How Translation Services Work?

When selecting a translation agency, you’ll encounter two main types: those that specialize in a single language pair and those that provide multilingual translation services. Many translation companies are expanding their fields of activity to include technical communication, layout, terminology, and other related services, and are thus becoming full-service multilingual and cultural communication vendors. As translation agencies expand their services and competencies — in line with the broad definition of translation used in modern-day translation studies — translating marketing communications materials is one potential area into which they might expand [1]. Regardless of your choice, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Point of Contact
Typically, you’ll be assigned a client manager or customer service representative who acts as your point of contact and project manager. A skilled client manager will actively listen to your requirements, address any concerns, and readily tailor the services to align with your needs. A client-centric translation services provider strives to accommodate your specifications regarding pricing and delivery time.

Service Selection
Many translation agencies provide a variety of services tailored to meet diverse needs. The recommended translation level, as advised by the client manager, hinges on the document’s purpose and its target audience. For general documents such as manuals, a straightforward translation coupled with proofreading typically meets requirements. However, for more complex materials like research papers or books, selecting a service specifically tailored for academic manuscripts is advisable. Academic translation services encompass thorough editing to ensure adherence to the conventions and nuances of the target language’s rules and style.

Quotation and Account Creation
If the quoted price aligns with your budget and you choose to proceed with our service, you’ll be prompted to create an account on our secure online job management system. This streamlined process ensures the safe submission of your document and facilitates secure payment transactions, all within the framework of our reputable agency.

Translation Process
Reputable translation agencies consistently prioritize quality and efficiency throughout the translation process. Upon uploading your document, it will be meticulously assigned to a translator proficient in the relevant subject area. Depending on your chosen service level, the translated document may undergo thorough proofreading or comprehensive editing. For academic translations, a meticulous approach is adopted, involving two rounds of translation to ensure precision, followed by two rounds of editing to guarantee linguistic accuracy. Additionally, any specific requirements such as formatting or word count reduction will be addressed during the editing phase.

Post-translation Support
Professional translation agencies also facilitate post-translation communication with the assigned translator. This means that even after receiving the final document, you have the opportunity to engage with the translator. Whether you seek clarification on changes made or wish to request a rewording of a paragraph to better align with your preferences, you should feel empowered to do so. Your interaction with the translation service provider should extend beyond the mere delivery of the translated document. The agency’s commitment to your satisfaction entails ongoing support and assistance until you are fully content with the result.

Many translation companies, portals and Internet sites offer online translation services. These are divided into the following two categories [2]:

1. Online purchase of translation services
2. Online free machine translation

Translation services play a crucial role in our globalized world, where communication often transcends linguistic boundaries. Let’s delve into how these services operate:

1. Specialized Translation Process:
   • A translation service converts written text from one language to another while ensuring that the original meaning, tone, and context are accurately preserved.
   • The process typically involves three stages: translation, editing, and proofreading (TEP). Here’s a breakdown:
     • Translation: The initial step where the content is translated from the source language to the target language.
     • Editing: A second linguist reviews the translation to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
     • Proofreading: The final check to catch any errors or inconsistencies before the translated content is delivered.
2. Diverse Content Types:
   • Translation services handle a wide range of content types, including:
     • Business Documents: Contracts, reports, and financial statements.
     • Marketing Materials: Advertisements, brochures, and website content.
     • Technical Manuals: User guides, product documentation, and software localization.
     • Legal Texts: Agreements, patents, and court documents.
     • Medical Information: Patient records, research papers, and pharmaceutical documents.
     • Website Localization: Adapting websites for different language audiences.
3. Collaboration and Adaptation:
   • Translation services collaborate with businesses, organizations, and individuals to adapt content for different audiences.
   • They ensure that the translated material resonates culturally and contextually with the target audience.
   • Whether it’s a legal contract, a marketing campaign, or a technical manual, the goal is to bridge language gaps effectively.

References

1. Risku, H., Pichler, T., & Wieser, V. (2017). Transcreation as a translation service: Process requirements and client expectations. Across Languages and Cultures, 18(1), 53-77.
2. Zervaki, T. (2002). Online Translation Services. In Proceedings of Translating and the Computer 24.