines the translation process but also enhances the quality of the final product.
Super DTP Ltd is a specialized desktop publishing agency located in Gabrovo Bulgaria, offering book publishing, multilingual DTP, and E-learning localization services to translation agencies and localization companies worldwide! Check our services at www.superdtp.com or contact us at dtp.bulgaria@gmail.com for further details
