Planning your translation project
1.What?
It might sound obvious but make sure first to gather all the elements
that make up the complete translation project and then to keep them
handy. Making up a list takes only a few minutes but will save you
much more time in the future.
2. Why?
Ask yourself what you expect the translation to accomplish. Is it
intended to sell? To teach? To persuade? Your objectives should
form the basis for defining the style of your translation.
3. Where?
Culture can never be separated from language, so make sure you know
your target audience. A thorough knowledge of the countries, regions,
and dialects represented by the target audience can eliminate the
risk of embarrassing misunderstandings.
4. When?
Plan ahead in order to establish a realistic and cost-effective
translation schedule. Keep in mind that quality, cost, and schedule
are the three pillars on which a translation project is balanced.
5. Who?
This is probably the hardest decision to make - choosing the right
translator. There are many options - including agencies, freelancers,
yourself, colleagues and friends. But remember that the right person
for your translation is the one who will be most likely to achieve
your main objectives. If cost is of the essence, you might consider
working directly with freelancers or with friends or colleagues,
as you will often pay less for a translation. If quality is crucial,
then we strongly suggest working with an agency. Not only will they
have the resources to handle large projects. But they will also
normally be legally accountable for their actions.
6. How much?
How much are you willing to spend? How much should you spend? There
can be huge variations in the fees charged for translation, so when
getting quotes make sure to weigh cost versus benefit. And remember
"You only get what you pay for!"
7. How long?
Depending on the nature of the task it may take anything from a
couple of days up to a couple of weeks to get it right. Again, if
it took you several days to complete a manual, how long do you think
realistically it will take to translate the same document with the
same meticulous attention to detail?
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