Translation Services: Getting the Best Results from Your Language Service Provider

Translating your content into the local language of your target market is a proven way of engaging your intended audience and driving long-term relationships with customers. The best way to achieve high-quality translation of your content is to partner with a translation agency.

High-Quality Translations

As a language service provider, Mission Translate will always work to ensure you receive the best results possible for your translations. However, there are also things that you can do when creating your content to make sure your translation is as effective as possible! We share our 6 top tips for successful translation below:

1. Establish clear goals

Your project brief for your language service provider should include the goal of your copy, enabling the translator to bring the right tone of voice into your translation.

When translating a message to a target audience, often a word-for-word translation will not work, as your audience will simply not relate to this manner of speaking. A skilled translator will be able to take your message and localise it, so that it is appropriately received by your potential customers, but the tone and intent remain consistent.

2. Avoid jargon, idioms or humour where possible

Jargon and idioms often do not translate well across different languages. Different cultures have different ways of expressing themselves and common phrases, like metaphors, are often based on culturally specific images. Furthermore, humour can vary drastically from one culture to another. What is funny in one culture can be deemed inappropriate and even insulting in another.

A skilled language services provider will recognise these challenges and work with you to reach a solution. For example, if humour is part of your brand, you want to work with a translator who specialises in localisation services to ensure that this is conveyed appropriately in your translation.

3. Consider your images

Images play an important role when creating copy. As with text, different markets have different expectations and tastes. You should consider these perceptions when selecting images for different target markets with the help of qualified native translators. If you need guidance with localising your images and text, our experienced professionals at Mission Translate would be happy to advise you.

4. Allow for flexibility in your layout

Remember that when text is translated, it will not necessarily be the same length as the original content. Also, there are a number of languages where the direction of text is the opposite to that of English. Allowing additional space in your layout for these fluctuations will prevent potential issues with formatting.

5. Time allowance

Good quality translations take time. Translating and proofreading services will work on your document carefully to create an accurate and effective translation. Try to allow adequate time for this process to receive a high-quality result. Your language service provider will be able to advise you on the time required.

6. Be clear on company-specific terms

If you have specific in-house linguistics terms or abbreviations, ensure that your translation service provider is aware of how they are used. Providing a glossary with such terms that can be forwarded to the translator is very helpful.

Your team of translators and proofreaders will always work with a careful eye for detail when producing your translation. However, providing them with a good starting point for their work, by considering the tips above, will enable a better end result.

If you would like a quote on any translation project you require, just get in contact with our team and we would be happy to discuss your requirements.