The International Executive's Guide To Quality Translations

The International Executive's

Guide to Buying Quality Translations
by Sonia Barinas

Table of Contents
Introduction ____________________________________________________________

______ 3 The 5 Steps to Buying Quality Translations _________________________________________ 4 Step 1: Define 6 Key Areas ___________________________________________________ 4 Step 2: Set Requirements_____________________________________________________ 6 Step 3: Identify and Hire the Translator _________________________________________ 7 Step 4: Monitor the Process __________________________________________________ 11 Step 5: Evaluate Results_____________________________________________________

12 Simultaneous Interpretation ____________________________________________________ 12 SimultaneousInterpretation Equipment _________________________________________ 12 Simultaneous Interpreters ____________________________________________________ 13 Videos ____________________________________________________________

_________ 14 A Final Word on Translation Quality _____________________________________________ 15

©

1992, 2003 Barinas Translation Consultants, Inc.

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IntroductionThe international sales manager of a major US corporation sat next to me, on a flight from Berlin to Paris, some time ago. Naturally, we began to discuss translations and he said: "Hiring translators is a matter of luck because doing a translation is like making an omelet: You never know how it's going to turn out, and then some people are going to like it, some people are not." I felt there was aneed for this guide because his attitude is much too common. Business men and women who can discuss the most minute intricacies of ISO 9000 feel at a complete loss when contracting out a translation project. My objective is to help you eliminate some of that uncertainty. By providing you with enough information about the basic requirements of the translation process, I hope to help you makeinformed choices when contracting for these services. In addition, this guide contains a description of the different categories of translation suppliers, by area of specialization, and discusses: 1. How to set requirements, 2. What to look for in a translator, 3. What to demand, 4. What questions to ask, 5. What to avoid, 6. How to spot warning signs, 7. How much to pay, 8. What category of translatoris right for you. I want to thank all my current and former clients who have contributed to my ability to serve you better, and in particular, Philip Crosby, whose approach to quality inspired this guide. Sonia Barinas

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The 5 Steps to Buying Quality Translations
How to apply quality management principles to translations Quality becomes a manageable factor when we define it as conformanceto requirements. The quality of a translation must be defined by whether or not it meets the objectives we set for it, before the translation began. It is these objectives that must form the basis for formulating our requirements. The 5 steps are 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Define 6 key areas Set requirements Identify & hire the translator Monitor the process Evaluate results

Step 1: Define 6 Key AreasTranslations, as is also true of other professional services your company contracts, can be most effectively managed when you are prepared to give the supplier clear and precise directives. In the case of translations, there are 6 key areas that must be defined, and their requirements formulated, before the translation begins. I call these the 6 keys to translation management: 1. What? First, gatherall the elements that make up the complete translation project and define how they relate to the whole. For example, when translating a technical manual make sure to include the binder cover, index tabs, registration cards, or any other items that will be used together. The translator must understand the interaction between all the elements and translate them as a unified whole. Otherwise, you...