There are many different types of translation services. Each one brings something unique to the table. You need to determine the type of language service, of all, that best fits your companies’ needs. The route you decide to take depends on many things, and we’ll explore the most important here in this blog.
Contents
What Difference Does Size Make?
The best type of language service for your company depends on the scale of your business. You can find it here. Your client base also plays a big part. For example, if your clients are all based in the US, you may decide that a single-language vendor is the best option. While if your clients are all over the globe, you’re more likely to need a multiple-language vendor.
Main Types of Translators
Source: truelanguage.com
There are three main types of translators used by companies. But, they don’t all cater for the same business needs. We’ve outlined them below:
Freelance Translators:
Someone who is self-employed. A freelancer may work in a pair with someone who edits and proofreads their copy. They then send the copy back to your company for review.
Single-Language Vendors:
A single-language vendor is another company that offers a variety of translation services. They typically offer services like translation, editing, proofreading and QA. SLV can also offer things like project management, desktop publishing and file prep.
Multiple-Language Vendors:
Source: truelanguage.com
A multiple-language vendor usually offers a variety of translation services. MLVs allow businesses to dedicate all their translation requests to one vendor. Yes, this is regardless of the language. They offer the same services as SLVs. The only difference is the number of languages they can translate.
Single and multiple-language vendors differ in size. But, profit is not the only way of knowing how large a business is. For example, many large companies deliver products as well as translation services. These are collectively added to their total revenue.
1. Web Translation
This refers to translating web copy and website documents as well as any subtitles for the videos on those web pages. When translating a web copy, many segments need translating. These include the address layouts and currencies, customizing everything to the right audience. As your business expands, you may need to translate and localize your website to offer many languages for different countries.
2. Proofreading
The first thing your customers see when they search your website is the copy featured on the web pages. It doesn’t matter which page they land on, their first impression is crucial. It depends on what they read and how well it’s written. So, you can’t just copy and paste from Google Translate and hope for the best. Your content has to make sense to your audience.
Proofreading is one way to be certain there are no silly mistakes in your web copy. Having an extra pair of eyes from the outside will ensure there are no errors or spelling mistakes. These harmless mistakes could cost you in sales.
3. Transcription
Source: ehlion.com
Words hold a power that no-one should underestimate. It’s the words you use that hold the longest impression, so you have to be sure to use the right words. If you create videos or presentations, consider transcription services for your business. The same goes for phone calls and conferences.
A professional transcriptionist listens to audio speech and produces written copy. All parties can use this written copy for future reference. You can email, edit, share and cross-reference the words in the audio without having to replay it.
4. Desktop Publishing
Translation isn’t enough unless your documents are aligned and formatted properly. They need to make sense, which can be difficult to achieve without the help of a translator. Desktop publishing is all about creating cutting-edge documents and material. They also need to look professional, formatted and ready to print!
5. Interpretation
Conveying the meaning of something spoken in one language into another is the purpose of interpreting services. Preserving the unblemished message is just as important, too. In a meeting or a conference with different languages, interpreters will translate words from one language to another. The three main types of interpretations are:
Consecutive interpretation:
Where the interpreter delays giving the message until the speaker has finished talking. Consecutive interpretation is usually used in legal cases or small formal business meetings.
Simultaneous interpretation:
Source: interprefy.com
Where a person translates and delivers a message as the original speaker is talking. Simultaneous interpretation is used in large meetings and is the best type of interpretation for conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.
Telephone Interpretation:
Although this is a form of consecutive interpretation, this is normally done over the phone. Telephone interpretation is handy in client meetings, depositions, court hearings, and medical appointments.
6. Multimedia
The translation and localization of graphics, videotapes, press releases, charticles, GIFs, info-graphics and animations. These are all classed as multimedia. As more organizations aim to grow their reach and boost engagement, localizing content is in demand.
Last Words of Advice
Whether you choose to work with a big organization or a small agency, successful translation depends on many things. We’ve covered most of them in this article. But your choice depends on the number of clients you have and the size of your business, too. Translating takes a lot of time and effort, but more importantly, attention to detail. A professional language service takes all the hassle out of translating a copy. You can then focus your efforts elsewhere.
With so many options to choose from, you should take some time to figure out your company needs. But also think of your comfort level. For example, think of how you like to work and who you like to work with, then consider your budget. By doing all this, you have the best chance of picking the perfect language service for your business.
