If you need to translate any kind of documents or web pages, you must get an accurate English to French translation from the beginning. Although you may be tempted to use automatic text translators or a button on your toolbar that instantly translates a web page into French, you should never publish these translations. While some of the words may be accurately translated, the gist of your message probably won't.
Your document or website represents your business... in a good or poor manner. Any mistake made or left behind by an automatic translator or inexperienced translator can cost you lots of future business and could even result in legal action.
This is why it is important to carefully consider your options when choosing a translator.
Here are a few tips to consider:
* You should always choose someone whose native language is the language you wish to have your documents translated into. There is a rare exception to this rule in cases where a person is fully fluent in both the written and spoken forms of the two languages.
* If you're looking at promoting a particular service or product to French-Canadians, you should not use the same vocabulary used in France. It could result in inadvertently offending some of your readers and you will certainly not come across as someone who has done a thorough research on your target customers.
* Do you need your entire suite of documents translated? Most translators charge by the word or page. Sometimes an image can convey a lot more than a lengthy document. For example, if your business focuses on providing instructions, you may consider investing in the services of a graphic designer who can provide accurate pictures, and thus reduce your translation costs. This is particularly useful if you plan on translating your documents into several languages.
* Consider the technical aspect of the language used in your documents and compare it to the translator's qualifications. For example, not everyone is qualified to translate legal or medical documents as the terms associated with these fields are very precise and such mistakes could result in unpredictable consequences.
* You pay for what you get... sometimes. You have to realize that it's an actual person reading and translating your documents, and it takes time. A translator can only do so much in a day and if someone claims to be able to translate 50,000 words per day by himself, you can be sure that it won't be quality work and it won't be worth the money you spend.
* You should wait until your documents are finalized before asking your translator to begin translation. Any last minute changes on the initial document would result in an additional proofreading step to ensure that these changes were also incorporated in the translation, and consistently so.
* You should develop a relationship with a translator who isn't afraid to approach you about possible improvements to your original text. For example, your translator should be comfortable indicating that he or she found a spelling mistake on page 3 of your original document.
While it would be nice to work in a world filled with reliable business people, it isn't always the case. If you want your translated documents to work FOR YOU as opposed to AGAINST YOU, you need to invest time and money to get them accurately translated the first time around.
For your English to French translations or any other translation, you must always deal with a professional translator who is competent and reliable.
Caroline Begin is a professional freelance writer, copywriter, translator and Webmaster. If you need web content or promotional articles for your website or business in English or French, contact her by visiting http://www.CarolineBegin.com |
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