Whether you work abroad, are learning a new language, or are multilingual, there will come a time when you need something translated. Translating official documents can be tricky, so it’s important to get it right.
To help you along the way, here are 4 things to keep in mind when your documents need translating. Follow these simple tips and tricks and you’ll be able to turn in your translated documents in no time!
1. Find a good translator
The easiest way to translate your documents in a quick and accurate way is to find a translator. Certified translators have the know-how and expertise to understand both languages.
They can translate one to the other much quicker and more efficiently. If you’re in a time crunch and need to translate a document fast, your best bet is to find a skilled translator. With a translator, you can also rest assured knowing there will be fewer to no mistakes, which is important for legal documents.
2. Find a native speaker
If it’s important that your document reads a certain way, it’s best to find a native speaker. Those at het vertaalbureau think a native-speaking translator is a crucial part of a good, authentic translation. Native speakers are able to understand specific tones, and nuances in the language, and can give a more accurate translation.
A native speaker can produce a translation that will make the most sense in the target language. Working with this kind of translator is ideal when translating cultural documents and media.
3. Determine the type of document
When it comes to translating, the tone, vocabulary, and style are very important. Depending on the type of document, you may need to have more restrictions or leeway. With documents like manuscripts and book blurbs, you’re allowed to be more creative and expressive with your words. With legal documents, you need to be clear, precise, and use specific official language.
To stay on the safe side, always identify what type of document you need translating, and make sure to notify the translator. This useful information gives them pointers on how to handle the text, and make the tone fit the target audience. Make sure to do this when you first send them the document, to save money and time.
4. Avoid automated translations
Clarity and accuracy are essential to translating a document well. Conveying the message of the original text clearly and accurately is a must, and it’s difficult to do with automation. Language has layers, inferred meaning, and nuance. Certain types of apps such as a gamification language app can help with this.
It’s hard for an automated program to understand and translate languages because of this. Although the technology has improved, AI translation is still no match for an experienced translator. If you’re looking to translate official documents for work or university, opt for the human touch.
So there you have it! Translations are an important and necessary part of today’s diverse world. If you’re looking to translate any document today, your first move is to find a good translator. Make sure to identify the type of document so you can set the tone. When choosing a translator, native speakers are always the better choice, for nuance and clarity, and Ai programs are not!
