Our translators are our most important asset. We have worked with many of our translators for nearly 20 years, and some of our translators choose to work exclusively for us. Proz, a translation community forum, allows translators to rate agencies, and after 150+ reviews, we are proud to have a 5 out of 5 rating!
We have a strong working relationship with our translators, most of whom have over 10 years of translation experience as well as industry work experience in their area of specialisation.
Only translate into their native language. It is better to translate into your mother tongue than a language you have learnt, no matter how fluent you are.
Be based in-country. Language is always changing and ever growing. It is important that translators keep up to speed with changes in their native language, including addition of new words and technical terminology. This is best done by total immersion in that language and culture.
Have a university degree and a post-graduate translation qualification. For technical translators a degree in their area of specialisation, such as engineering or biology, is preferable. For translators working on non-technical texts, a degree in languages is acceptable.
Post-grad translation qualification, no matter the area of specialisation, is essential.
Have lived in the source language country. As important as it is for a translator to be based in country, they must also have an understanding of the culture and society in the source language country, based on first-hand experience.
Have experience in a particular industry. Translation is, more often than not, industry specific. If you have a legal document that needs translating, you need a translator with experience in the specific legal field. Likewise if you want to be sure that your website copy engages visitors and persuades them to buy, or contact you, it’s a marketing-specialised translator that you need.
Have at least 3 years’ experience as a translator, or have translated at least 50,000 words. Experienced translators are often faster and more reliable than those new to the industry. This level of experience has also usually exposed them to a variety of work, preparing them for the demands of any project we may be working on. In practice, most of our regular translators actually have more like 10-15 years’ experience, and some a lot more.
Agree to our terms and conditions, and confidentiality agreement. Our translators are bound by the same confidentiality agreement we have with our clients. All text is always handled with strict confidentiality.
Undertake test translations, which are then verified by existing approved translators, or a member of the projects team. Basic grammar and spelling will be checked as standard, but it is important to ensure the translator has captured the true meaning of the document and it has not been ‘lost in translation’.
Thoroughly enjoy reading! The first stage of translation is to understand the source text, which of course involves reading and digesting documents in great detail. Translators are also expected to check over their own work before delivering it to us for proofreading.
Be able to adopt the style and tone of each project. The translator has to be able to keep the style of a piece in key with the original. For example an internal newsletter from a company’s CEO must of course be professional but must have that added personal warmth, essential in a document of this nature.
Be a team player. We often work with teams of translators for large projects, and being able to work with other translators is key. All work is proofread, and we often need linguists to collaborate and discuss projects together independently.
Prompt & professional in communication. Modern business is fast-paced; we expect our translators to keep up. We expect translators to respond quickly to requests and keep us up to date with project progress.
Open and honest. Sometimes we are all a little late. We are human. In the case of translation we need to know immediately if a project is behind schedule, so we can inform everyone involved.
The sooner we know, the sooner we can help and possibly even prevent any issues from having an impact on delivery.
Be able to meet deadlines. We expect deadlines to be met if they are agreed to. The translator should only accept what they can comfortably handle so there is no infringement on quality.
Share our passion for languages! That’s why we are here!
For more information, please contact us.