Most people around the world are bilinguals. With growing technology, globalization has progressed. The evidence can be seen in the translation industry where professional translation services rise above the occasion and save a business from brutal failure.
However, the translation industry is not without its rumors and gossip. Unlike non-technical translation, some domains are complex like financial translation services, that require a proper understanding of the document and so on.
Despite the growing demand for professional translation services, myths have overshadowed the minds of entrepreneurs and startups.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common gossips hitting the town. It’s time to straighten some basic misconceptions about translation services.
Busting the 6 Most Common Myths about Translation Services
LSP offers only translation services
The professional translation services are most commonly known as Language Service Providers (LSP). the first and most common misconception is that they focus only on translation and localization. For instance, they offer a plethora of services like;
The good news is that professional translation services are not only limited to just translation. They offer other domains too like;
- Interpretation
- Bilingual copywriting
- Transcription
- Transcreation
- Global SEO etc.
It depends on specific LSP offering a wide range of services covering every major niche. These LSPs also offer AI-powered systems so that translated context sounds highly professional.
If you can understand it, you can translate it
Another common misconception is that if an individual is bilingual or by a miracle, multilingual, they can translate the text easily.
If the translation is very basic, like reading signboards and signals, then sure one can easily translate and guide the other fellow. But what about complicated translations? You cannot expect a Spanish to translate a legal document into French, just because they “understand it. For this purpose, you will need legal document translation services that excel in the niche.
The truth is that translation and interpreting the language are two different things. You require loads of preparation, time, effort, and dedication to translating an official document into another language.
Human translators only can translate text
The most common resource to translate a document is a human translator. True.
But translation services are not only limited to human translators. Machine translation is trending with time. Google Translate is one primary example where a user types a word and chooses the target language of their choice.
If you are in a hurry you can opt for machine translation too. CAT tools are specifically designed to assist human translators to produce a more accurate translation. So if you want to save time and improve quality, a hybrid translation (machine + human translator) works best.
Knowledge for translation is secondary
Starting a translation process without proper planning is a BIG NO. For instance, when it comes to legal document translation services, a subject matter expert has to research to understand the local market. Interpretation is just part of a bigger translation game.
It is important to understand the culture, local market, and the target language to eliminate any nuisance from the documents. It is important for the translator to understand the history of their clients, their requirements and so on which helps them to translate the document perfectly.
The translation is possible in a jiffy
Humans have developed more sophisticated technology to handle all kinds of work. But when it comes to qualitative workload, you still need a break.
One of the most common myths about translation does not require a lot of time. On the contrary, translation takes a lot of mental effort. Unfortunately, we still haven’t developed a time capsule that can fast forward the process.
Multiple translators work alongside a project manager, to ensure the highest quality of translation. Constant edits and proofreading make the translated best - even error-free, which takes time.
Global business is possible without translation
The biggest giants like Coca Cola, KFC, BMW, and many others have changed their marketing tactics. Why? Because to become a global success they have to localize their products.
It is not possible for a business to grow and show sustainable growth without localizing its products and services according to the target market. If you want to influence a wider audience you have to hire professional translation services to do the job.
You may think your business might survive, but it won’t work even in the short run. You are more likely to miss potential sales and growth opportunities that would have boosted your business towards success.
Bottom Line
The translation is changing the global marketplace. Whatever myths and rumors you have heard in the past, it’s time to discard them so that you can move forward in the future. Business growth is simultaneously tied to localization and translation.
So if you want to prosper despite all odds, language can become a powerful tool.