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How Not To Use Google Translate

April 1, 2016

Google Translate is an online language tool that’s free to use, and in part because it carries the name “Google,” is widely known. It is not, however, a tool that can be used as a replacement for translation services from a skilled human linguist. I repeat, it is not! On occasion we’ll receive a comment from a new client […]

When It’s OK For Translation Projects To Be Late

March 25, 2016

Would anyone really want to fly on an airline that departs 100% on time? A 100% on time airline would mean that no matter the conditions or barriers to aviation (e.g., typhoons, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, blizzards, et. al.) scheduled flights take off and fly on schedule. I for one will pass on flying with that carrier. It’s very important for […]

How Not To Use Google Translate

April 1, 2016

When It’s OK For Translation Projects To Be Late

March 25, 2016

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How Not To Use Google Translate

April 1, 2016

On occasion we’ll receive a comment from a new client with a question about a translation we’ve delivered that doesn’t match the machine translation output of Google Translate. Sometimes these questions carry the implication that since the translations do not match, something must be wrong with the human prepared translation. A tactful response is then required, in keeping with the adage that “clients may not always be right, but they’re never wrong.”

So if only to reinforce the point, Google Translate should not be used to:

Check the work of a skilled human translator, or to
Replace professional translation services for text requiring high quality translation

For anyone doubting the accuracy of the above two statements, we offer the following video in support. The video is a Google Translate version of “Hello” by Adele with lyrics run through Google Translate from one language to another and eventually back into English.

When It’s OK For Translation Projects To Be Late

March 25, 2016

It’s very important for translation companies to deliver scheduled translations on time. However, there may be the exceptional occasions when factors combine to necessitate a brief delay in the scheduled delivery of a project.

Translation projects are performed by human beings, not machines (at least the highest quality ones are). Human beings are not 100% reliable, whether by their own fault or due to circumstances beyond control. Illness, computer failures, family emergencies, are some of the things that human beings are subject to.

If the choice is between delivering a substandard quality translation, or telling a client that a couple extra days will be required for a reliable delivery, the latter will be the best choice in most cases. A client might also be given the option to choose in instances like this. Perhaps a preliminary delivery prior to the final one will be acceptable.

Make no mistake. We much prefer to deliver projects on time. If it means working around the clock to do it, putting in the extra effort, that’s our policy. Ninety-nine percent of the time we deliver our translation projects on time. Our record is not perfect though, and it probably can never be.

There is no 100% on time airline. Nor is there the equivalent in the translation business. We are human … but that’s perhaps our greatest strength as well.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

How Not To Use Google Translate

When It’s OK For Translation Projects To Be Late

How Not To Use Google Translate

When It’s OK For Translation Projects To Be Late

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

How Not To Use Google Translate

When It’s OK For Translation Projects To Be Late

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