by Caridad Batista | 21 Nov, 2023 | Machine Translation, Translation agency, Translation Service Providers
In today’s society, artificial intelligence algorithms are the next big thing, and they continue to take the world by storm.
Currently, in the UK, the AI market is worth £17 billion, and it is reported that this figure could rise to over £800 billion by 2035.
Furthermore, the UK has twice as many AI-based companies as any of its European counterparts.
For many people, time is money, and efficiency is key.
With AI systems increasing the rate of productivity, they are playing a pivotal role in our society, as their software produces automated responses at a much greater speed; therefore, they are starting to replace previous conventional methods.
For better or for worse, artificial intelligence has affected all industries and sectors, with the translation industry being no exception.
Nowadays, almost everybody is familiar with, or understands how to use AI translation tools such as Google Translate, ChatGPT, and DeepL, but how much can we rely on these tools to create the perfect translation for your project?
Contextual understanding
Human language is not as simple as math, in that there is not one definitive answer, but multiple possibilities and potential options.
Furthermore, no two languages are the same, and each has its own sentence structure, grammar, style, and idioms.
Machine translation finds it extremely difficult to understand the context within a text, and cannot easily grasp the cultural nuances of either the source or target language.
Despite providing output for your workload at a much faster rate than human translation, AI translation tends to contain common mistakes and lacks accuracy and precision.
A study carried out by the Economist revealed that poor communication delayed projects by 44%, or left them incomplete as a result.
Moreover, 18% of the study’s participants experienced a loss of sales due to a lack of precise communication with their clients.
Machine translation tends to automatically generate a direct or literal translation of the source text, which can cause a few problems.
What makes sense in one language, can be utter gibberish in another.
For example, when HSBC Bank tried to advertise its “Assume Nothing” campaign worldwide, it encountered several issues.
Instead of appropriately translating it into various languages, it opted to translate its slogan using an AI translation tool, resulting in a translation signifying “Do Nothing” in many languages.
This major error caused the company to spend $10 million on a new campaign, where they eventually changed their slogan to “The world’s local bank”.
Since AI translation has the inability to identify different contexts, it can cost businesses a lot of money, but with BeTranslated’s expert translation and localisation services, you can rest easy knowing this will not happen to you, ensuring you maintain a fruitful relationship with your clients.
Adaptability to different types of text
There are various types of translation, for instance, you can have sworn translations, legal document translations, the translation of a travel brochure, or even a user manual.
The translation processes for these documents differ, and the model and requirements for each are not the same.
At BeTranslated, we have a team of highly skilled and experienced translators in a wide range of fields, available to assist you with any translation needs you may have.
Consistency in document types such as legal documents or user manuals is essential, and this is where AI translation can let you down.
AI translation often tries to use different variations of words, meaning that the document is not coherent, and therefore difficult to follow, or incorrect, which can be a significant issue regarding its importance, as well as the implications caused as a direct result of the poor translation.
The value of having a human translator that has extensive knowledge of an industry, alongside the culture of the target audience, cannot be understated.
This expertise and skill that you require for your project cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence.
If you want to effectively communicate with your target audience and make a lasting impression, don’t waste your time using AI language tools, hire a professional translation agency to assist you, giving your translated content a human touch.
Cultural sensitivity
When translating any text, your primary focus should be adapting it for the desired target audience.
A human’s expertise is significantly better equipped to deal with this, compared to its technological counterpart.
For instance, something as simple as colour can have very different connotations and meanings amongst other cultures and countries.
If we take the colour red for example, it has a wide range of significance for various communities.
In the UK, we associate red with love, passion, or even aggression, but in China, it is associated with happiness and luck.
On the contrary, in South Africa, it is a symbol of sacrifice, violence, and bloodshed, with the colour appearing on the national flag, to serve as a reminder of the sacrifice made by many South Africans in the fight for independence.
When carrying out a translation process, a human can take into consideration the cultural significance of your message for your target audience and can alter it accordingly, whereas AI translation is incapable of doing this.
Choosing a human translator to carry out a translation and localisation process gives you security, and ensures that your brand’s message is accessible and relatable for your target audience.
In a global market, there is no room for error, and when reaching out to an international market, you have to demonstrate an understanding and awareness of their culture.
