As the global village continues to emerge, the Chinese translation market continues to grow at a quickening pace. Despite this surge of growth, the translation market remains relatively unruly. How can one select a suitable translation company, minimizing unnecessary risks and losses? Choosing a good company is imperative for enterprises that regularly require translation services. When selecting a translation company, several things should be considered.
Translation or Interpretation? Consecutive or Simultaneous?
There is a distinct difference between the two major forms of interpretation: consecutive and simultaneous. For consecutive interpretation, the interpreter listens to the speaker while taking notes. When the speaker pauses, the interpreter communicates the content of the speech in the target language. Consecutive interpretation is often used for business meetings, multi-party negotiations, press conferences and accompanied interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation refers to the interpretation of a speaker's remarks at the same time and speed at which they are given. Specialized equipment and a team of at least two interpreters are required to ensure a successful session of simultaneous interpretation. Simultaneous interpreters work consecutively in 20 minute intervals, taking turns to minimize the stressfulness of the process and to improve quality assurance. Additionally, the interpreters work in a soundproof interpretation room equipped with a professional transmitter primarily used for simultaneous interpretation. The interpretation is then received by the event participants who can select and listen to a desired language on their personal receivers. Simultaneous interpretation is often implemented during large scale international conferences and symposiums.
A Large or Small Company?
A strong advantage in running a small company is that they tend to have flexibility in their operations, and clients can easily communicate directly with staff members. Smaller companies prefer to specialize in several specific areas and languages, and as a result can provide more personalized service. The disadvantages are that the languages they work with are limited, and they are often not capable of completing large projects or projects requiring short turnaround times.
Large companies provide services for nearly all major languages and are responsible for large-scale projects, including software/website localization, editing, and printing. Their weaknesses include complicated internal administration, less flexibility in their operations, and fewer competitive advantages in more specialized fields.
What is the Client's Role?
When selecting a translation service, communicating as thoroughly as possible in advance is extremely important. Prior to using any translation company it is imperative that a client is clear in communicating his or her needs, the purpose of the translation, and the date by which it is needed. For very important translation projects, avoid looking for a translation company at the last minute, and also avoid using rush services. Many translation companies rely on sales points to attract clients, such as speed of service or the ability to provide quality translations of large quantities of documents. Always be skeptical of these types of claims and know that they are sales points. As for technical documents, if you are in possession of databases of technical terms or materials from previous translations that might be referred to in preparing translations, it is best that you provide these to the translator.
As for interpretation---particularly simultaneous interpretation---be sure to remember not to look for an interpreter at the last minute, as most likely you will not be able to find a skilled interpreter. During the peak season (from March until June), consecutive interpreters need to be booked two weeks in advance, while simultaneous interpreters should be scheduled two months prior to an event.
Pricing of Translation Services
Regardless of whether you use translators or interpreters, you be prepared to pay a relatively high price. In the Chinese translation market, if you hope to get a very high quality translation at a very low price, you are likely to be disappointed. Quite often you can judge how company's level of professionalism from its price quotes. If the quote is far below normal rates, the translation company is not likely very professional.
The rates for simultaneous translation, for example, are typically high. Many clients will collect quotes from every company in the market until they settle on the cheapest. Unfortunately for these clients, these bottom bargain companies have little experience with simultaneous translation, and most of their interpreters are far below par. This type of scenario is a recipe for disaster for the client. Most events requiring simultaneous translation are extremely important, and tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent in preparation for them. If you choose to pay less when it comes to interpretation services, it is likely that your entire event will be "lost in translation".
Translation is quite different from many other service industries. When considering prices for translation services, it is important that you do not apply the traditional thinking that you might to other service industries. To use cliché, you always get what you pay for in translation services.
