According to the BBC, Turkish is the first language of over 72 million people. If you’re hoping to do business with a Turkish company, you will need to have documents translated into the Turkish language.
When considering various translation services, you need to know what to look for. We’re experts in translations to Turkish from a variety of other languages and we know what it takes to master translation of this complex language.
In this guide, we’re going to look at everything to do with Turkish translations. Ready to find out more about the language and what you need to look for in translation services? Then read on!
More About the Turkish Language
Turkish is one of the world’s major languages and despite being a middle-eastern language, it has little to do with Arabic. Turkic languages are spoken from northern Siberia to China to Turkey and Central Asia and can be traced back more than a thousand years.
The language used to be written in the Arabic script. Following the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the reformer Mustafa Kemal Ataturk decided that it should use the Latin script. Yet don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security.
Among native English speakers, the Turkic languages are considered some of the most difficult to learn. While the grammar is simple, word order and speaking and writing styles are decidedly different from English.
So why is Turkish translation so important? Turkey is one of the world’s largest economies and a major player in the world of business. If you are hoping to expand your business or sell products and services in the Middle East, Turkey could be your first stop.
So what should you look for in Turkish translation services?
1. A Strong Understanding of Various Dialects
Turkish is not a uniform language. There are many different dialects hidden away inside the monolithic term of the “Turkish language”. Depending on what you need translating, you may need to use a translator who has an understanding of different dialects. If you need Turkish to English translations, this is even more crucial, as the source material must be completely understood by the translator.
Most translations will be to or from what is known as Istanbul Turkish, but there are two other major dialects that your translation services will need to know. These are the Meskhetian dialect, spoken in the eastern region of Turkey, which blends Turkish, Russian, Uzbek, and Kazakh. Cypriot Turkish is another widespread dialect, spoken in Cyprus and very different from standard Turkish.
2. Translation Services Should Have Native Speakers On Their Staff
When hiring translation services, look for one that uses native speakers. This is even more important if you need specialised translation services, such as having legal, medical, or technical documents translated.
The reason you need to have a native speaker translate your documents is because you need someone who understands every nuance of the language. They should be bilingual in the target language and the source language. If the document is translated incorrectly, it could spell disaster for you, or at the very least, be a waste of your money.
If you use a native speaker, the likelihood of a poor translation is reduced.
3. Choose Accredited Translation Services
There are a variety of translation accreditations and you should use translation services that are accredited to ensure accuracy. In the UK, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting is the leading professional body.
When you use an accredited translation service, you are guaranteed the service adheres to industry standards and is a respected translator.
4. A Track Record of Satisfying Customers
Professional translations aren’t cheap and as such, you must ensure the company you’ve chosen to work on your Turkish translations are a respected organisation. They should have a track record of satisfying customers across a variety of projects, including day-to-day translations and more technical work.
Before you enter a business relationship with the translation company, ask for references and see what previous clients have to say about their work. You can also check the testimonials page on their website and look at Google reviews. If previous customers aren’t happy, there’s a good chance you won’t be either.
5. Check Translators Have Signed Non-Disclosure Agreements
Confidentiality is one of the most important things to look for in any translation company. Translators read sensitive legal and medical documents, as well as confidential business documents. As such, they should sign non-disclosure agreements to keep your privacy secure.
Any reputable translation service should have a robust privacy policy and put a premium on your rights to privacy. Before you sign with a legal company, make sure the translators understand they will need to keep what they read to themselves.
6. Good Turnaround Times
Timely translations can make all the difference in the world of business. As such, you should look for translation services that have strong workflows. You should not have to wait more than a week for most documents, though longer ones may take more time.
7. Look For Translators That Use Glossaries
When you are translating technical documents, translation services should have experience of using glossaries. Certain technical terms may be false friends that look similar to other words but have a different meaning. If the company doesn’t use glossaries for various technical, legal or medical terms, your translation’s accuracy could be jeopardised.
An ability to use translations well is the basis of technical translation and should be ensured before you assign any company your work.
How We Can Help
We are one of the most professional translation services in the UK. Whatever dialect of Turkish you need us to translate to or from, we can take care of it for you. We have many satisfied customers and can translate any type of document.
For more information about our services and rates, please contact us today.
