Language translation services interpret the meaning of written, audio or video content from one language to another.
We call the original language the ‘Source Language’, and we translate the text into the ‘Target Language’.
The main objective of a language translation service is to convey the original tone and intent of a message. Additionally, you factor in the cultural and regional differences between the source and target languages.
Why Language Translation Services Are Essential for Businesses
Any business, small or big, serving a global client base, needs to communicate across languages and cultures. However, this cross-communication can be tedious and expensive.
But, the costs of a translation failure are always beyond financial. Hence, accurate and effective communication between cultures, languages, disciplines, and industries are an increasing priority.
Communication with customers
There are countries where people prefer their native language as they respond much better to the locally spoken language. To reach your audience, you need to translate marketing and advertising materials into the language of the target country.
Communication with stakeholders
For this, you will need a translator to translate the crucial files, so they understand your work and vice versa.
Language Translation Services: Trends to Monitor
The global market for language services and technology will likely increase to US$56.18 billion by 2021 (Globalization & Localization Association Report -2018).
The translation industry is dynamic. New developments impact the way we do things. So, copanies need to stay up to date with the latest industry developments and tweak their processes to stay ahead of the competition.
So what will the future bring?
- Use of Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence possesses the ability to understand language nuances that appear challenging to accomplish by other forms of machine translation. Hence, tools like virtual assistants are being made available.
- Video Localization Scores Huge Demand. Nearly 80% of online content is presented through video formats. Video localization will be vital to the success of the business for those interested in tapping new global markets. The key uses for video localization include a) Messages related to new products, updates or general information to customers. b) Pitch for new clients through face-to-face meetings or as a follow-up message. c) Training/e-learning videos for employees in another region.
- Increase in the use of Machine Translation. Neural machine translation (NMT) brings efficiency in translating complex languages, learning language nuances and using algorithms for learning language conventions. When combined with human post-editing, the translations will be culturally accurate. Translation companies offering top-notch machine translation with human post-editing is the best choice for language requirements.
- Voice Search. The next big thing is voice search as more and more people are willing to forego keyboards for voice recognition and digital assistants.
Language Translation Process
Language translation services follow a systematic translation process to obtain a high-quality translation.
Here, then, is the standard procedure followed by the majority of translation agencies to deliver translations.
Understand the scope of the work
The project management team understands the subject matter, its communicative effect, and the target audience. They collect all the information related to the original text. This information usually focuses on the target readers of the translation. That includes writing style, any specific vocabulary and language that the translator needs to be aware of for maintaining consistency and other reference material.
Translation Work
The translator translates the document based on his understanding of the requirements. Upon completion, the translator methodically compares the original text with that of the translated version to see if he has not missed any text/para.
Creating a client-specific library
This may consist of terminologies specific to an industry, client or even the target region and language. This is relevant to any translator who works on the client’s projects for on-going and future projects.
Final Revision
A native proofreader is assigned to proofread the text again to ensure the meaning of the text is the same as in the original information and to see if the client’s requirements are met. They will make any final edits to refine and “polish” the translated text if required.
Delivery
The project manager reviews the final file and delivers the files to the client in the same format as received. Additionally, the client cross-checks the files if it matches the quality and expression set in the beginning.
Translation Tools
Sometimes the translation process can be tedious as the data to be translated could cover a multitude of topics. So, language translation services integrate language translation tools that ease the burden of translation and improve efficiency, consistency, and quality. The translation agencies therefore incorporate these tools depending on the complexity of the source text and the time required to get the final result.