User experience and trust
When it comes to translating your documents, our team of industry experts at BeTranslated will work with your team, and support you throughout the process. We will provide you with translations of the highest quality, and meet your requirements, as well as those set and demanded by the industry.
In comparison with machine translation, human translators with expertise in a designated field will have a far greater understanding of complex industry terminology and jargon used.
Furthermore, unlike AI translation applications that can occasionally store and use your private information, at BeTranslated, we keep your sensitive information confidential throughout the translation process.
With our SEO expertise, we can adapt any text, allowing our consumer research to improve your visibility on Google.
Unlike AI translation, we can offer you a wide range of professional translation services, providing you with a speedy service, that will propel you towards success, and will allow you to gain prominence and trust amongst your clients.
Why automated AI translation is a costly mistake
Despite automated AI translation being efficient and significantly more advanced than before, it still falls short in terms of the quality it provides, compared to that of a human translator.
AI translation tools can be helpful when trying to quickly understand the meaning of a message, but when it comes to creating an accurate and reliable translation, don’t waste your time using this cheaper alternative, as in the long run it will cost you more money, and affect your reputation and your brand’s image amongst clients.
Contact us today to find out more about our cost-effective professional translation services, and get a free, no-obligation quote.
by Michael Bastin | 30 Jan, 2020 | Translation agency, Translation services
Established in 2002, BeTranslated is a professional translation service with a vast network of freelance translators and project managers.
Our staff are located in many different countries across the world, from Europe and Asia to North and South America.
We efficiently supply reliable translation services according to the availability, specialisation, expertise, and resources of our team members to meet our client’s needs.
What puts us at an advantage as translators?
Our mix of geographical locations provides us with a unique advantage.
This allows us to use the time zone differences in our favour to benefit our clients, enabling us to not only meet the tightest deadlines, but also to hold a deeper understanding of the various cultural and language requirements needed.
This helps us to cater for variation in the client base that we serve and to enable worldwide reach.
BeTranslated is known for its flexible approach, and our company prides itself on collaborating with those who value quality. We offer a working environment based on mutual respect and a team that communicates openly and well.
The service we offer our clients at BeTranslated
In case you were wondering what the translation process looks like for a professional translation agency like BeTranslated, we thought we’d break it down for you:
Step one
We have representatives in different countries and allocate translators that are the best fit for our client’s needs.
They are usually selected based on being experts in the specific regional versions of the project’s languages.
For example, if a text will be published in Spain, the translator will be a specialist in European Spanish. They will be the contact and obtain the client’s precise project spec and details.
Step two
The core members of our network will discuss each project to evaluate its needs. Then the client is provided with a comprehensive quote.
Step three
Based on the specifics of a job, we will assign the freelance translator who best meets these needs. This might be a specialist in website translation, or perhaps a linguist dedicated to the field of IT or telecommunications.
Our linguists are always fully supported by our technical resources to provide a top-quality translation.
Step four
We deliver the requested documents or files on schedule, whatever the format, to the highest precision.
Step five
We always follow up with our clients to check that everything has been delivered as required and that they are happy with the service(s) provided.
Step six
If there are comments or alterations to be made, we will act on these and make any necessary changes.
Upon confirmation of satisfaction, an invoice will be issued for payment.
A professional translation service you can trust
All our translators are highly qualified professionals. We can cater to most types of translations and, with clear guidelines plus a reasonable deadline, we will ensure that all of our clients are impressed and delighted with our work.
We look forward to the opportunity to wow you with what we do and to welcoming you as a new client at BeTranslated.
Got a translation or localisation project on the horizon and looking for a reliable professional translation service? Request a free, no-commitment quote today!
by Michael Bastin | 8 May, 2017 | Translation agency, Translation companies, Translation services
Do you need a document translating but don’t know how you go about it? There are many solutions. Here is a brief guide to the different types of translation service providers, that could help you choose who to entrust your business content to.
Freelance translators
Many translators decide to set themselves up in business as freelancers. These professionals try to carve out a place in the translation market on their own. In this category, you might come across three scenarios:
A freelance translator who will take on your project directly
This professional works alone. You can contact them directly, sending your documents and providing instructions about the translation.
Note that freelance translators often also work for translation agencies.
A freelance translator who subcontracts to other colleagues
Some freelance translators, overwhelmed with work, choose to subcontract to trusted colleagues in exchange for a small commission.
