When you’re getting a project translated, you might not be able to understand the language your work is being translated into. Because of this, you have to put a lot of trust in your translation service provider. At Rossion, we are continually updating our practices to ensure you get the highest quality translation possible. Rossion works hard to earn and keep your trust year after year.
How to trust your translation service provider
When dealing with a translation service provider, you want to know you’re getting a professional translation that will be easily understood in the target language. As you begin the process of having your documentation translated, it’s important to know how your text will be handled, and who will be handling it. Here are some helpful questions to ask your translation service provider to help ensure you’re getting the most value for your investment.
How responsive is my service provider? When you send in a question or a request, does your service provider respond in a timeframe that you are comfortable with. Do they answer the questions you ask. How easy are they to reach? Rossion prides itself on being quick to respond to our client requests.
Is the translation company certified with the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and/or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)? The CGSB and ISO provide a general set of standards with which translators must comply. These include things such as linguistic comprehension, research ability, and review processes. By working with a translation company that has both CGSB and ISO certification, you can be confident that your translated documentation meets a superior standard of quality. Rossion is proud to be certified by both the CGSB 131.10 and ISO 17100. Rossion Inc. undergoes a formal audit every two years to ensure compliance.
Who’s on my translation team? It’s important to know your team. Schedule a call if you can and/or ask about your team. Get to know the people behind your translation projects. See our previous blog post about Creating Your Power Team.
How many translators will be working on my project? The number of translators working on a document and/or series of documents can affect the quality of the translations. While certain projects may require multiple translators in order to meet deadlines, the fewer translators working on a regular sized project the better. This way, consistency of voice and language usage remains throughout the translation. If multiple translators are to be involved in a project, it is imperative to have the translation undergo a rigorous review process to eliminate any inconsistencies that may arise.
What tools does my translation team use to research your translation? Every translator has a set of tools they use to assist them in their work. From Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools such as Trados or MemoQ for workflow and consistency, to web-based options like websites and dictionaries, translators rely on a variety of outside sources to ensure they’re using the right terminology for your project. If you have corporate terminology or preferences, be sure to talk to us about them. We’ll create a term base for you to ensure your preferred terminology is used. By understanding the tools that translators use and the process by which they approach their work, you will be better informed as to the accuracy of the translation you are receiving.
What are some of the past projects that you have translated? Before working with a translation service provider, inquire about other projects they have translated. Are these projects similar to yours? Does the service provider collaborate with reputable companies? Being aware of the types of companies the translation provider works with will help you decide if they are the right fit for you. If they have worked extensively with businesses or projects similar to yours, then you can be confident that they understand your company’s language and will be able to communicate effectively.
How involved do I need be in the translation process? The relationship between the client and the translator is critical to a good translation outcome. As a client, you want to trust that your needs are being listened to, and the translator understands your needs and goals. You must feel confident that the translation service provider is working towards your desired goal, and that they will ask questions of you should they require any additional information. It’s important that you remain open to questions and comments from the translator as well.
Your relationship with a translation service provider should be a two-way street. You want to know that your work is in capable hands, while at the same time being confident that they are working to meet your targets. At Rossion, we pride ourselves on building and maintaining strong customer relationships. Rossion makes a point of working closely with our clients to best understand and achieve their translation and business goals. We’ve been doing this for over 40 years!
If you have any questions about Rossion’s approach to translation or would like to discuss your project with a team member, don’t hesitate to contact us at service@rossion.com or (514) 695-9144. We look forward to working with you!
