When procuring translation services, you might think your role ends once the project is handed over. It doesn’t. Quality translation requires your active involvement to ensure consistency and alignment with your company’s goals.
1. Leverage Existing Materials and Resources
Your company likely has materials that can guide translations, even if they aren’t consolidated. Use them.
· Existing translations – Even outdated ones help maintain consistency in style and terminology.
· Style guides – Ensure branding, tone, and terminology align.
· Glossaries – Maintain uniformity across translations.
· Product and service names – Decide if they should remain in English or be transliterated.
2. Inform the Translation Agency About Your Audience
Who will read the translation?
· Procurement professionals with technical backgrounds may expect precise, formal language.
· A marketing audience might require a more engaging, localized tone.
If you don’t specify, the translation may miss the mark.
3. Define Standards from the Start
Many companies have language preferences but don’t document them. Before translation begins, clarify:
· What stays in English? Product names, technical terms, or branding elements?
· What tone should be used? Formal and corporate or engaging and conversational?
· How much localization is needed? Does content need direct translation, transcreation, or unit conversions?
Without clear guidelines, translators may make assumptions that don’t align with your expectations.
4. Plan for Review and Feedback Loops
High-quality translation requires a structured review process.
· Start with a pilot project. Translate a small sample first and gather feedback.
· Develop a glossary. Approve key terms before full-scale translation.
· Allow time for feedback. Rushing leads to errors. Even a short review period improves quality.
5. Listen to Your Localization Partner
Your translation provider has valuable insights. Engage with their expertise by asking:
· What’s the best approach for handling industry-specific terms?
· How should review cycles be structured?
· What are common pitfalls, and how can they be avoided?
Collaboration leads to better results.
6. What If the Translation Doesn’t Meet Expectations?
Despite careful planning, issues may arise. Here’s how to address them:
· Clarify the revision policy. Know the limits on revisions before starting.
· Review your brief. Were instructions on tone, terminology, and reference materials clear?
· Understand the translator’s choices. If something feels off, ask why it was translated that way.
· Use skilled editors. A professional editor can refine translations and align them with expectations.
High-Quality Translations Require an Active Approach
Translation isn’t just about handing off content. It’s about managing a process. By actively participating, leveraging resources, defining standards, planning reviews, and collaborating with experts, you can ensure accurate, effective translations. Small strategic decisions now prevent costly revisions later.