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Translation of Website Text from Word File

February 2, 2016

Website translations can presented to translators for translation in different ways. Whatever the select method, text is provided to a translator and they begin and continue working through a project. Some clients will provide translators with website text in a MS Word file after it’s been extracted from their website. MS Word is close to being […]

Translation Speed or Consistency?

February 1, 2016

When we’re tasked with translation projects from first time clients, seldom do they provide a list of preferred key terminology translations or a translation memory. In the vast majority of cases the project schedule is more important to them than consistency with past translations or with preferred terminology. When we do not receive preferred terminology lists […]

Translation of Website Text from Word File

February 2, 2016

Translation Speed or Consistency?

February 1, 2016

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Translation of Website Text from Word File

February 2, 2016

Some clients will provide translators with website text in a MS Word file after it’s been extracted from their website. MS Word is close to being a “universal” file format and all professional translators can work with it.

Text organized in Word can also contain queues (e.g., visual indications, titles, notations, color coding, etc.) to help provide a correlation between the original source text (often English) and the resulting target language text after the project is completed and then returned to the client. Clients who choose this approach can then copy and paste the translated text back into their website.

Some website applications draw on a database of text and such text provided in an editable format such as Word is also straightforward to introduce into the translation process. HTML pages can also be translated, although there is sometimes the issue of translating non-editable text as part of graphics that may be included on a given website page. So while placing text for translation into a Word file requires some effort and attention, website source text in Word format is a very manageable way for translators to receive and process text.

Translation Speed or Consistency?

February 1, 2016

When we do not receive preferred terminology lists or other resources from clients then effectively clients are purchasing the judgment of a professional linguist. Presumably that’s why they enlist professional services from an agency in the first place.

If clients have the ability to review the resulting translations with internal personnel having language skills, it should not be surprising if translators select alternate terminology (e.g., synonyms) for words that may be other than the client’s preferred terms. In most cases there are multiple approach to expressing an idea, term, or thought. This is true in English and also in most other languages.

Standard Terms of Service

The following is excerpted from the terms of service we subscribe to and present to clients in advance:

“It is our practice to provide high quality error-free translations. Should errors occur despite our best efforts, the following applies:

Affinity shall correct the following errors free of charge upon timely notification: (a) clearly incorrect translations of words/information; (b) omissions of words or information; (c) typos; (d) grammatical errors; or (e) non-adherence to an approved glossary contained in the delivered translation.”

In other words translators can’t know a client’s preferred terminology unless it’s specified. Use of an alternate or synonymous translated term is not considered to be an error or mistake.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Translation of Website Text from Word File

Translation Speed or Consistency?

Translation of Website Text from Word File

Translation Speed or Consistency?

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Translation of Website Text from Word File

Translation Speed or Consistency?

Standard Terms of Service

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