In order for people to network, do business, and make social contacts between countries, Facebook needs to offer translating services. They have started doing this by counting on the free services of volunteer translators as well as a few paid professional foreign language translators.

Facebook relies on real people to suggest translations and then allows a number of people to weigh in and vote on the phrase or suggest a better translation. So far, their strategy is working but Facebook can not rely on the free services of a small group of people forever.

Google is attacking the problem in a very different way. Google is using computers and mathematical equations to translate the Web’s content. Computers learn how to translate by examining text that is already on the web. Google also offers a widget that others can use to translate their web content.

The problem with Google’s plan is that computers are not able to translate modern speech and colloquialisms. Therefore there is a high potential for mistakes and errors. The list of humorous inaccurately translated phrases is ever growing.

The only real solution to this problem is to hire a quality translation service that is capable of handling all the needs of both Facebook and Google. Rapport International, a translation and interpretation company based in metrowest Boston, MA is one good source for all foreign language translation needs. Rapport can provide quality translation done by experienced translators in over 100 languages.

Make sure the company has a selective screening process for their translators. You want to be sure that the translators are qualified and have the appropriate background. Learn about the company’s quality control and make sure they provide editors and proofreaders.

Understand if the translation company specializes in a particular field. There are different companies depending on whether you need legal, medical, or technical translation. Also find out what other services the translation company can provide. You need to be sure that you receive your documents it in the typeset and format required.

Ask for references. A reputable company will provide references. You want to talk to at least two long term clients who hire the company for similar projects. While checking references also find out about resources the company uses. Their translators should have access to research libraries, reference work and the Internet to ensure that their translations are accurate.

Find out if the translators are native speakers of the document’s target language. The source language is the current language of the document, the target being the language you request. A qualified translator should be equally proficient in both the source and the target language but translate into his or her native language.

Be sure that the translators hired for your documents are from the region where your document will be used. Linguistic nuances and cultural difference can arise frequently.

Selecting a qualified translation company is an important responsibility. One company that can help you through the maze of multi-lingual communications is Rapport International. Rapport International is a full-service translation and interpretation company based in metro-west Boston, MA. Rapport can provide quality translation done by experienced translators in over 100 languages.