It takes more than just the ability to understand two languages.
Professional translators and interpreters have the education, experience, and expertise to understand the nuances in one language and transfer them to another.ÌýThe right professional will have solid knowledge of your industry and will know how to culturally adapt your content for the target audience you are trying to reach. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it counts.
Can I afford to hire a professional?
You can't afford NOT to.ÌýGetting your message wrong can cost money, ruin your image, and even cost lives. Whether you’re having a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign translated or need an interpreter to communicate treatment options between a doctor and patient, it pays to hire a professional to get the job done right.
Instead of hiring a professional, this restaurant used machine translation and did not realize the result was an error message.
Understanding what’s at stake
ATA publishes articles to illustrate why it is critical to hire qualified translators and interpreters.
Guide to Buying Translation Services, Part IV: Terms to Know
Terms to Know When you Hire a Translation Provider Translation: converting written text from one language into anotherÌý Interpreting: converting speech from one language into anotherÌý ATA-certified translator: An individual who has passed the ÇéÂÂ×ÔÅÄ certification exam. This is a professional exam assessing a person’s translation skills, including comprehension, translation technique and writing ability.Ìý Computer-assisted translation: Abbreviated as…
Read MoreGuide to Buying Translation Services, Part III: ATA Certification and Legal Considerations
ATA Certification Respected Credential ATA certification is one of the global translation industry’s most respected and recognized credentials. It is also the only widely recognized measure of competence for translators in the United States.Ìý Professional Competence ATA certification offers qualified and independent evidence that a translator possesses professional competence in a specific language pair. It recognizes translators who have the…
Read MoreWhat is Transcription and Why Does it Matter?
Why audio and video transcription are important tools for translation and beyond What do transcription and translation have in common? (Besides starting with the same five letters.) Like translation, transcription services help people access content. But what exactly is transcription? In short, anything that gets you from speech to text. It can range from normal text documents to time-stamped summaries…
Read MoreVRI vs VSI Interpreting: A Guide for Language Service Users
Today, providing language access services, whether through document translation or interpretation services, is no longer just a luxury; they are often required by law or in the best interest of an organization’s bottom line, making effective communication more important than ever. As businesses expand their global reach, educational institutions embrace diverse student bodies, and healthcare providers serve multicultural communities, the…
Read MoreGuide to Buying Translation Services, Part II: Working with a Translator
Working with a Translator Properly preparing to work with a translator is key to a positive outcome. The more information you are able to provide upfront, the more successful your collaboration will be. Follow the guidelines below to get started.Ìý 1) Identify your Target Audience What language do they speak?Ìý Where do they live?Ìý Where are they from?Ìý What is…
Read MoreGuide to Buying Translation Services, Part I: Finding and Choosing a Translator
Translators help power the global economy, working with businesses, governments, non-profits and individuals. They are an integral part of global communication. Translators work with the written word, adapting text from one language to another. The ÇéÂÂ×ÔÅÄ (ATA) has developed a Guide to Buying Translation Services as a resource to help clients identify, select and work with translators.Ìý Finding…
Read MoreWhy Hire an ATA Member?
ATA members have a commitment to continuing education and are held to the highest professional standards. Feel secure knowing if you’re hiring an ATA member, you’re hiring the best in the business.
The ATA Compass
Our outreach publication provides up-to-date information and resources about the translating and interpreting industry.
What's the difference?
Translators do the writing. Interpreters do the talking. ATA helps you find the right language professional.
Can't a computer do all this?
There are times when machine translation is useful, and times when it's not. Learn when to use Google Translate, and when to hire a professional.