Around the world, there are more than 6,909 distinct languages. Some of these are quite small and spoken by only a few people. Meanwhile, languages, such as Chinese, have over a billion speakers!
Since there are so many languages worldwide, businesses often rely on translators to help them communicate with foreign business partners, engage in cross-border trade, or host international events.
Still, there are plenty of myths about translation, and believing them can prevent you from getting the best translation. Let’s look at four of these misconceptions and see how you can avoid being misled by them!
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First Myth: Automated Translations Are as Good as Hiring a Translating Company
Have you ever wondered why Google Translate hasn’t made translators obsolete? Well, one reason is that it is inaccurate, producing literal translations instead of contextual ones.
Native speakers can often tell right away whether a translation is professional. For this reason, you’ll want to hire a professional when translating paperwork to make sure your meaning gets across and appears natural.
Second Myth: The Best Translator Works with the Biggest Company
Some people assume that only large companies have the right qualifications. Of course, big companies can offer translation services in many languages or specialties.
Yet, if you only need a translation into one language or work in a specialized field, a small agency or freelance translator is the best choice. They can devote more time to your project and are more likely to worry about your satisfaction.
Third Myth: Any Bilingual Employee Can Produce a Good Translation
One of the biggest misconceptions about translation is that anyone who speaks two languages is up for the task. And, while it’s true that any bilingual can attempt a translation, they may make a lot of mistakes.
It takes a lot of training to learn how to convey ideas naturally in another language, especially if the text is technical. For this reason, the best translation companies hire individuals with years of practice, training, and in-depth knowledge of computer-aided translation (CAT) tools.
So, even if one of your employees lived in France most of their life, you’ll still want to go ahead and hire a French translation service.
Fourth Myth: A Translator Can Handle Any Subject
Translators who have formal training start by studying languages and general translation approaches. But as their training progresses, translators often choose a specialty area, such as:
- Legal
- Medical
- Marketing
- Scientific
- Audiovisual
- Technical
Usually, their training will involve courses in these fields to understand the information they are dealing with and produce the best translations possible.
Logically, then, a legal translator may not be the best choice for translating a medical document. So, be sure to seek out a translator who works in your specialty field.
Get the Best Translation Possible
After debunking these common translation myths, you likely see the importance of hiring a professional translation company. Remember to seek out a translator with expertise and experience in your field. As a result, you will receive the best translation possible and be more effective!
Did you enjoy this post? If so, be sure to check out more of our posts that can help you run a productive and profitable company!
