Choosing the right translator

Because translation is a skill which demands a good deal of expertise, you are recommended to use a translator who is a member of a professional translation organisation.

It is recommended that you contact a number of translators before deciding on the best one suited to carry out the work (The Association of Welsh Translators' List is available on the right hand side of this screen under 'links').

It is also important that the translator understands exactly what is required, as well as the context of your work. If you have a glossary of specialised terms, the translator will need a copy before commencing the work.

You should involve the translator in every step of the translation work, from start to finish, including proof-reading, in order to ensure correctness of the finished product.

If you use one of the translation agencies, you should explain that you wish the work to be done by a member of a professional translation association.

Agreeing terms

To avoid any misunderstandings, one member of staff should be delegated to liaise between your organisation and the translator.

Usually, translators charge per thousand words, but most translators have a minimum charge. A number of translators charge VAT.

A price should be agreed before work commences.

You should ensure that the translator is satisfied with your terms of payment, and it is advisable to discuss these before work commences.

Software

It is advisable to consult the translator about the software being used in order to ensure that it is compatible with your own software.

Quality Assurance

In the event that more than one translator works on a document, it is important that the translator guarantees quality and consistency.
For the purchaser of translation services, the fact that the translator or translation agency possesses indemnity insurance should safeguard the customer's rights and indicate the translator's professional approach in dealings with clients.

Presentation of work

Discuss how you would like the work presented, e.g. hard copy/disk, by post, fax or e-mail, or a combination of these. Remember that fax copies can be unclear so that you should not rely on fax copies alone of any translated document.

Proof-reading

This is an essential part of the translation process and sufficient time must be allowed for it to be done thoroughly, even when the document is not a long one. Small errors can often prove expensive, particularly on signs.

As a rule, it is more convenient for the translator who undertakes the work to read the proofs, but an additional charge may be made for this. If this is the case, remember to explain to the translator that he or she will be responsible for the accuracy of the work.

Errors can occur as a result of sending translations by fax. It is important to ensure that a translator reads a hard copy of the proofs before the work is printed.

Simultaneous translation/interpreting

Simultaneous translation is a very different skill from translation on paper. Simultaneous translation will often be required at meetings and conferences held in Wales. For the most part, the translator will be working from Welsh into English.

A translator will usually listen to a discussion through earphones and translates or interprets it simultaneously so that those present who do not understand Welsh can hear the translation on the appropriate equipment.

If possible, copies of documents for the meeting should be sent to the translator beforehand, together with an outline of the meeting or conference.

It should also be remembered that this type of translation work is tiring; thus if the meeting lasts for more than half an hour, two translators will be needed to work in turn.

Some simultaneous translators have their own equipment or can recommend a company or organisation prepared to loan equipment, either at commercial rates or free of charge.

Short translations free of charge

Remember that the Board’s LinkLine to Welsh provides short translations free of charge (see the link on the right hand side of this page) and can be contacted by phoning 0845 607 6070, or by e-mail to [email protected]

Professional Translation Organisations

Translation is a specialised skill and you should therefore ensure, in selecting your translator, that you choose wisely. Bilingual material in which the Welsh is of a high standard can enhance the image of your company or organisation. It is therefore worth employing a qualified translator.

Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru (The Association of Welsh Translators)

The Association is a professional organisation for full-time or part time English/Welsh translators. This is the only organisation in Wales for translators who work in the Welsh language. The Association has gained a degree of recognition from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting for its expertise in this area. The Association organises regular examinations for translators who wish to become members. For further information, see its website (on the right hand side of this screen).

Institute of Translation and Interpreting

The Institute was established in 1986 to promote and safeguard the highest standard in the profession. It offers advice and guidance of those entering the profession as well as to potential employers and customers. For further information, see its website.

The Translators Association

This organisation is a special unit within the membership of the Society of Authors. Members are entitled to general and legal advice on all questions concerning the marketing of their work. For further information, contact Gordon Fielden, Secretary, The Translator Association, on 02073 736642 or 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB.

The Chartered Institute of Linguists

This organisation, founded in 1910, is the largest professional body for linguists in Britain. As a professional body, it is concerned with establishing and maintaining high standards in language work. It has its own examinations, and membership corresponds to an advanced professional qualification. Members must attain a high level of linguistic skill as well as well as professional expertise and commitment. For further information see its website.

The Welsh Language Board accepts no responsibility for any shortcomings on the part of the translators employed using the Association of Welsh Translators' List. Every care has been taken in compiling the list, but no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or for omissions of information concerning individuals.