If you prepare your text properly before ordering the translation, your translations will be ready faster and most likely they will also be cheaper and better. Your translation provider may alert you if your text is not truly translation-ready; well in case they don't we prepared a list of useful tips for you.
Leave enough room for translation
When formatting your files, always remember that the text is likely to become longer during translation. Do not fill every corner of your page with text, leave ample free space on every page instead; the source text may fit onto one page while the target text (translation) might be much longer. This will affect pagination and position of images; the whole document will be longer and some aesthetic appeal could be lost.
Not everyone reads from left to right
When preparing the text for translation you might want to remember that not all languages are written from left to right; some might flow from right to left, others from top to bottom. The document layout should allow for these circumstances, especially if you plan to have your document translated into many different languages.
The cutest typeset might not be the most practical one
It is generally better to avoid unusual fonts as it is quite possible your font doesn't support all the characters of the target language. If nothing else, at least check what font the translators will have to use and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Abbreviations not always A-OK
Be sure to define all abbreviations the first time you use them in your text. You only need to do this once and it will not take much of your time - simply write down (in brackets) what the abbreviation stands for. This way you will avoid potential problems during translation. Remember, one abbreviation may mean several different things. Make it clear which meaning you had in mind, especially if this is not absolutely clear from the context. AA for example can stand for anything from Adverse Action to Accredited Appraiser. This way you might also discourage ambitious translators, who charge by the length of translation, from writing out the complete expression every time the abbreviation comes up.
Let's T&T (type and transcribe)
If possible, make sure the text for translation is always available in a digital, editable format. Language service providers will likely charge extra if your text needs to be transcribed from paper; it is wise to check whether the transcription might actually be cheaper if ordered elsewhere. On the other hand, if you find out your provider does not need a digital version of your text, it is likely they are not using CAT tools and cannot offer any of the advantages (speed, consistency) CATs provide. In each case: if the source text is only available on paper, the translation is likely to take more time as the text will either have to be transcribed or the translator and consequently you will not benefit from computer support.
Why translate stuff you don't really need?
Carefully review the text that is to be translated. Shorten the parts where you may have used too many words, or erase parts that you do not need translated at all. Not only will the translation be cheaper, it will also be done faster.
Pictures do not always translate well
If your text contains many graphic elements, you should check with your translation service provider how this might affect the translation process. Will the provider able to insert your pictures and charts into the translation? How much will that cost? Is it perhaps wiser to omit the graphics from the source text altogether, include only the bare text they contain, and leave the re-insertion and re-design of the graphic elements to your designer?
Local lingo and international audience
Often vernacular expressions and proverbs are not well suited for the text you wish to have translated. If the purpose of your text is to present the local culture or linguistic curiosities then these are alright. However, if you wish to emphasize, for example, the international spirit of your company, it is perhaps better to express yourself in a less culturally-specific manner. Remember that proverbs and verses you chose to include in your text might change significantly in the target language (not every culture necessarily has an equivalent saying or expression) and that many rhymes could be lost. Most important of all: never forget that only a good and experienced translator will be able to properly adapt a vernacular, culturally-specific text to your target audience. This pretty much means you will not be able to hire the lowers bidder and hope for the best.
Editing & proof-reading before translation
Last but not least: it is often a good idea to have the source text proof-read or edited before forwarding it to your translator(s). We highly recommend this option if your chosen translation agency doesn't analyse the source before translation since proof-reading can reveal mistakes, inconsistencies and omissions in the source text that could easily affect the quality of final product (translation).
Need more tips? Please contact us.
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