Hiring a translation service for your business - By: Carmen

Finding a good translation service or translator is a key business decision that should not be taken lightly in the field of business.
The need for translation agencies and translators to take out professional indemnity insurance is in an indication, sometimes with heavy financial consequences. Financial losses may occur through using a poor translation service or translator in a number of ways. A brochure or advertising campaign that has not taken into consideration local cultures can lead to a huge dent in an advertising budget with only negative PR as the result. The possibilities for something to go wrong are endless. A good translation service or translator will be able to provide you with a solid background in translation, a good network of translators to provide proof-reading in addition to the straight forward translation and an understanding of the cultural impact of language and translation. ‘Cultural Applicability’ or ‘Linguistic Screening’ is a process whereby the translation service will examine your text, brochure or advertisement and ensure that the images, photos or words, translate well into the target audience.
The examples are as followings: what happens when a good translation service is not used…. Clairol did not test market in Germany the name of its "Mist-Stick"-- a mist-producing hair curling iron. Mist translates in German as "excrement" and a "manure-stick" did not draw much interest. A new facial cream with the name "Joni" was proposed to be marketed in India. They changed the name since the word translated in Hindi meant "female genitals."
In a Copenhagen airline ticket office: We take your bags and send them in all directions. At a Budapest zoo: Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty. Although comical, the above examples perfectly demonstrate how easy it is for your translation to cause you problems. It is crucial one understands fully what their needs and requirements are when it comes to translating a piece of work. The followings are some questions I insist you to ask yourself before commissioning any translation service with a piece of work:
What is the nature of the document or text? Who will use it or read it?
Does it really need translating?
Can diagrams, pictures or maps be used to replace text which may be too complex?
Will it be used abroad or by people from differing cultures?
These basic measures can help avoid translation blunders and ensure your translation service provider understands the nature of the piece of work.
Aunes Oversettelser AS has been in the business for 26 years, and we are specialized in technical translations. We are specializing in the Nordic languages, and can offer services into Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Icelandic. The premier translation agency for Norway and the Nordic region! Technical translation services for businesses in the Nordic countries and translation agencies world-wide.

About the Author

Aunes Oversettelser AS has been in the business for 26 years, and we are specialized in technical translations. We are specializing in the Nordic languages, and can offer services into Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Icelandic. The premier translation agency for Norway and the Nordic region! Technical translation services for businesses in the Nordic countries and translation agencies world wide.

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