Language translation services have been around for almost as long as language itself, but with globalisation, and the resultant increased connectivity of the world, they have become even more important.
Previously, there may have only been certain sectors and, indeed, certain language pairings where it was a necessity, but today the requirement for translation services is universal. With this reality, come many new challenges for translation agencies. Not only do they have to increase their number of working languages, but too they have to source experts within specific sectors and industries.
Why is this necessary?
Quite simply, in today’s world, quality of content has become increasingly important. This is largely due to increased competition, on a global scale, and thus, language translation services need to be able to successfully communicate and connect with their target audience. In addition to that, there are many sectors, namely; engineering, medicine, and law, where accuracy is absolutely crucial, for both legal and safety reasons.
Many industries require very specific documentation, and even general content often needs a trained eye. Even native language speakers may not know sector-specific language and terms, and thus translators need to be experts in both the languages and the subject matter.
How do translation agencies overcome this barrier?
There are a number of resources for professional translators, which train them in how to successfully translate a subject that they are not knowledgeable in. This largely entails, research and familiarising yourself with the subject matter. Although this method may work up to a certain level, it is largely a second-rate approach, and will result in less than satisfactory results.
The important thing to acknowledge is that each individual sector and industry, as well as a unique vocabulary, also has its own unique style and tone. Someone, for example, who is an expert on complex algorithm tools, may not be quite as suitable for writing about dating and romance.
Simply, for truly quality language translation services, there is a need to combine language ability with specific industry expertise. Within more marginalised, or less common language pairings, and niche sectors, this can be difficult, and in such cases, collaboration is crucial. If there is the necessity for more than one translation expert to work on a specific project, then an agency must have the tools through which to facilitate this.
Staying ahead of the game
The very best language translation services come through agencies that are able to stay ahead of the game. They study the environment and build their teams based on the demand within the market. In addition to this, structures must be developed to locate the best translators for each individual project, and too, to be able to facilitate collaboration where necessary.