subject: The Challenge Of Quality Spanish Translation [print this page] A bilingual individual is NOT a translatorA bilingual individual is NOT a translator. Although a bilingual individual may be able to translate informal conversations from English to Spanish, and Spanish to English, these are just a few of the reasons why no serious company should rely on a bilingual employee for its own Spanish translations:
1) Professional Writing
How many of your bilingual employees have studied the Spanish language as their majors? What kind of writing do you want to present to your customers? A poor writing? Or a professional writing? Professional Spanish translators have spent years studying the proper grammar and writing rules in both the source and target language (e.g.: English / Spanish, Spanish / English).
2) Consistency
Spanish translation requires consistency in writing and such skill requires years of intense practice. Technical documents require consistency in the terminology translation. Professional translators are able to memorize a large number of terms during the term of a translation job, which can take hours, days, or even months. An amateur translator a.k.a. your bilingual employee will often use different terms interchangeably without the care of building a glossary.
3) Certification
Professional Spanish translators pass professional examinations such as those provided by the ATA - American Translators Association and the NYCS - New York Court System. When you hire a certified Spanish translator you have the peace of mind of being using a pre-qualified human resource for your Spanish translation job. Besides the obvious benefits of image and usefulness of your Spanish translation, you will abide with legal requirements in some cases (e.g.: employee handbooks) and face less liabilities.
So, before giving your Spanish translation job to your bilingual employee, think about all the factors involved in a professional Spanish translation.
For further information on how to select a professional Spanish translator, contact BB Spanish's technical department at translation@bbspanish.com or call us at 1-800-763-7206. We will be pleased to walk you through the process of professional Spanish translation.
