Many companies have in-house bilingual employees to create multilingual versions for their products. Often done on an informal basis, with the employees being removed from their regular duties in order to accomplish the task. While the usual motivation for doing this is to save money, the method is clearly flawed. Some of the more evident problems are:
A bilingual person doesn’t automatically qualify an employee to be translator. Would you hire an employee to look over your important marketing materials based on the fact that English is their mother tongue? You would be far more likely use an employee who is versed by the method of creating marketing material in English and the same can be said to copywriting in other languages.
Are you really more efficient to delegate an unfamiliar task to an employee with different priorities, rather than to outsource the task? You can be sure that your employee will be more productive when they work within their particular specialisation. It is possible to save money by outsourcing, but have you calculated the hidden costs?
But there are deeper problems more complex than these. Languages are constantly evolving and changing rapidly. It’s not a long time for expats to become disconnected from the latest developments in style and vocabulary. Words are invented, they trend and become fashionable; new expressions emerge new colloquialisms appear and then die. Old terms and phrases are given new meanings or lose popularity. It is easy to become lost in what is happening with your native language, especially if you spend most of your time speaking and writing in a different.
Seven benefits of using in-country translation company
These issues can be prevented by hiring a professional to translate your content with a translation firm with in-country translators. Such professional translation services will bring value and quality to your content. It will also reduce time and cost on inefficient utilization of your internal resources; and improve your overall bottom line. Here are the seven major benefits of using in-country translators:
Good customer experience. A positive customer experience is ensured by providing the customer with content localised that is appropriate to the region. However, the reverse will be the case if they’re presented with content that is not up to par and difficult to understand. Only a native translator with experience relevant to the subject matter can provide the first; Anything else could harm your reputation.
A better employee experience. A better employee experience is when they are trusted to carry out the tasks that they are hired for. We have already indicated the limitations of having an employee who is bilingual to translate the contents into their native language however, there are important motivational risks. It is likely that the task would be low on your employee’s list of priorities and the added workload is likely to cause resentment.
Elimination of the attrition of language. First language attrition is a common phenomenon for those who frequently write and talk in their non-native language. This means that the person eventually forgets the language they previously spoke. As we’ve mentioned before, languages are fluid and change rapidly and the person who speaks them changes as well. The knowledge of one language affects the other language; essentially they get mixed up. This phenomenon is avoided entirely by using an in-country translator.
Prompt and predictable delivery. The speedy and consistent delivery is guaranteed when you confide your translation work to experts. This isn’t likely to be the case if attempt to do the work at your own premises, and even if you do, the quality of the work is likely to be damaged.
Expertise and professionalism. A professional in-country translator not only will you gain the benefits of a highly-qualified professional adept at translation Your translator will also be a specialist industry expert who understands the industry that the project is directed. This means that they will be up-to date with the latest terminology, developments, and features of the product.
A well-organized workflow and documented quality control. Producing professional quality translations is complicated and requires an effective management system and quality control. The workflow includes the editing, translation, and proofreading. A strict standard is required such as the translator should be fluent in the language of the target and have experience in the specific subject area. Documented quality control must continue throughout the process So, make sure your company is ISO9001 certified.
A highly efficient team at your fingertips. Professionally efficient translation is based on teamwork, with every member of the team skilled and knowledgeable in their own field. Each project has a dedicated project manager who ensures that each stage of the project is completed in schedule, within budget, and in line with the needs of the client and the client’s expectations. Excellent communication with the client is an important part of the process. A team of this kind in your corner will ensure the project’s success.
A consistent message
If the importance of your translation is to your business, then the decision to rely on your internal bilingual employees is a high-risk gamble. A professional translation is a challenging job that requires substantial resources. If you are translating into several languages, the issues are made more difficult and your chances of reaching consistency in your message are dramatically diminished. The best solution is to work with a professional team with experienced native translators. This is why so many major companies do this.