General info on translation

I am occasionally asked to translate a PDF file. This usually is not as straightforward as working from a Word file. A PDF file has been made specifically to read and to print, not to edit. However, this doesn’t mean that a PDF file cannot be translated. The information below will help me as a …

Translation of PDF files Read More »

In medium to big-sized companies manuals, brochures, presentations etc. are usually drafted in English first. This work can be done internally, but can also be outsourced, especially in the case of brochures. Everything proceeds smoothly and the document looks wonderful. The user instructions are excellent! Sales will no doubt rocket! A succesful presentation! Then, they …

Mock-up of files for translation Read More »

Revision is the most important element in the translation process. It is also where things usually go wrong. According to the dictionary definition, revision is the checking and possible correcting of documents, texts, etc. In the case of a translation, revision means that a second translator, who has the target language as a mother tongue …

Revision: the holy grail Read More »

If you need a translations, then do avoid these nine pitfalls so the turnover and profit do not decrease instead of increase. (1) Having the translation done by a collueague who is not a professional translator Your image is extremely important to your company. Your company needs to come across well. That’s why, for example, …

Nine pitfalls to watch out for when requesting translations as a company Read More »

When your company requires a revision or translation, you can op to work with an independent translator or a translation agency. The difference between the two used to be considerable. Currently, however, they differ only with respect to their organisation. While an agency counts several employees (accountant, sales people, project managers, etc.), the independent translator …

Independent translator or translation agency: A difficult choice? Read More »

Before I started working as a freelancer, I worked as a project manager for fifteen years in a number of Belgian translation agencies. While I don’t know how I managed to keep it up for so long, this long period gave me unique insight into how large translation agencies work. It taught me that there …

The Integrity Threshold Read More »

Many companies manage their translations and written texts without paying much attention to detail. Indeed, it is often the secretary or another employee who takes care of translations, and although they may have studied languages, translation is not their main concern. Sadly, this low-cost choice can damage the company. Indeed, a bad translation or text …

Why a professional translation or text is important Read More »

The translation of a four-page document can easily cost 120-220 euros. This seems like a lot of money, especially if you need translations into multiple languages or a translation of several documents. Some companies try to get around these costs. They use machine translation, look for cheap (nonprofessional) translators or they ask the receptionist to …

Why do translations seem expensive? Read More »