A translator calls - building a partnership with a specialist linguist

Laying the groundwork for a successful translation partnership

When the time comes to reach out to a potential translation partner, there's no need to reinvent the wheel. The first meeting is the opportunity for each person to introduce themselves, their values and goals and how they work. This dialogue provide the foundations for a translator to understand what you need and how they can offer you their very best service, moving you closer to the results you are looking for.

I wrote previously about where you can look to find the right specialist translator – the one that works in your niche and is excited to learn more about your company. Now, if you have a name or a shortlist, and you have researched their online presence or heard a glowing recommendation from a colleague, you’ll want to contact your potential translator to find out whether they are a good fit. But what should you find out from them – and what information would be helpful for them to know about you?

How do I know that a translator is qualified?
Naturally, you will want to know about their experience and qualifications. A well-qualified translator will most likely display the information about where they studied and gained their expertise on their website or professional profile, whether on an association website or LinkedIn. Look for an undergraduate or masters’ degree in languages or translation studies, accreditation or affiliation with a professional association in the country they live in, e.g. ITI, SFT, ATA.

How do I know they understand my language?
Do they mention that they have spent extended time in your country or another where your language is spoken? Does their LinkedIn profile express enthusiasm and appreciation for the language and culture? If they live in your country, your question is answered, but if not they should visit regularly or keep up their language skills in other ways – through conversation with colleagues, reading books and journals, listening to podcasts.

How can I be sure they have the right experience?
Social proof is ideal here. Look for reviews and testimonials on LinkedIn or on their own website. Many translators will have a portfolio or case studies they can share with you – this will help to build trust in the service they offer.
These questions will be the basic information you need to add a translator to your shortlist – knowing that they tick these boxes is only the starting point. The next step is to find out whether they are a good fit for your company, as you would with any potential new team member. You will need to talk either by phone, video call or e-mail – or even in person if they happen to be based in the same place as you. Now is your chance to find out if they have a genuine interest in your field and your work, and whether you are aligned in your budget expectations and time commitments.
But what might a translator want to know from you?

A translator calls – time for a briefing

A short video call will often be helpful to get to know each other. You may wonder what language you will use – while translators are experts in the written word, they normally only translate into their mother tongue and this will most likely be the language of the country you want to target. As a result, while many translators will be fluent speakers in their source language (the language they translate from), not all will be flawless in conversation. This doesn't mean they won't be able to handle your written content, so be forgiving if they stumble over a sentence or word in the call,. What is most important is getting a sense that they understand your business, your product or service and what it is you want to achieve.

Take it from Heidi Karino, a marketing translator working from Japanese to English, who says "The video call assures clients that I can communicate fluently in their language, and that I know what I'm doing. It's hard to convey expertise in text authentically, but in conversations, knowledge comes through naturally as clients ask questions and share worries."

During the call:

  • Your translator will want to know what types of materials you need to have translated and what your goals are. Who is going to read the document and what are they for? Is it marketing material directed at current or potential customers, an internal newsletter for colleagues around the world, an informative piece for other specialists in your field? These are all vital clues that will help your translator make informed choices about the words and tone to use to deliver your message.
  • Going beyond this, treat a translator as you would any partner – tell them about your company or organisation. What is it you do and why? What are your missions and values? Who are the stakeholders you work with?
  • Finally, a discussion of timeline and budget are essential for partners in a project. Defining all these aspects from the outset will be invaluable to find out whether you are the right fit.

A conversation of this kind can form the groundwork for a long and healthy relationship. While you won’t cover everything in one meeting, you will gain an understanding of whether you can build a good working partnership and the more information you can share, the better your translator will understand you and be able to communicate on your behalf.

Choosing the right translator for your business isn’t always straightforward, but it is worth the effort to find the right partner to deliver your message across borders.