There’s more to Chinese translation than meets the eye. It is an entire process that goes beyond typing in the Chinese language using some form of translation memory tool. A professional Chinese translator knows the importance of maintaining the accuracy and correct use of a language. This can only be realized with a high level of mastery, skill and experience. This applies to all stages of translation; the collection of files and reference materials, doing the actual translation, performing self-checks, editing, proofreading and doing QA checks.
If you offer Chinese translation services, you know you have to walk the extra mile to beat the competition. It can be fierce and overwhelming especially for the incompetent businessmen. Good news? You can pick up the right tools and become a master if you are passionate and equally dedicated.
Below is a list of tips and tricks you require to be the best at your game.
1. Always get a second or third pair of eyes
Sure, you can revise the work by yourself but did you know you can reduce errors substantially if you had one or two more people help you do the proofreading? Whether you like it or not, your brain alone is bound to skip certain errors that can easily be picked out by another person. This rather simple trick is often ignored by many translation agencies and they suffer for it greatly.
2. Use ALL material databases
This can make or break your career as a translator. Customers often offer reference materials, style guides, glossaries and terminology in their numbers. Looking through each of them can take a toll on even the smartest brains in the world. We wish we had a way out of this but unfortunately, we don’t. You have to use all the available material and ensure consistency in both style and terminology.
3. Pump up your research
If you thought translation had nothing to do with research, you are terribly wrong. For instance, if you are translating a document about car brands for a certain company, you will have to do some background work on the internet and look through the client’s website or their competitors. This way, you will have a better understanding of the client and their requirements.
So there you have it: the three tried and proven tricks for success in offering Chinese translation services. The truth is, you don’t rocket science to make it in the Chinese translation industry; just a little knowledge and implementation of the same and you will be smiling all the way to the bank every payday.
