A translator can do this

By Carsten Bjerregaard, founder of Marketingcapacity.dk (Please link to this article. Copying/publishing without agreement is not permitted)

A translator can convert written content from one language to another. It is a must when precision is needed and it removes a barrier because it is easy for people in the target group to read texts in their native language. The translator's job is both to preserve the exact meaning and to maintain the tonality of the original content. The translator must therefore have a command of at least two languages almost at mother tongue level in order to understand nuances and know ways of speaking in different cultures. Partly to understand the original text, partly to be able to make it live and resonate in itself in the new language. Anyone who has tried to read the same literary work in two languages knows how important a skilled translator is to the result.

Read more below:

• What is a translator?
• What does a translator do?
• What is a translator also called?
• How does a translator create value?
• What types of translators are there?
• What should a translator be able to do?
• Examples of good text work
• Why choose a FREELANCE translator?
• How do you find a good freelancer?

What is a translator?

A translator specializes in translating written content from one language to another. The primary task is to preserve the meaning, tone and intentions of the original text and convey it in an accurate and coherent manner in the target language. Translators work with various types of texts, including literature, legal documents, technical manuals, marketing materials and more. A translator must have a deep understanding of both the source and target languages as well as cultural nuances and terminology in order to deliver accurate and high-quality translations. Translators can work as freelancers, they can work for translation agencies or they can be employed by companies with a great need for language support.

What is a translator also called?

A translator may also be called an interpreter, translator, language worker, language consultant or language expert, depending on the context and the specific role he or she fulfills.

How does a translator create value?

A translator creates value in several ways. First and foremost, the translator enables communication and exchange of information between different languages and cultures. It is crucial in a globalized world where companies, organizations and individuals need to reach an international audience.

A translator also ensures that messages and information are preserved accurately and precisely during the translation process. This is important to avoid misunderstandings, interpretations or loss of meaning in the translation.

In addition, a skilled translator can adapt texts to the cultural and linguistic nuances of the target language, which makes the translation more natural and easy to read for the recipients. This is especially important in areas such as marketing, literature and localized content.

Finally, a translator can help build bridges between different cultures and promote mutual understanding. By conveying information and ideas across language barriers, translators can contribute to creating a more coherent and globalized world.

What types of translators are there?

There are different types of translators who specialize in different areas and types of translation work. Some of the most common types include:

• General translators: These translators work with a wide range of subjects and text types and have a broad knowledge of different subject areas.
• Technical translators specialize in technical texts, such as manuals, guides, technical specifications, etc. They often have a background in engineering or technology.
• Legal Translators: These translators have expertise in legal texts, like contracts, legal documents, legislation, etc. They have a deep understanding of legal terms and procedures.
• Medical Translators: These translators work with medical texts including medical reports, patient records, medical research, etc. They have extensive knowledge of medical terms and terminology.
• Literary translators: Literary translators specialize in translating fiction, poetry and other literary works. They focus on preserving the author's style and mood in the translation.
• Localization translators: These translators work to adapt software, apps, websites and other digital products to different languages and cultures. They take cultural differences into account and ensure that the translated content is relevant and understandable for the target group.

These are just some examples of the different types of translators that exist. There may be overlap between these categories and some translators may have expertise in several areas.

What should a translator be able to do?

A translator must have a range of skills and competences in order to perform his work effectively. Here are some of the most important things a translator must know:

• Excellent language skills: A translator must have a deep understanding of both the source language (the language to be translated from) and the target language (the language to be translated into). The translator must be fluent in both languages and have a broad vocabulary and command of grammar.
• Cultural understanding: A translator must have a good understanding of cultural differences between source and target cultures. This is important in order to adapt the translation to the cultural nuances of the target language and to avoid misunderstandings or inappropriate wording.
• Research and information management skills: Translators must be able to research thoroughly to understand the topic, terminology and context of the text they are translating. They must be able to find reliable sources and handle large amounts of information efficiently.
• Writing skills: A translator must be a skilled writer and be able to produce clear, precise and coherent translations. They must have a good understanding of stylistic and linguistic nuances in both languages.
• Technology skills: Modern translators often use translation tools and software to help with their work. Therefore, it is important that a translator has knowledge of these tools and is able to use them effectively.
• Time management and organizational skills: A translator must be able to handle deadlines and work effectively with several projects simultaneously. As well as being good at organizing your work and prioritizing tasks.

What tools do translators use?

A translator uses a number of tools to do the job effectively. Some of the most common tools include:

• Dictionaries and lexicons: Translators often use specialized dictionaries and lexicons to find precise translations of words and expressions.
• Translation software: Translators use translation software, also known as Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools. These tools help organize and save translations, build terminology lists, and reuse previously translated segments.
• Proofreading tools: To ensure the quality of the translation, translators use tools that help catch spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, and other language errors.
• Source and target language word processors: This could be Microsoft Word or Google Docs to work with the source text and create the translation.
• Collaboration tools: If translators work in a team or collaborate with clients, they can use collaboration tools like Google Drive or Dropbox to share files and collaborate on translation projects.

It is important to note that while these tools can be useful, the expertise and language skills of the translator are still essential to deliver an accurate and quality translation. The tools function as aids that complement the translator's work.

Why hire/employ? a freelance translator?

In the past, most people probably thought of freelancers for one-off projects. But many companies have now realized the benefits of working with freelancers in long-term processes:

• Needs that do not justify permanent employment can be met
• In periods when you do not have the need, you do not pay for the competence
• In a long-term collaboration, the freelancer gets to know the company almost as well as a permanent employee
• If compared to buying the desired competence from an agency – e.g. an advertising agency - it is usually much cheaper to work with freelancers
• You are in a flexible position when you want to rethink the overall competence profile with which you are responsible for an area
• More and more really talented people prefer to work freelance
• A freelancer can still look at your company 'from the outside' - which is a valuable thing when, for example, thinking about creatives
• Freelancers may provide your company with fresh inspiration from the outside

How do you find a good freelance translator?

Finding the right freelancer can be difficult. And above all, it can take a long time. Because there are many freelancers in the same field, and even if they display the same skills, there can be a big difference when it comes to the way they work and the work they deliver. When you ask Marketingcapacity.dk for help in finding a freelancer for a collaboration, the process is:

1. You describe your need to us (either in writing or orally - after which we confirm in an email)

2. We screen the thousands of profiles on Marketingcapacity.dk and, if necessary, the market via our channels

3. We nominate a list of candidates and talk to them in relation to your needs

4. You are presented with 3 candidates who seem to be able to meet your needs

5. At the 3 meetings (at your place or digitally) you can ask questions and possibly see examples of their work

6. You choose the freelancer with whom you would like to start a collaboration

7. We set it up in our systems with time registration etc. so you have an overview and full control

In other words: After you have described your need, you just have to set aside 2 hours to meet with 3 hand-picked and screened candidates. It is your guarantee of a good result with reasonable effort.

Final comment

There are clear financial advantages to hiring a freelance translator with several years of experience. Here is a selection of some of the most important.

• You get a translator with business understanding

• Experienced translators work quickly and purposefully, because translation is also a craft where routine matters a lot

• You avoid hiring an expensive but necessary expertise

Do you have any questions? Write to me at carsten@marketingcapacity.com.