Tips to choosing the right translation services for your business

In today’s global business environment, it’s more important than ever for companies to operate in multiple languages and cultures. But with so many language service providers (LSPs), how do you know whom to choose? Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right translation services in Birmingham for your business.

What is a translation service?

Translation services are companies that offer translation to a required language as a service. Translation services are specialized in translation from one language to another. Translation is the act of transferring words, phrases, and even entire texts from one language to another, either orally or in writing.

By definition, a translation service can translate. They can also work in other areas, depending on type of service they provide. For example, legal translation service providers can also proofread foreign language documents, check for accuracy and readability, and provide localization services as well. Legal translation services can be used to translate legal documents between different languages such as English and French.

Translation is often seen as a secondary function, but it shouldn’t be. Translation services may add to your businesses profits as an essential business tool.

Translation in digital age

At one time, translation process was largely manual. If a business needed to translate documents or other materials, they would have to hire a translator, who would then translate these materials back and forth between two languages. Today, thanks to digital technology, this process can be significantly streamlined. A translation service situated in a different country or region can use artificial intelligence (AI) to translate text or other materials in a document. AI can, for example, be used to translate a document between two different languages; however, AI system doesn’t understand meaning of any text. AI therefore needs to be paired with a human translator to ensure that this translated text conveys its intended meaning. Translation services can also be used to provide audio/video translations. With AI/machine translation, a phrase in one language sounds like gibberish. Audio/video translation services, on the other hand, allow for translation of audio/video materials.

Which language services are right for your business?When selecting a translation service, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors, including

Languages in which you need to translate. There are far too many languages to be able to internally translate every piece of information or material in your business. By narrowing down number of languages you need your work translated to, you can save time and money by hiring a smaller number of translation services.

Types of translation you need. Translating documents, letters, and other written materials can be done by machine translation. However, many companies also want to translate longer audio/video materials, particularly when audio/video materials include voice-over.

Duration of your translation projects. Some translation services offer per-project pricing, while others offer subscription services.

Conclusion

Choosing the right translation services for your business is vital. You’ll be able to translate materials and communicate with customers in different languages, create clarity in your own written and spoken materials, and boost brand awareness and sales.

Those, who are multilingual, always have a competitive edge over others with proficiency in only a single language.