Hiring a Translator: Q&A
Do you have a text that needs translating? Read through the following questions—and click for the answers. You’ll find out more about translation and even save some money in the process….
A good translation has clear financial advantages. A professional text allows you to enter—and act effectively on—foreign markets. It’s a modest business investment.
As a rule, a professional translates into his or her mother-tongue. So, for your Dutch/English to Italian translation, you’ll need a translation professional who’s a native speaker of Italian.
To save you time and money, give the translator the definitive text whenever possible.
You may be tempted to cut costs and do your own translation. But keep in mind that a written text with even minor errors sends off the wrong signals. Mistakes in conversation may be charming; in print or on the web, they can be embarrassing and expensive.
Local references—references to the country or region—serve a purpose. But will an Italian audience necessarily understand that purpose?
Cultures vary enormously. That’s why cultural and other references need to be tailored.
Machine translation, like Google Translate, is still far from perfect! If you have made a text using translation software, always get it checked by a native speaker to ensure that there’s nothing silly in it. Minor mistakes in a birthday letter to someone you know are unlikely to cause offence, but mistakes in a business communication could mean that your text simply comes across as amateurish.
If you have any other questions about our services or about translation, please contact us.
