Ten Things To Remember When Translating Documents  

There are many ways you can help your translation projects go more smoothly. It's important to trust the translation provider you've chosen, and to communicate your needs clearly. With an attitude of cooperation and partnership, you can iron out details and come up with a system that works for both of you. Here's a list of ten fundamentals that will contribute to the process.

Smith, Jackie. STC International TC SIG. Articles>Language>Localization

Translating Videos for an International Market  

Smith explains the process of translating videos. The article includes sidebars on video terms and advice on choosing a video translation firm.

Smith, Jackie. Intercom (2002). Design>Multimedia>Localization>Video

Working with a Professional Translation Supplier  

Working with a professional translation company is one way to obtain accurate translations. Make sure that you choose a qualified supplier that you trust. It is a plus if your chosen supplier utilizes translation memory. After choosing the company you want to work with, collaborate to iron out details and develop a smooth process. Prepare your documents carefully to keep translation costs down. Establish a viable procedure for in-country reviews. Create a win-win situation by making your translator a business partner.

Smith, Jackie. STC Proceedings (2002). Articles>Language>Localization

Client Language Review—The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly  

Your company's overseas personnel are important to its success. It's natural to want their input on translated documents. Including them in a review of the translation before it's published gives them a chance to contribute their knowledge. Understanding the purpose and structure of the review can help you avoid trouble down the road. Here are some details to consider in advance.

Smith, Jackie. STC International TC SIG (2001). Articles>Language>Translation

How to Save Money on Translation By Editing the Source Text  

If translators had a list of FAQ's, the number one question would undoubtedly be "What can we do to cut the cost of our translations?" There are a number of answers to this question, but the simplest is to reduce the number of words in your documents before translating. Translation is usually priced by the word; therefore the fewer words for translation, the less it costs.

Smith, Jackie. STC International TC SIG (2001). Articles>Editing>Translation>Localization

The Translation Memory Advantage  

Have you ever wished you could remember everything you've written over the past few years, and reuse it whenever needed? Now that would be a valuable, timesaving tool. In the same vein, it would be worth a great deal if a translator could recall every sentence translated for a client, and recycle it wherever appropriate. Today there are tools that help translators do exactly that. These tools are programs, called translation memory software, which allow translators to store and retrieve text. Using this software saves time and money and contributes to a better translation.

Smith, Jackie. STC International TC SIG (2001). Articles>Language>Translation>Machine Translation