It’s the translation industry’s accepted practice to have texts translated by translators whose native language is the target language. In addition to proficiency in using professional translation tools, quality assurance methods and excellent research skills, this is a crucial factor in ensuring the quality of your translation.

A native speaker of the target language will be able to better understand cultural and idiomatic language, even on an intuitive and subconscious level.

The translator must deal with both the technical and colloquial use of a phrase, preserving the meaning and ensuring that readers of the target document gain full comprehension of the text. The selection of appropriate language to convey metaphors, analogies, idioms and other culturally contingent use of language relies upon a deep level of familiarity with the language, culture and history of the target language that is often not formalized in any particular text or other resource.

Native speakers also have a greater understanding of the subtle differences between the various audiences at which the translated document is targeted. Grading language requires particular familiarity with the language and understanding of how different terms are understood by different groups (for instance, people with limited technical knowledge of a field or professionals).

It is essential when communicating between different groups of people, that the same points are understood by all. Language and culture play a large part in creating either bridges or barriers if not navigated correctly.

But when navigated correctly, the results will surely be rewarding and ensure a target audience receives the message the way it was intended.

Quality assurance tools

My workshop is equipped with the latest professional translation tools, including computer-aided translation tools, and quality assurance and terminology management tools. The following factors help ensure the highest quality:

• translator’s competence and experience;
• native English fluency & knowledge;
• use of specialised dictionaries;
• online research (in source and target languages, reference to related content and/or subject/field);
• consultation with specialist colleagues and client;
• terminology checks (using CAT and other quality assurance tools);
• consistency control (use of CAT termbases & translation memory);
• proofreading (for completeness, grammatical accuracy, accuracy of translation, numbers check);
• orthographical check (spellchecking – incl. consistency with the use of, for instance, British/American spelling);
• review of translation in source/native format.

Native English proficiency, modern translation tools, excellent research skills and quality assurance methods are used to help ensure you get the best possible results.