Tips For Working With Translators

Tips for Tech Writers Working with Translators

by Jacob De Camillis 

Published: 2011; Edited: 2012

If you find yourself overseeing or working in close contact with translators towards the end stages of a technical writing project, here are a few pointers to ensure quality and to ensure smooth relations:

1. Cultural Sensitivity:
1. Make sure the source text is clear of any cultural-specific references and free of idioms/colloquialisms. Not all translators will pick up on such subtleties, and, not everything can be fluidly translated without sounding awkward, inappropriate, or unintelligible. Isn’t that just the cat’s pajamas?
2. Be Language Aware:
1. Know the language-specifics of the target market----who are you localizing for?
2. Examples: 

                                                              i.      Chinese in China and Singapore will employ simplified characters; Chinese in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and most of the Chinese diaspora will use traditional characters.

                                                            ii.      European Portuguese and Brazilian Portugese, American vs. Commonwealth English, Serbian vs. Croatian, Afghan Persian (Dari) vs. Iranian Persian (Farsi), etc.

3. Stand By:
1. Translation, much like technical writing, doesn't just involve interpreting language---it's about interpreting content as well (and more importantly). If a translator has questions, answer them. 
2. Think---what is the difference in content and language between a passport or a driving licence and a theoretical physics publication?
4. Certification vs. No Certification:
1. Translation certification and formal translation education have increasingly become the golden standard expected of professional translators. To be an accredited and/or degreed member of an agency shows professionalism on the part of the translator. However...
2. Not all translators are certified. Many are multilingual individuals with qualifications in subjects other than languages and translation. Their reputation is earned based on work experience---entry through the back door. Translators of literary works or highly technical subjects may fall under this category. 
3. It is best to assess the translator's work if possible. An accredited individual may not be the best candidate for translating a document of a highly specialized subject like robotics. On the same note, just because someone is bilingual doesn't make them a translator either. Do your homework!
5.  Native Fluency:
1. The ability to write for a target audience is fundamental to communication, good translation is equally good writing. 
2. Although some translators have the fortune of having two mother tongues, the majority will have studied their foreign languages formally. Thus, one works from their second language exclusively into their mother tongue.
3. Note: Translators of Asian languages are very rarely of western ethnicity. Most are native Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, etc. speakers with full command of English, French, etc----rather than visa versa. If you're worried about the translator's competancy, interview them.
6. Single Sourcing Between Languages: 
1. Different languages have their own standards of stylistics and design, as well as of course, different writing systems which can wreak havoc on western computers if not properly handled.
2. Research, ask questions, consult professionals!
7.  Terminology Lists:
1. Many foreign languages have given into English as the lingua franca of science and technology, and often translators thus find themselves coining new vocabulary like a lexicographer in order to accommodate for a vocabulary lag within their own language. 
2. Do your translator a favour and compile terminology lists where possible, OR, point them to fantastic resources.
8.  Low Rates = Low Quality:
1. Good translators, especially specialized translators, tend to charge high prices for their services because they’re worth it. They’re providing quality and passion. Don’t be deterred by it, but rather budget for it. 
2. A translation firm that can offer you fast translation at low rates undermines (and is a disgrace to) the skill level and intellect that goes into translating.  
3. Buyers beware!