Tips on contracting translation and interpreting services

In what context is it really indispensable to obtain a translation?

Precisely when the documentation is denser, the client should call in a professional translator to analyse it first, so that they can check for superfluous fragments of text that are not relevant to the user abroad. 
In this way, savings of up to 50% on the cost of the translation into the different languages may be achieved.   

The client deals personally with the translation

If you wish to maintain your international image, then choose a professional translator. In different cultures, a wrong or incomplete translation may be taken as an offence or a lack of interest. 

Due to lack of time I would like to start the translation using the draft document

If a translation has to be started on the basis of an incomplete draft, the client should indicate the time and date of subsequent versions to avoid misunderstandings.

Definition of the target group and contextualisation

Documents, particularly advertising texts, may be adapted depending on the target group, provided that the translator is given the necessary information.
Therefore, information should be provided as to whether an advertising campaign will be implemented through catalogues or it is going to appear in a daily or magazine, or if the translation is for internal use. Similarly, the translator often plays the role of copywriter, providing all their creativity. Nevertheless, creativity and translation are two different matters, and therefore the translator needs time to be creative.

Translations by lecturers or professors and other academics

Many companies use the internal language services of universities and colleges to have their commercial documents translated.
Foreign language teachers and other academics have a very good academic education, although, and as occurs with translation students, they tend to lack fluent translation skills and a well-honed style.  
The same occurs with interpreting students, who interpret actively during the course, working in real conditions, instead of simply attending the course in order to learn their trade. Practice should be got at the University, since the client is not looking for a free service, but rather wishes to convey an image of excellence at national and international level.
Thus, the client should be aware of the importance of its documentation, such as financial reports, statistics or process descriptions, besides communication during a conference or congress, and should only let specialists participate in the image of their company.

Important: Therefore, BK Translation-Interpreters® only employs highly-qualified translators and interpreters, who can turn your investment into a veritable treasure.

The translator should always revise the text before it is printed or published

Texts for publishing on the Internet or advertising material may undergo last-minute modifications by the client and should therefore be rechecked by a professional translator.
Therefore, time should always be available to correct galley proofs.
Never have a text published or disseminated without having it proofread by someone else, since you might encounter unpleasant surprises and your client could make a wrong interpretation of an incorrect translation.
Remember that the translator needs enough time to guarantee an impeccable translation.    


Native translators only

For quality reasons, professional translators only translate into their mother tongue. People who work with languages will understand how difficult it can be to master your own mother tongue. This can only be achieved through lifelong learning, as well as with additional training. How many new words reach our ears every day which have to be processed and analysed by linguists for subsequent use in a suitable context?  
Translators and interpreters used to working to the highest standards, regardless of where they live, either in their own country or abroad, have reached a technical mastery of their own languages, which they continue to develop.
Therefore, BK Translation-Interpreters® only works with native translators.

Important: This does not apply to interpreters, who need to use at least two languages in oral translation, i.e. into their own and the other language. Having only one interpreter with an active mastery of one specific language would mean that the client would have to pay a double rate for a consecutive, simultaneous or interpreting service or a chuchotage.