Today, there are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world.
Science and medicine are practised in every single country. So it’s absolutely vital that scientific texts are correctly translated from the original papers. That way, the meanings are still correct when carried over to another country.
Basic translation services for everyday language won’t suffice either. This is because scientific language is an entire language in itself, just like there are programming languages. You need certified translation services that know how to do proper scientific translations.
Here are some ways to ensure you choose the right agency when it comes to translating the language of science.
Make Sure They Use Native Speakers
No matter how fluent someone is in a language, they can never be on a native speaker’s level. This is because a native speaker has grown up in the country, learning all the small nuances and slang naturally. This is the reason why a translation can sound a little strange when completed by someone who’s very fluent and proficient in the language.
As we’ve said above, science has its own ‘language,’ with jargon in each field. When you get a scientific translation from someone fluent in the language, you’re ensuring your text doesn’t lose any of its meaning when it’s transformed into a different language.
They Should Have a Thorough Translation Process
Not only should a good translation agency use native speakers, but they should also pass work through multiple translators. It’s important to have an initial translation, but more importantly, you must ensure the work is flawless.
This can only be done if the agency has proofreaders and editors on board who are experts in the subject matter. Only then can they ensure the translations make sense within the context in which they are written. This process ensures all translation projects are completed with no mistakes.
They Should Have Years of Experience
Newcomers to the industry aren’t necessarily bad at what they do. However, they won’t have the years of experience that other seasoned experts have that enable them to run a streamlined business.
Also, the more experience an agency has, the more time they’ve had to smooth out any issues they’ve encountered with particular types of translations. For instance, if there are tricky technical terms (such as mathematical formulas and matrices), then they’ll have figured out what the best translations are to use for them to avoid issues for you.
Take a look at what their experience is as well.
For example, are they well-versed in a wide range of several languages? Or do they only specialise in a few? Either is fine; just ensure the agency is well-versed in your desired language.
They Should Offer Transparent Services and Prices
Reputable and high-quality translation agencies will be very transparent about both their services and prices. When you ask for more details, they should be able to show what they offer with the price clearly.
In addition, they should provide prospects with free quotes on their scientific translation service. If any translation agency tries to pressure you into using their services without clearly explaining what they offer and how much they will charge, that’s a red flag.
The right agency will be completely transparent about anything you ask of them; this includes asking them to provide you with references. On that note, the agency should be able to give you references without hesitation. Otherwise, that’s another red flag.
Think Outside of the Box
Are you considering looking up phrases like ‘translation services near me’ or ‘document translation services near me?’ Then think again. You don’t necessarily have to use a local translation agency; this can significantly narrow down your possible options.
Modern technology has made sending and receiving documents very easy, so you’re not physically limited. So why not look beyond your local area?
When you can widen your scope, you can find high-quality translation agencies you would otherwise never have discovered if you limited yourself to only local searches.
Make Sure You Choose the Right Agency for Translating Scientific Texts
You may have to pay a bit more to ensure you choose the right agency for translating scientific texts. But it’ll be worth every penny when the translation is flawless and easily understood in the chosen language.
If you choose an amateur service, their translation may come out unclear, or they may even convert the original words into another meaning. When it comes to scientific texts, that’s simply unacceptable. In the end, you may have to pay even more to have those errors fixed, and depending on the type of text it is, it may even cost some people their lives.
So make sure you follow our advice on choosing the best translation company. They won’t necessarily be the cheapest and may even be the most expensive on your list, but the end result is well worth paying for.
Are you interested in using Lingonika for the translation of scientific texts? Then get a free quote from us now.
We’ve been helping clients like you ever since 1998 and are a member of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC).
