10 things to expect from a good freelance translator
10 things to expect from a good freelance translator
I've never worked with a freelance translator before.
Can you tell me what to expect from one?
If you are looking for a professional freelance language service provider, then this post is for you. It focuses on some of the basic things to expect from a good freelance translator.
1. Orientation on long-term relations with customers
By working with a freelance translator you have the chance to develop a long-term working relationship.
2. Unique personal contact
Direct contact with an individual will often result in more personalized service and flexibility. A freelance translator is always open for dialogue and ready to negotiate rates and deadlines.
3. A lot of questions
An experienced freelance translator feels comfortable asking a lot of questions. Questions don't mean that a translator is not qualified, they are a sign that he/she is trying to do the best job possible. Give him/her all the support you can, including technical contacts, if possible. All of this will help ensure that you get the best translation possible.
4. Native speaking of the target language
The translator should be a native speaker of the target language, in other words, the final language of the translation. Someone who speaks language very well but is not a native will normally not be able to write exactly like a native speaker would. A native speaker would be able to tell the difference.
Be wary of translators who offer to translate into a language other than their native one. Even if they insist that they speak the language just like a native that is very rarely the case. And the fact that they are making this claim may suggest a lack of professionalism.
5. Background in the subject matter of your translation
It is very important that your translator can fully understand the original text. If your text has just a few technical words that the translator can find in a dictionary, then you may not need a specialist. However, many legal or technical documents deal with concepts that are difficult to understand for someone who is not a lawyer, engineer, scientist, etc.
If the translator doesn't understand your text, you are almost guaranteed that he or she will not translate it correctly.
For highly technical translations, look for someone who has actually worked or studied in the relevant field - someone who has a law degree, or who has worked as an engineer, etc. If it is not possible to find someone with this background who is also a translator, then try to have the translation edited by a specialist at the end.
6. Samples of past translations
The professional freelance translator can give potential clients an opportunity to review many samples of his/her work.
If you are selecting a translator, it is also helpful to ask him/her to complete a free test translation (250 - 300 words is a reasonable length).
Be careful:
- The translators who have the best credentials and applications are often not the ones who perform best on a translation test.
- A professional translation degree is a positive sign. It means that this person has invested some time and completed some studies. But it doesn't mean that she/he has any talent as a translator.
7. Professional studies or several years of translation experience
Just speaking a language is not enough. A translator needs to be able to take information from one language and express it properly in another one.
There are certain types of mistakes commonly made by amateur translators which a good professional translator can avoid. For example, amateur translators often are overly influenced by the wording and structure of the original text. They use similar words in the target language. But these similar words are not always the most natural choices in that language.
8. Cultural competence
The professional translator has cultural competence of both source language and target language.
Some texts may be created for internal culture use only, when the text are translated into other language(s) which have different culture, it can be guessed if the text will be dysfunctional unless the translator does not have enough capability to acquire the culture where the text was created and used.
9. Project management
Every good freelance translator has a clear picture of any stage of project realization process: First contact, discussion of scope, subject and rates; Confirmation and signing of contract; Research, questions, translation and proofreading; Project delivery to client etc.
10. Strong online presence
Nowadays, the best professional freelance translators build an effective and strong online presence. Because present and future clients, customers, business contacts, and potential employers will look you up. The information they find can affect their buying or hiring decisions.
Now you know what to expect from a good freelance translator. The choice is up to you!
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