The practice of back translation can be a difficult one as the nuances of translation are far-ranging. “A literal word in one language may have no equivalent in another language,” explains Wendy Pease, Executive Director of Rapport International LLC. She adds, “People in the language business know that translation is an art and not a science.” No translation can be expected to convey perfectly the “meaning” of what the writer meant to convey in their own language. This is why the demand for skilled and trained translators is so high.

The most common areas for back translations are science and medicine, whether they are medical forms, informed consent forms, research study protocols, etc. Translation of medical documents requires very high accuracy. Translation errors can change the meaning of important content. In these cases, back translation can be a very effective tool and a good way to ensure quality.

After the back-translation, the original and back-translated documents are compared and points of divergence are noted. The translation is then corrected to more accurately reflect the intent of the wording in the original language.

There are alternatives to the use of back-translation which include translation with editing. This is where one linguist translates the document and an independent editor reviews the document to ensure that the meaning and quality have not been compromised. There is also multiple-forward translation. This is when two or more translators both translate the document from the original language to the new language and the two versions are then compared.

Translation can be a complex process. In order to ensure quality, one needs to work with a trained and highly reputable language translation company. Rapport International is a translation and interpretation company based in metrowest Boston, MA. Rapport can provide quality translation done by experienced translators in over 100 languages

High School students around the world are invited to compete by translating the story of a translation misunderstanding into any language. The winner of the $100 American Express gift certificate will be chosen by a random drawing of qualified translations.

Do not use slang, colloquialisms, or improper grammar. Catchy marketing phrases do not work across cultures and languages – sometimes they don’t even work in different countries with the same language. Electrolux was thrilled in the UK with the response to their slogan “It sucks”. They could not understand why it was not well received in the United States!

2. Drop local references or specific country places.

Unless you plan on changing the marketing copy for each country that speaks the same language, do not make specific references to a particular geographic area or local customs. On the other hand, if you are targeting specific groups of consumers, it is best to adapt marketing materials to each country. In this case, use local references, terminology and the right currency.

3. Make pictures culturally appropriate.

A well-distributed magazine about diversity and opportunity for African Americans featured an Allstate full page back ad with a glowing white family leaning out the car windows. Oops, wrong target audience. The pictures need to reinforce the ad copy and targeted audience. People notice the glaring errors and they also can pick out foreigners in local publications.

4. Allow white space.

Translation expands the written copy and can be 20 – 30% longer depending on the language. A favorite example is “Fahrvegnugen” which is one German word but when translated it becomes four words in English – “the pleasure of driving”.

5. Make sure the original copy is well written.

Even the best translation company can’t fix bad writing. Bad writing always equals bad translation.

6. Stay consistent
When you develop your marketing message, keep it consistent and use the same tested translation. Often, we see companies letting their in-country distributers translate the marketing materials. This is the equivalent to having the sales force write the marketing material.

9. Provide Good Copy
Providing well written English copy is the most important first step to insure a quality foreign language translation.

8. Quality of Linguist
Use a trained and reputable linguist from a qualified translation company. One hospital tried to use a bi-lingual cleaning lady to interpret for a doctor and patient but culturally, the cleaning lady felt uncomfortable questioning the doctor and asking for clarification. Unfortunately, she told the patient that she needed stomach surgery when she only needed a pap smear.

7. Know Your Audience
Translate for the audience. If using a Caribbean French translator for Canadian documents, it will look sloppy because of the geographic language differences.

6. Keep a Consistent Voice
Using different linguists is like using different writers – everyone has their own style. One may use the word “dinner” and another use the word “supper”. You want consistency.

5. Use Correct Grammar
Catchy marketing phrases do not work across cultures and languages. For example “got milk” was translated to “are you lactating?” Try to avoid double meanings – they rarely ever translate.

4. Avoid Colloquialisms and Slang
In English, we understand what it means to say “that’s hot” or “that’s cool” but it doesn’t carry the same meaning into other languages.

3. Localize when Necessary.
Localizing the document means making it appropriate for the audience in a particular target area. If selling in a particular country, consumers will want to see the right cultural innuendos, currency, jargons, etc.

2. Review and Edits
Always have the translated document reviewed and edited. Translation is like writing where the more eyes the better for an important document. Do not use machine translations.

1. Track Changes
Keep track of all changes when editing the original copy to save costs on translation edits.

If you don’t get the hard copy, here is the link to the online article. Please forward to anyone who may have translation needs – it is short and informative.

http://www.wbjournal.com/news46858.html

Rapport can connect anyone, anywhere in the world by translating your words into any language. We offer free project consulting, free quotes and exceptional customer service.

Marquez’s attorney, Michael Blacker took the case to the Supreme Court where he argued that suspects must be informed of the consequences of refusing to take a breath test in a language they understand.

Bruno’s article explains that “In most states, drivers are deemed as having given implied consent to a breath test as a condition of being on the road and are reminded when stopped by police that refusing to do so can result in penalties as severe as those for impaired driving.

However, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey says a lack of a translation policy holds non-English speakers to a “higher standard” of remembering what’s in the driver’s manual. The ACLU, in a statement, likens it to the importance of translating Miranda rights and court proceedings, which the state’s courts do provide.”

