Translation

5 Crucial Factors To Look For When Hiring A Translation Provider

Team Pepper
Posted on 1/03/224 min read
5 Crucial Factors To Look For When Hiring A Translation Provider

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • 5 things to look out for when hiring a translation provider
    • Cultural knowledge
    • Experience 
    • Expertise
    • Turnaround time
    • Cost
  • Key takeaways
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

Companies and businesses today are not limited to their hometown. Expanding to different cities, states, and even other countries is an essential aspect of scaling the success of one’s business. But when in a different country, language becomes a barrier more often than one can imagine. If you do not speak the language prevalently used in a foreign country, you need a translation provider to help you accurately communicate with the locals there

Here’s the deal: A language service provider is crucial for developing and maintaining relationships with foreign parties and clients. 

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Without translation services, modern business and communication cannot survive. This high demand for translation providers has led to an increase in the number of agencies that specifically recruit and train individuals for this job. 

However, if you are looking for a translation provider, here are a few qualities you should look out for.

5 Things to Look Out for When Hiring a Translation Provider

Having a translation provider can provide a boost to your business overseas. , Here are a few factors that cannot be overlooked when hiring one: 

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1. Cultural knowledge

Today, many individuals are trained in language translation, but not all have an innate connection with the language and knowledge like a native speaker. For example, you can find a Hindi translation provider anywhere globally, but it pays to hire a native Hindi speaker for the job. Native speakers have what is called cultural knowledge. They associate and frequently use the language they specialize in as it is their native tongue. They have a more sophisticated and better understanding of their culture. And therefore, their command over the language is effortless and impeccable. 

2. Experience

Look out for experience when hiring a translation provider. Make sure they have provided translation services in the past to similar businesses. Check their reviews if they have a website or are associated with a translation agency. Ensure they have sufficient years of training, the required qualifications as a translator, and enough work experience to efficiently handle and complete a project within a given amount of time. 

3. Expertise

While a translation provider must have rich cultural knowledge and plenty of experience in working with the language they specialize in, expertise is a factor that just cannot be ignored. What most businesses do wrong is that they hire translation providers who have no prior expertise in a specific domain. While it may be great that a translation provider has multiple good reviews for translating books, it does not ensure that they will be good at translating digital marketing copies. A translation provider must have expertise in the specific domain you need. 

4. Turnaround time

Time is money in the realm of business. You can mint an average performance into a success if time management is one of your best suits. Therefore, it is crucial to check the turnaround time of an agency from where you have hired a translation provider. An agency that adheres to deadlines and has penalties in place for delays in work will make sure that your time is not wasted. Question the agency if it can manage the project within the time limit you need it to be done. 

5. Cost

Most importantly, you need to be aware of the average cost of the size of the project you require a translation provider for. Do not be lured in by massive quotes by agencies just because they make it appear like time taking and quality work. Do not just say yes to the first agency you have come across. Make a list of agencies that provide translation services and list their quotes to compare easily. Finalize the one that is ready to provide you with quality service within the required time for your value of money. 

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Key takeaways

  • A language service provider is crucial for developing and maintaining relationships with foreign parties and clients.
  • There are five crucial factors to consider while hiring a translation provider: expertise, experience, cultural knowledge, cost, and turnaround time.
  • A native speaker has a more sophisticated and better understanding of the culture associated with their language.
  • A translation provider must have expertise in a specific domain; otherwise, their work will be at a sub-standard level.
  • It is important to discuss the turnaround time in advance with the translation services agency when hiring a translation provider. 
  • Choose a translation agency that gives you the best translation service with value for money.

Conclusion

Before hiring a translation provider, you need to make sure what kind of project you have in mind for them. Will that encompass the history or evolution of that specific language? Are the nuances of the local tongue involved in translating that specific content? Most importantly, ensure that the translator meets deadlines and provides quality work. 

FAQs

1. What are the advantages of hiring a translator?

There are significant advantages to hiring a translator. They ensure quality and consistency in translation and accurately translate the small nuances of the language, which translation apps and software can often skip.

2. What do you study to be a translator?

To qualify as a translator, one requires a bachelor’s degree in a chosen language. Any other degree or specialization equivalent to a bachelor’s in the language will also work. A translator needs to clearly understand the language they work with, its grammar structure and syntax, nuances and specialized terminology, etc.

3. What qualities should a translator have?

Some of the essential qualities of being a translator include: having linguistic expertise, attention to detail, passion for a specific language, time management skills, strong communication skills, appreciation for other cultures, cultural knowledge of the languages they specialize in, and awareness about the evolution of language.

4. What is the most important skill one needs to be an excellent translator?

To excel as a professional translator, one needs to have strong research skills and an ability to accept criticism and implement it to make their language skills and translation error-free.

5. What do translators charge hourly?

On average, in the US, the cost of hiring a translator ranges between $30 to $70 per hour currently. But the exact rates depend on the combination of languages they are providing their service in, volume, turnaround, and the subject matter of translation.