The Client’s Role: Shaping Success in the Translation Process

In translation, collaboration between clients and translators is key to achieving exceptional results. While translators bring linguistic expertise to the table, clients play a pivotal role in shaping the success of the translation process. By understanding their role and taking proactive steps, clients can streamline the process, prevent potential errors, and ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.

1. Document Preparation: Before submitting your document for translation, ensure that it is duly finalized and sent in its entirety. Any subsequent versions will require additional work and incur extra costs. For lengthy documents like annual reports, involving the translator from the outset allows for a more efficient translation process, with completed sections translated as they become available.
2. Clarity and Coherence: The content to be translated should be clear, coherent, and free from ambiguity. This allows the translator to focus on accurately conveying the intended message without the need for interpretation or clarification, ultimately leading to a more accurate translation.
3. Accessible Format: Send the document in a modifiable format that allows the translator to work directly on the document itself. Digital images, certain PDF files, or content created with specialized programs may hinder the translator’s ability to access the content efficiently.
4. Providing Detailed Information: At the outset, provide all relevant information about the document to be translated, including word count, source and target languages, specialized field (if applicable), and ideal delivery date. Special guidelines, such as preferred terminology or context for the document, should also be communicated to the translator to ensure alignment with your expectations.
5. Confidentiality Considerations: For confidential documents, consider preparing a confidentiality agreement to be signed by the translation team for added peace of mind. While professional translators adhere to strict confidentiality standards, an additional agreement can provide an extra layer of protection. Alternatively, choose a trustworthy certified language service provider such as Langpros that guarantees confidentiality.
6. Effective Communication: Designate a point of contact responsible for overseeing the translation process and provide their contact information to the translator. This will ensure seamless communication and will allow the translator to efficiently seek clarification or guidance throughout the project.
7. Building Trust and Collaboration: Establishing a relationship of trust with your translation team is crucial for achieving optimal results. By fostering open communication, providing all necessary information, and collaborating effectively, you will enable the translator to better understand your content, philosophy, and strategies, resulting in translations that accurately reflect your brand’s voice and message.

By embracing your role as an active participant in the translation process and following these guidelines, you will set up your translation project for success. At Langpros, we value collaboration and communication, and we look forward to partnering with you to deliver exceptional translations that are tailored to your unique needs.