Five Types of Translation Service - Creative Word

Translation services vary according to the purpose of the translation, the translation company providing the service, and the requirements of the client. Each translation provision should be unique, tailored to match its needs.

Choosing a professional company to translate, or localise, your business is essential for successful projects, and care should be given to finding a translation provider that can cover all your requirements.

Expert translation teams can provide you with assets such as, a glossary, and Translation Memory (TM) to ensure future translations are consistent, and costs are reduced.

Clients can assist their translation service provider by offering as much information as possible about their business, products, or services. For instance, technical terminology briefs, style guides, and branding designs are helpful insights into individual requirements and strategies.

The five types of translation and localisation itemised below are frequently offered by translation specialists. If you are considering using translation services then this information will act as a guide, giving you valuable and extensive insights into the world of translations.

Website Translation

This can include text components and content such as, videos, documents, and so on that are uploaded to your site. Consider elements such as text expansion and contraction, visuals elements, voiceovers, and so on, when translating websites. Keeping costs down will entail minimising content that requires translation or localisation so be vigilant about content, and plan ahead.

You might want to consider the following points:

•    Which languages do you require for your market? What region are you targeting? Can you select only certain elements for translation or localisation? It might not be necessary to translate all content on your website – careful planning in advance will guarantee you are only translating those parts that are essential or that apply to specific locales.
•    Frequently updating your website will raise translation costs so consider purchasing website management systems that can automate this where possible. Your translation provider can help with glossaries and translation memory that cover frequently used terms, or stock phrases, for example, in product listings.
•    When translating content for websites it is always vital to consider localisation of your site as this offers an enhanced product.

Multimedia Translation and Localisation

Multimedia content will require translation and localisation for new markets. For example, if you have videos with English voiceovers on your Arabic site you might want to consider subtitles, or a new voiceover.

Video images, and photographs are another consideration – are they applicable to your new audience? Your translation provider can assist you with selecting appropriate images.

Consider the following options when translating and localising multimedia:

•    Who is your target audience? You should always localise multimedia content to fit the culture and audience you plan to target. Don’t risk offending clients through neglectful planning.
•    Do you need voiceovers or subtitles? Depending on your budget, and preferences, there are different options available when localising videos, and images.

Software Localisation

Software localisation will include the user interface, online error messages, help files and system communications.
It is always advisable to test localisation of software for linguistic issues, or appearance problems, and your translation service provider can help with this.

There are many alphanumeric acronyms that are used to describe types of software localisation. Understanding the process of software translation will ensure you cover all your needs.

•    Internationalisation (i18n) – this is the first step towards localisation. It will determine if your software can cope with multiple languages, and should be performed well in advance of translation. Once this is complete you will have a sound base for further languages and regions.
•    Localisation (L10n) – localisation differs from translation in that it refers to specific cultural requirements and local needs. Content is adapted to fit with expectations of particular places, people, and their values. This will be required for any new location or target audience.

Technical/Industrial Translations

These will include types of translations such as, content for information documents, online help, training manuals and instructions, technical marketing materials, and so on.

It will also cover many formats. Videos, PDFs, or e-books, and is likely to require formal quality control documentation.

The tips outlined here will assist with the process:

•    Technical translations often use desktop publishing to format contents correctly.
•    Images may need editing for new language applications.
•    To ensure you are content ready, reduce costs and keep within time scales it is worth using a content management system.
•    Specialist translators are best for expertise with industry terminology.  If these aren’t available you can offer training for your chosen translation team.
•    Some repetitive translation tasks can be automated through use of translation management systems.
•    Specific technical translation companies should offer ISO qualified certificates showing they follow rigorous standards.

Medical Translations

Customer facing content such as, labels, packaging, and instructions will need specialist translators if they are intended for medical applications. Standards and procedures for medical translations vary from country to country, so ensure your translation team can handle each unique case. Specialist medical translators are essential due to the sensitive nature of translations of this kind.

ISO 13458:2016 is a standard that applies to organisations that need to demonstrate their ability to provide medical device, and related services that consistently meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements. If a translation company has this standard it highlights their specialist medical criteria.

There are many more types of translation which use varying processes, technologies, and standards. Before commencing with any translation provider check they can meet your requirements, and expectations, and fall within your budget forecast.
Communicate frequently with your translation team, offer as much information as possible in advance, and check what methods they recommend for managing recurrent translation processes so you can budget and plan accordingly.