Looking for a Translation Agency? Make Sure You Select Wisely…
There are a number of transcription services, UK translation agencies and interpretation services across the country; offering a wide range of translation services. It’s unsurprising that the choice can feel somewhat bewildered. After all, most claim to offer superior translation and transcription skills, many offer highly competitive prices, and several promises to deliver the rapid turn around.
However, as with any service, all translation agencies are not created equal. The big question is, how can you ensure that you select the best translation services for the job?
Understanding Legalities: Legal Translation Services
Winston Churchill once famously said that England and America were separated, but by the same language. One only has to look at the disparity between US and UK spelling, grammar and word choice to realise the truth to the statement. If this is the case of two countries speaking ostensibly the same language, it’s easy to appreciate just how difficult high-quality translation is between two countries who don’t share the same mother tongue.
Certified translation services will be able to offer expertise in both the source language and the target language. However, for legal translations, this isn’t enough. It’s important to have knowledge of legal terminology in both countries, and to have an understanding of both legal systems. If your translation agency doesn’t demonstrate proficient knowledge of both language and the law, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to complete the job to the required standard.
Fast-Turnaround, Lower Quality?
Many certified translation services will offer rapid turnaround; which is sometimes highly advantageous, especially when working against a deadline? However, if the speedy turnaround comes from the cost of quality, then this is likely to cause more problems than it is worth.
This isn’t to say that a reputable, well-regarded translation agency cannot offer fast turnaround, of course. However, before making deadline your top priority; check that the agency can also offer the high standards that you require for the job. If it is doubted, ask to see testimonials, or speak to some of their existing clients.
The Human Touch
It’s imperative, especially when translating financial or legal translations, to offer the ‘human touch’. By this, in order for the work to be done to the required standard, it must be completed by a human, not by a piece of translation software. This type of technology is well suited to basic-level translations, but spell disaster for the most other documentation, particularly legal content, which is liable to lose much of its integral meaning if simply translated via a machine, rather than by a sentient being.
Don’t Let Price Be Your Guide
Translation, as with every other service available online, is often a matter of ‘you pay for what you get’. Cut costs with budget translators, and you’re likely to get inferior results. After all, professional translators, especially those with specialist legal knowledge, will have spent years in education to develop their skills; and will not be willing to work for pennies as a result.
Professional Translation Agency and Transcription Services UK
If you’re seeking a professional translator or interpreter for your financial or legal documentation; simply make contact with HL TRAD today at +44 (0) 20 7629 7258 +44 (0) 20 7629 7258.
