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As we all move towards a globalized world, the documentation of technology and scientific research needs to address an international audience. Why should this be? And what is the best way to find a technical translator?
Do we need to translate scientific research and technical reports to languages other than English?
This is a question to which the answer depends on the business's relationship to the rest of the world. It is well known to most professionals in the engineering/ manufacturing industry that people in other parts of the world study English for this very purpose. But what about the other way around? Does a western company benefit by having their technical documentation translated to other languages?
In general, it is true that the majority of technical documentation is read in plain English. However, there are times when it can be strategic to translate a company's technical research into another language. For that purpose, it is necessary to work with translators who are not only qualified and technically competent, but who also have some means of proving their integrity. This selection process is made easier through an organization called the American Translators Association (ATA).
Finding a professional translator with high morale and integrity is a challenge not to be taken without a globally recognized organization. The ATA demands high standards of professional conduct and business practice from all of its members.
What does it take to become an ATA member?
In order to meet the business and professional requirements of ATA membership, the applicant must acknowledge mastery of the target language to the same degree as that of an educated native speaker. In other words, the translator is truly multilingual, and absolutely proficient in the target language.
Among other requirements, the honest translation/ interpretation company will always require their contractors to have up-to-date knowledge of the subject material and the terminology in the languages they specialize in.
Furthermore, the honest translations professional will never accept any assignments for which he or she is not qualified to undertake. If, however, a difficulty arises in the middle of translation assignment, the translator will be required to notify you, and subsequently seek arbitration.
For more details on how to select a translator (or to earn certification as a translator yourself), visit the A.T.A website.
As we all move towards a globalized world, the documentation of technology and scientific research needs to address an international audience. Why should this be? And what is the best way to find a technical translator?
Do we need to translate scientific research and technical reports to languages other than English?
This is a question to which the answer depends on the business's relationship to the rest of the world. It is well known to most professionals in the engineering/ manufacturing industry that people in other parts of the world study English for this very purpose. But what about the other way around? Does a western company benefit by having their technical documentation translated to other languages?
In general, it is true that the majority of technical documentation is read in plain English. However, there are times when it can be strategic to translate a company's technical research into another language. For that purpose, it is necessary to work with translators who are not only qualified and technically competent, but who also have some means of proving their integrity. This selection process is made easier through an organization called the American Translators Association (ATA).
Finding a professional translator with high morale and integrity is a challenge not to be taken without a globally recognized organization. The ATA demands high standards of professional conduct and business practice from all of its members.
What does it take to become an ATA member?
In order to meet the business and professional requirements of ATA membership, the applicant must acknowledge mastery of the target language to the same degree as that of an educated native speaker. In other words, the translator is truly multilingual, and absolutely proficient in the target language.
Among other requirements, the honest translation/ interpretation company will always require their contractors to have up-to-date knowledge of the subject material and the terminology in the languages they specialize in.
Furthermore, the honest translations professional will never accept any assignments for which he or she is not qualified to undertake. If, however, a difficulty arises in the middle of translation assignment, the translator will be required to notify you, and subsequently seek arbitration.
For more details on how to select a translator (or to earn certification as a translator yourself), visit the A.T.A website.
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