States fall into two categories on this issue. Some states call for “reasonable” efforts to be made by police to have those facing prosecution understand the consequences of refusing the test. Other states require the statement be read, not that drivers must understand it.

To encourage language communication, New Jersey has started providing police with a website where the statement is available in both audio and written form in the 10 foreign languages widely spoken in the state. In New York, translators are on-call 24/7 to address any translation issues that may arise. They also use cards with the warnings written in Spanish. One state has a telephone language service available to interpret into other languages. Hopefully these court rulings will lead other states to require translations.
Rapport International, a full-service language interpretation and translation company, can help states by providing telephone interpreters on-call 24/7 and by providing all the materials in a multitude of languages. Rapport International, based in metro-west Boston, is a great source for all multi-lingual needs. Rapport can provide language services done by experienced linguists in over 100 languages.

Use a reviewer who is truly bi-lingual. Taking Spanish in High School does not make a person qualified to review your translation for accuracy.

2. Make sure the reviewer is familiar with your company and industry.

The reviewer needs to be familiar with standard terminology and jargon in order to provide a precise and accurate review.

3. Track all edits.

Keep track of all changes when editing the original copy to save costs on translation edits.

4. Writing is subjective

Make sure the reviewer is looking for errors, mistakes, accuracy of terminology and quality of meaning. Writing is subjective and so is translation. If the translation is correct, but not the same writing style as the reviewer, do not allow for changes to the wording.

5. Keep the meaning the same.

If you are going to allow the reviewer to change the translation to another meaning which the employee feels is more appropriate, make sure the changes are agreed upon with the translation company and the original translator.

6. Have the original translator review the edits.

The original translator should review and accept the edits. If the translator does not agree to the edits, there should be an explanation.

It is extremely important that you, the speaker, be prepared in advance. Help the interpreter by providing an advance copy of your speech including a PowerPoint presentation, written speech, and speaking notes. If you can not provide these in advance, at least provide an outline. A good interpreter will translate the materials before the event to be prepared.

Discuss the speech with your interpreter and explain any surprises such as technical terms, formulas, or numbers. If you can, provide written copies of any technical terms, formulas or numbers for the interpreter to refer to during your presentation.

While you are speaking, position yourself so the interpreter can see you but make sure to face the audience. You need to maintain the connection to the audience while also letting the interpreter see your expressions and gestures. Make sure you speak loudly and clearly. Speak at a moderate pace and allow the interpreter time to adjust to your accent. A good speed is 80 words per minute (about 8 – 10 typed lines). Arrange signals for the interpreter to let you know if you are speaking too fast. Watch for these signals and adjust to make sure you are speaking clearly, loudly and slowly. Prearranged signals are useless unless used.

Allow for pauses. Interpreters dread speakers who talk fast and have no punctuation especially when the speaker uses a lot of numbers and formulas.

Avoid slang, colloquialisms and abbreviations. We know that “take the bull by the horns”, “hit a home run”, and “be a top dog” all sound great in English. But, your non-English speaking audience won’t get the meaning. Instead, use clear language such as “take initiative” or “to be the best” that can be interpreted and understood by all.

Use humor wisely and discuss your topic in advance with the interpreter to see if the humor is culturally appropriate. If not, there may be a way to modify it. If you don’t have a chance to discuss the humor in advance, you are better off skipping it.

Using an interpreter during a presentation can be an exciting and challenging occurrence. As long as you are prepared and use a qualified interpreter, you will be successful. Rapport International, a full service translation and interpretation company based in metro-west Boston, is a great source for all your multi-lingual needs. Rapport can provide interpretation done by experienced interpreters in over 100 languages.

Know the difference between translation and interpretation. Translation is the procedure of converting the meaning of written text from a given source language to a given target language without distorting the message. Interpretation involves facilitating oral language communication between two or more parties at the same time who are not speaking in the same language. These are two separate and distinct skills. There are very few people who can do both.

Know your language and your specialty. You don’t need to know five different languages. You need to know your native language and one other in order to work in this field. Also, know your specialty. This business requires knowledge in many areas including legal, medical, technical, and marketing. If you have a special interest or area of expertise, make sure you let that shine. Someone without a medical background is not going to be able to translate for a pharmaceutical company.

Develop relationships with other translators and interpreters. Professional translators and interpreters know each other and refer to others when they are too busy or not right for a job. Also, develop a relationship with someone who can edit your work. Editors are crucial in writing and in translation.

Develop experience and go for training. To gain experience, volunteer at schools, charities, local organizations or anywhere you can fine tune your skills. You need to have hands on experience. Also, consider some professional training. There are plenty of online courses that can help you develop your skills. You may also need to get certified in order to work in certain settings. Many legal courts require an interpreter to be certified within their state.

The translation and interpretation business is an exciting field. If you have the right skills, you can be successful. There are numerous agencies and private companies who are hiring professional translators and interpreters. Rapport International, a translation and interpretation company based in metro west Boston, MA is one good source for all foreign language translation needs and is often looking to increase their number of trained, qualified translators and interpreters. Rapport can provide quality tran