5 Elements that Distinguish a True Professional Translation Service

In an increasingly interconnected world, people worldwide demand more authentic content that meets their expectations and needs. In this context, expanding into new markets implies a significant challenge for organizations to meet these demands without losing their identity.

What are the key elements of a professional translation?

Skills That Make the Difference

There are two types of translation: professional and non-professional. Professional translation pays attention to the implementation of multiple translation theories from various disciplines and discourses, in order to better analyze the variety of meanings and functions produced. It also emphasizes the importance of academic and vocational training, as noted in various studies.

As mentioned by Mona Baker, an Egyptian professor of translation studies and director of the Centre for Translation and Intercultural Studies at the University of Manchester, there are two main types of training a profession can provide its members: professional training and academic training. “Vocational courses provide training in practical skills but do not include a strong theoretical component,” Baker states.

Although there are various theories about translation development, a quality professional translation relies on five fundamental elements:

1. Specialization:
High-quality translation companies rely not only on a broad knowledge of linguistic and grammatical structures but also on a deep understanding of the content they handle and the context in which it will be used.

Translation involves understanding, analyzing, being aware of the context, and reformulating ideas. Therefore, when the goal is to convey our voice to potential clients in different regions, we must avoid ambiguities and misunderstandings by working with the contribution and knowledge of experts.

2. Experience:
The larger a language company’s experience, the more challenges it has faced in providing those services. Experience ensures that end-users of the translated material have a seamless experience according to their preferences, regardless of their location.

3. Responsibility:
Professional translators and interpreters cannot focus solely on the needs and goals of clients and ignore their ethical and social responsibilities as active participants shaping all aspects of the environment in which we live. There are moments and situations where this becomes more evident, such as issues related to immigration, war or diplomatic conflicts, economic and health crises, among others.

4. Teamwork and Data Security:
In an interconnected world, translation companies that make a difference offer comprehensive solutions through a team that includes language experts, graphic and web designers, coders, e-learning, digital marketing and platform experts, among other contributors.

Data and information protection are another key factor, especially if a document includes strategic content for the company. It is important to find a translation service provider that is familiar with current regulations in each country, as well as international regulations, to avoid penalties or legal issues.

5. ISO Standards:
Some companies offer the assurance of being certified with specific international quality standards for translation services. Each process must be supported by global standards, such as ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17100, ensuring the quality of services and the experience of everyone involved, including translators, editors, and reviewers.

When bridging into new markets, organizations must analyze the cost-benefit factor of each process. Working with professional translators adds efficiency to this equation. Of course, besides the expertise of professionals, it is also essential to invest in the best technology available, with allies such as Translation Management Platforms and Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools.

Finally, creativity and sensitivity also emerge as fundamental elements that contribute to “speaking the same language” as the audiences you seek to reach.