December 2017 Newsletter

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Translation Projects

I've learned a few things from translating and managing translation projects. These are difficult tasks but managing translations is challenging even if you understand the foreign language. It requires time, dedication,  attention to detail, and a great deal of organizational skills.
I've made a few mistakes along the way and learned from them. Luckily, I never suffered a major disaster, as I know sometimes happens in this industry.
Having the original documents alone is not enough to embark on a translation project. If a company requests large amounts of material to be translated at once without managing the task properly, the translations could be inadequate, difficult to identify, or in extreme cases, never be used. This is a waste of time and money, and worst of all, non-English speakers continue without access to the documents they so greatly need.
What you’ll need before requesting estimates
  • Identify your audience. If a document is for the general public, the original should be in plain English so the translator can put it in plain non-English. Translators perform “localization” but will not change the register (level of complexity) of your document.
  • For the sake of efficiency, accuracy, and autonomy documents that require signatures and completion by users should be translated into a bilingual format. This is best because it helps ensure the correct version of the document is always being used and allows the user to complete the document without requiring an interpreter.
  • Instructions, handbooks, “frequently asked question” brochures, etc. can be monolingual in the foreign language/s.
  • Have distinct and consistent reference names for all originals and make sure the digital and printed non-English documents include the reference names. 
How to choose the right translator
Finding the right professional for a job is never easy. If you don't believe me, I can show you the tile work on my bathroom floor.
For a translation to be effective, it must contain language used by your entity and the group for which it is created. When translating court material:
  • It is best that the translator specialize or at the very least experienced in the particular subject matter (family law, criminal litigation, domestic abuse, etc.).
  •  Locate translators certified by the ATA or translators/interpreters certified by the state courts.
  • Ask other managers to recommend professionals they have used.
  • Request a translation sample  
  • Assign a project manager to keep track of these vendors, manage drafts, obtain proofreaders, and answer translators’ questions.
What to request and provide
  • Translators will likely request you enter into an agreement with them. You may wish to have an attorney review the agreement.
  •  Make sure you define exactly what you want, for example, text only or translation plus proofreading. Elaborate translations that mirror the original are more expensive, as the translator will charge formatting by the hour.
  • If you are creating templates, macros, or require translations to be delivered in specific formats or platforms, make sure the translator understands he/she cannot deliver in PDF, for example.  
  • You should still arrange for your own independent proofreading.
  • For large projects, you or the agency you contract may need to utilize multiple translators. Keep in mind that their styles and words of choice will be different, so for language to be consistent you will need to provide translators with a bilingual glossary.
  • Keep in mind that a large translation project can take months or even years.
  • Ask for help and get organized early. If not, you may end up having to do half of the work twice and/or yourself.
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Winter Storms

A Winter Storm Warning means a significant amount of snow, sleet and ice will make travel dangerous or impossible. Latest road conditions for your state can be obtained by calling 5-1-1.

How to prepare and stay safe (from https://www.ready.gov/)

Stay indoors during the storm.
Prolonged exposure to cold can cause hypothermia.
Walk and drive carefully on icy sidewalks and roads.
Many injuries and accidents are caused by slippery conditions.
Before driving, let someone know your destination, route, and expected time of arrival.
If your car gets stuck, it’ll be easier to find you.
If you lose feeling and color in your nose, ears, hands, or feet, cover the exposed area, avoid rubbing your skin, and seek medical help immediately.
You may have frostbite.
When shoveling snow, take breaks and lift lighter loads.
Working too hard can lead to heart attacks.
Stay dry.
Wet clothes make you lose body heat, increasing your risk of hypothermia.
Click here for 6-10 day outlooks.