NEWSFLASH May 2013: INQUISITIVE MINDS WANT TO KNOW
An inquisitive mind is one of the most appreciable qualities of a translator. Do not be afraid or annoyed by your translator’s curiosity.
The more questions asked, the more accurate the final translation will be. Questions mean that your translator not only cares about the work at hand but is also doing his or her best.
The most commonly encountered types of questions your translator may ask will have to do with:
- context: background information and history relative to the subject matter. Knowing as much as possible about the subject makes the translation process more reliable.
- visuals: a lot of times a visual will be of great help in understanding the context. Visuals are also necessary for any documents describing packaging, design, displays, ads, etc.
- product names: providing the existing translations of product names is vital as there are several ways of translating a product name into every language.
- terminology: every company has its own terminology and style. The more your translator tries to find out how to adapt his or her translation to your specifications the better.
For all of the above reasons, it is essential to have direct contact with your translator and be receptive to his or her questions.
Quick Tip!
When launching a project, make sure your translator has access to all the information he or she needs!
IT’S A FACT:
Many companies that regularly use translators wait for their work to come back before going to press. They say that their translators’ critical eye helps identify weaknesses and ambiguities in the original copy.
Remember! No one will read your document more carefully than your translator!
