Aspects of Translator Reliability

Translation should be reliable. Translation users need to be able to rely on translation. They need to be able to use the translation as a reliable basis for action. And they need to be able to trust the translator to act in reliable ways, delivering reliable translations by deadlines, getting whatever help is needed to meet those deadlines, and being flexible and versatile in serving the user’s needs.

Aspects of Translator Reliability

1. With regard to the text Attention to detail.

The translator is meticulous in her attention to the contextual and collocation nuances of each word and phrase she uses.

2. Sensitivity to the user’s needs.

The translator listens closely to the user’s special instructions regarding the type of translation desired, understands those instructions quickly and fully , strives to carry them out exactly and flexibly.

3. Research

The translator doesn’t simply work around words she doesn’t know, by using a vague phrase that avoids the problem or leaving the question mark where the word would go, but does careful research, in reference books and Internet databases, and through phone calls, faxes, and e-mail inquires.

4. Checking

The translator checks her work closely, and if there is any doubt has a translation checked by an expert before delivery to the client.

Reliability with regard to the client.

5. Versatility

The translator is versatile enough to translate texts outside of her area of specialization, out of languages she doesn’t feel entirely competent in, in manners she had never tried.

6. Promises

The translator knows her own abilities and schedule and working habits well enough to make realistic promises to clients or agencies regarding delivery dates and times, and then keeps those promises.

Speed and income are not directly related for al translators. They are for freelances. The situation is somewhat more complex than this, but basically the faster a freelancer translates, the more money s/he makes. For in-house translators the links between speed and money is less obvious.

A translator’s translating speed is controlled by a number of factors:

1. typing speed

2. the level of text difficulty

3. personal preferences or style

4. job stress, general mental state.

(1) and (2) should be obvious: the faster one types, the faster one will potentially be able to translate; the harder the text, the slower it will be to translate. (4) is also relatively straight forward; if you work under great pressure, with minimum reward and praise, your general state of mind may begin to erode your motivation, which may in turn slow you down.

7. Friendliness

The translator is friendly and helpful on the phone or in person, is pleasant to speak or be with, has a sense of humor, offers helpful advice.

8.Confidentiality.

The translator will not disclose confidential matters learned through the process of translation (or negotiation) to third parties.

Reliability with regard to technology