When selecting a translator or interpreter, you will make a better choice if you know what to look for and what questions to ask. This reference guide explains the basics of translation and interpreting, to help you find the professional language services that are right for you.
Many NCATA members acquired their academic qualifications overseas. We have listed these qualifications in the form submitted by the member.
Translation and Interpreting: What Are They?
Translators transfer ideas and concepts expressed in writing from one language to another. As a rule, professional translators work into their native or dominant language from a foreign tongue.
Interpreters use the spoken word to transfer meaning between languages. Interpreters work both into and out of their native tongue.
Translation promotes your business overseas and helps you gather vital information on customers, technology and new developments in your field. One example of translation?s importance in today?s economy is localization, the process of adapting a product or service to different cultures and markets. When software is localized, on-screen text and icons, help files and user?s manuals are translated to fit the target audience. A technically skilled translator will help you design websites for global communication and e-commerce, so your customers overseas feel like they are actually at a ?local? website. Customers are more likely to buy from you if you speak their language.
Interpreting is often used in a small group setting (?consecutive interpreting?) such as a legal deposition, medical consultation or business meeting. ?Escort interpreting? is a form of consecutive interpreting used during site visits and travel with delegations. ?Simultaneous interpreting,? most often used in a large conference setting, requires the rental of audio equipment (soundproof booths, headsets, microphones, etc.).
How Do I Pick the Right Translator or Interpreter?
Skills and qualifications. Translators and interpreters bring a unique combination of linguistic and subject-area expertise to the job of conveying your message accurately and completely to a foreign reader or listener. Much more than just ?switching words,? the job really involves the transfer of concepts into another cultural context.
Translators are skilled in writing, editing, research and terminology. Typically, translators have resided in a country where the source language is spoken and are familiar with its culture, business practices and legal system.
Interpreters must be fluent in both languages and possess excellent memory, listening, concentration and analytical skills. They convey both the meaning and tone of the original statement clearly and accurately, and must be quick-witted, often literally ?thinking on their feet.?
Knowing two languages perfectly is not enough to translate or interpret professionally. In addition to their training in translation or interpreting, competent language professionals usually specialize in a particular area (such as law, medicine, finance or technical fields). One sign of a translator?s professional competence is certification by the American Translators Association (ATA). The United States has no national licensing or certification process for translators, making ATA certification an important service for assessing a translator?s qualifications. Interpreters may be certified for court interpreting at the federal level in some languages. There are also examinations in some states for court and medical interpreting.
Individual Translator or Translation Company?
Both offer advantages, and only you can decide which best fits your needs.
The strength of an independent, or freelance, translator or interpreter lies in specialization, continuity and personal service. Choosing a translator or interpreter who specializes in your field, and working with the same individual from project to project, lets you deal with a known quantity who caters to your special needs. Be sure to ask for references and inquire about professional qualifications and experience. Translators and interpreters also commonly work in teams on larger projects.
The strength of a language services company lies in the breadth of resources on which it can call. By working with networks of independent translators and interpreters skilled in different languages and areas of specialization, companies are able to meet a wider variety of needs. The oversight and coordination they provide can be invaluable for large projects which involve many translators, interpreters and editors working into multiple languages. Translation companies also add value through desktop publishing or typesetting and furnish specialized equipment for interpreting assignments. Be sure to ask for references as to the company?s reputation for consistently delivering high-quality work on time and honoring its cost estimates.
You can save time and money while enhancing the quality of the end product by working closely with your translator or interpreter.
Provide as much background as possible, including existing glossaries, technical data, graphics and related documents from your industry. This will ensure consistency in terminology and writing style. Interpreters also need to know in advance about the nature and subject-matter of the assignment, the setting and the participants.
What will the translation be used for? Obtaining a patent? Marketing a product or service? Research? Will the translation be published or used for background information?
Plan ahead. Translation requires careful thought and skilled writing. If it took your marketing team weeks to create an innovative ad campaign, your translator needs time to find a way to get your message across effectively to a foreign audience. Not all concepts or wordplay are universal.
Build translation into your project cycle early on. An experienced professional translator?s knowledge of how people communicate in your target market can help
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