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Translation Tips For Documents

Below are few tips that make for easy translation giving you a quick and neat job within your budget.

Use an adaptable design

Foresight and carefully thought out design plans keeps you an edge when dealing with translating original documents into the diverse language(s). Texts usually expand or contract during translation, dependent on the pairing.

For example, languages like Arabic and Hebrew are being read from right to left, while the Japanese and Korean which have more complex characters have to be vertical to give the end reader an uncrowded and easy read. Text format often grows from English to Spanish.

To minimize readjustment, let your work be pure, uncrowded with enough spacing for text expansion. In translations between Arabic and Hebrew, ensure the texts be aligned to the left for easy reversal.

Develop a style guide

Developing a style guide can be cumbersome yet profiting. With the style guide, the amount of time consumed by guessing is minimized, you have a faster, consistent and cost-efficient work with a high probability of no reworking.

Be Consistent

Consistency in the use of terms in writing the original document, (words, phrases) reduces the number of new words to be translated, producing quick work. Furthermore, memory tools like MemoQ prevent fresh translation for every original document with same phrases resultantly limiting payment made for repeated translation (รับแปลเอกสาร which is the term in Thai)

Simple Language

Keep to a pure language during translation, avoiding humour, wordplay, jargons and complex sentences; except for specifics like the legal documents with fixed idioms necessary to convey the information or marketing documents which are often characterized by humour.

Do not rely on the free translation tool

A good translation gives your brand a good reputation and makes your readers satisfied. While settling for speed and fair price, the value should be utmost. Free translator tools like Google translate may limit the value and quality of your work, give room for confusion to your readers and attract some legal charges.

Right translation partner

The goal is to get your translated work looking succinct in the target language; therefore, a right partner would have the required experience, excellent customer service and updated skill set confirmed by its reputation over time.

Claire David White
Claire White: Claire, a consumer psychologist, offers unique insights into consumer behavior and market research in her blog.
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