Choosing a language translator: What to look out for...

The language translator should always translate INTO his or her mother tongue

This ensures that the translation will not contain any awkward second-language sentences. Most translation service providers only translate into their first language. Failing that, the translation should be proofread by a native speaker of the target language. This is particularly important if you cannot provide your own native proofreaders.

My first language is German and I have been working as a full-time freelance translator for over 6 years now. I have been living in Canada for 8 years, but I still let a native speaker correct all my translations into English.

The language translator should preferably live in the target country

People lose touch with their first language after a while. If your potential candidate lives in the source country, e.g. in Canada or the US, she should have strong ties to her home country.

Education

The language translator should have some sort of education in translation and preferably also in the subject matter of your documents. However, more important than a translation degree is...

Experience

Look for a language translator with at least several years of experience in translation, expecially in the subject matter of your documents. I have more than six years of translation experience, but there are many subject matters that I won't touch because I don't have the necessary background knowledge. I specialize in scientific and technical translations where I can apply my degree in physics, but I won't even attempt literary translations.

If you decide to hand your job over to a good translation agency, the agency will take care of the selection process. Remember, they add a valuable service because they have extensive experience in picking quality providers. A good agency retains its top translators and uses proven candidates over and over again.

For help on how to pick a good translation agency:

Choosing the right translation agency out of the thousands on the web and in the Yellow Pages

Includes a list of recommended translation agencies.

For help on how to decide whether to use an individual language translator or a translation agency, read the following article:

Use a language translator or a translation agency for your translation services?

If you choose to work with a translation agency, try my free Translation Quote Request Service. You fill out one form with your translation project description, and this request is sent to five quality agencies that I preselected for their superior service. Within 24 hours, you will receive up to five competetive quotes. It's a real time and money saver!

© Christian Erwig-Straughan for this and all other articles at www.translation-and-languages.com. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form strictly prohibited.