The CTA Guide to Buying Translations

Is this the first time you need a text translated or do you want to learn more about what translators do? Then this is a good place to start. Our Guide to Buying Translations will give you the basics.

Basic Language Services
Understanding the translation process
Choosing between an individual translator and a translation agency
Contacting a translator or agency about your translation project

Basic Language Services may include:

• Translation, Editing, Proofreading
• Interpretation (simultaneous, conference, phone services)
• Subject Specialization: Medical, Technical, Financial, Business, Literature

Related Language Services
In addition to translating and interpreting, translators may offer other multi-language services:

• journalism, copy writing, creative writing in a foreign language
• voice-overs, subtitling, foreign voice productions
• desktop publishing
• international marketing, public relations
• software localization
• cross-cultural consulting

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Understanding the translation process
Ordering translation services is easy when you have some basic knowledge about the translation process and how CTA translators typically work.

* All texts are not equal
Texts require different translator skills depending on the subject, type of text and its degree of difficulty. The translator should let you know whether she or he has the appropriate skills and experience to handle your translation, or if your project requires a translator with different expertise.

* Creating a translation
The translation process involves several steps, and is likely to include the following:

• Research: A translation usually requires some research on the part of the translator to learn about your project or service, read reference material and research terminology. A customized glossary may be created for texts that contain technical or specialized terms.


• Translation: Many translators use translation tools such as translation software to keep track of terminology and create consistency throughout the document. Translation software is a terminology management tool and should not be confused with machine translation which requires very controlled language.


• Editing: An editor makes sure that the translation is consistent with the source text and that terminology and grammar is correct. An editor may also check that the style is consistent with the source text.. The editor is not the same person as the translator but a colleague with similar expertise. The translator you engage may take care of the editing process for you by subcontracting an editor.


• Proofreading: The translation is proofread for punctuation, grammar and general appearance. Again, editing and proofreading are separate activities, and are usually charged at different rates.


• Review: For extra quality control, a text may be sent out for review by specialists in the subject field.

Not all of the above steps are taken with all projects. Projects may be modified to accommodate customer deadlines and budgets. Some translations, such as software localization, require additional steps (testing, quality assurance, etc.) and may involve other professionals.

* Translations require collaboration and teamwork
A translation is a collaborative work between the translator and the client. During the translation process, your translator may need to contact you to clarify some aspects of the text, ask for additional reference material or ask for your preferences. The translator may also work in a team with other translators, editors and proofreaders to create a top quality product.

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Choosing between an individual translator or translation agency
CTA's Membership Directory is a great tool for finding both translators and translation agencies in Colorado. As a customer, one of the first decisions you must make is whether to use an individual translator or a translation agency.

Translation agencies can provide comprehensive translation and/or interpretation services and specialty services such as copy writing, website services and software localization. Agencies are well-suited for handling large, multi-language projects that require extensive project management and multiple services.

Individual translators and interpreters specialize in one or a couple of languages and subject areas. Using an individual translator is generally more economical, since the customer deals directly with the translator or interpreter. This option works well if you have a well-defined project and are looking for services for a limited number of language combinations.

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Contacting a translator about your translation project
When you call about a new translation project, it is helpful to have the following information at hand:

* Language combination(s)
State the language combinations and the direction you want to have your text translated into (English to French, for example). Remember that some languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese) have several variations, so you should also state which country(ies) your material is intended for (e.g. is the Portuguese intended for Brazil or Portugal?).

* Subject area and text samples
Include the subject area and a couple of sample pages of your material. This will help the translator determine if the project is within her/his expertise, has any apparent text or format problems to be aware of, and he or she will be able to give you a rough turnaround time.

* The scope of your project
To estimate how long the translation project will take to complete, the translator needs to know the length of the text you want to have translated. The price of a translation is often based on the exact number of words. Some translators charge by the source text while others charge by the target count. Additional services (editing, proofreading, layout etc.) are often charged by the hour. The translator can help you if you have problems finding the correct word count.

* Intended use
How would you describe the text you want to have translated? Is your text sales material, a manual, a legal document, or of another type? Include information about your target group(s). Will your translation be read by subject specialists, potential customers or others? It's important for the translator to know a few facts about your user group, so that she/he can find the best style and terminology for your readers. (e.g. is the medical text intended for physicians or the general public?)

* Delivery information
The delivery date of a translation is negotiated with the translator. If you have a specific deadline for your project, it helps to state this right away. Your translator will try to accommodate your deadline, either alone or in a team with other colleagues. Texts will, of course, fare better when the translator is given enough time to work on the translation.

Also include information about how you would like your translation delivered. Files are usually delivered by e-mail or disk. Please specify the format (Word, Excel, PDF, RTF etc.).