They will act as an intermediary, usually proofreading their colleague’s work before sending you the final version.
A freelance project manager
Unlike a translator subcontracting to a colleague, a freelance project manager no longer translates. They act solely as intermediaries. Their address books are long lists of professional translators who specialise in a variety of fields and work in different language combinations.
Translation agencies
A translation agency is a company that can take charge of your project from A to Z. Translation companies differ in terms of size and mode of operation:
Small agencies
In this category, two or three people work together to create a small translation agency. They are often former colleagues or collaborators specialising in a particular field who choose to set up their own business.
Translators’ networks
This concept is the basis on which BeTranslated was created: several professional translators pool their knowledge and experience to create a network based on trust and quality.
This is a different way of managing a small agency. Generally, the members of this type of network still produce their own translations. They always proofread all the translations that pass through their hands.
Medium-sized agencies
This type of agency might have five to twenty employees, who will include not just project managers but also specialists in desktop publishing, web formats, and localisation.
They work in the same office, know each other personally and meet every day. Everyone has a specific role and represents a key element of the translation process.
Medium-sized agencies are usually created by professional translators who know their way around the industry and entrust projects to fully qualified independent translators.
Large agencies
Here, at least a hundred employees work together at several offices spread around the world. The scenario here is quite different, and the larger agencies may not even be created or managed by professional translators or people with experience in the industry.
The “business” side tends to take priority over the human aspect and professional fulfilment.
Mega-agencies
Unlike small agencies, these huge corporations, such as SDL or Lionbridge, are real translation factories. Located in many countries, they manage hundreds of projects every day and divide tasks between their large numbers of employees.
They have huge networks of translators working in every conceivable language combination and specialising in particular fields. This enables them to manage many different projects, regardless of the subject.
Translation service providers – it’s up to you!
From freelance translators to mega-agencies, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to translation service providers! The final decision to entrust your documents to one over another is up to you, depending on your needs and expectations.
Every provider has a different approach, so think about the type of service you want when making your choice.
Have you ever used the services of one of these types of providers? Were you happy with the service? Share your experience with us!
And if you’re looking for a reliable translation agency with experienced native translators, get in touch with BeTranslated today for a free, no-obligation quote.
by Michael Bastin | 23 Jan, 2017 | Translation Service Providers, Good to Know, Translation agency
For many companies or individuals that find themselves in need of a professional translation service, the prospect of choosing the right high-quality translation provider can be rather daunting.
If your content is being translated into a language that you yourself don’t understand, there is an element of trust, as you aren’t able to verify the quality of the work yourself.
The abundance of information online can be overwhelming for those working with translators for the first time.
Perhaps you’ve come across terms like CAT tools and localisation while browsing through translation agency websites and been left feeling confused, but all is not lost!
Our simple guide to what to look for when hiring a translation service will help you find the right translator for you.
Be specific about your language requirements
Let’s start with language combinations. Many translation agencies specialise in specific languages, such as European languages like French and Italian or Asian languages like Korean and Japanese, whilst others that have a larger pool of translators offer a seemingly endless list of language combinations.
It is crucial that your translator is specialised in the right regional dialect for your needs. For example, if your company is branching out into the Latin American market, working with European Spanish translators is not going to be appropriate.
Be specific with your translation agency about the regional details of your target audience, and make sure that they have linguists who are experienced with the dialects your project requires.
Look for translators specialised in the appropriate subject
Linguistic knowledge is just one piece of the translation puzzle; your translator should also be knowledgeable about the subject of the text to be translated.
If you need a contract translated, you should work with a legal translator experienced in contracts, whereas a marketing translator would be a more suitable choice for your publicity content.
Working with a specialised translator will ensure you receive a high-quality translation.
When researching translation service providers, focus on those that specialise in the type of translation you need, and feel free to ask them about their previous clients, which will give you a better idea about the kinds of translation they have experience doing, and the profiles of their translators.
Read reviews with a critical eye
Once you’ve narrowed your search down to translation agencies that are experts in your subject area and language combinations, it’s time to focus on their reputations.
Take a good look at their website and social media pages, particularly focusing on customer reviews and feedback. Read the reviews thoughtfully, with a clear idea of the kind of company you’re looking for.
Do you need an agency that can turn around translations very quickly? Or would an agency with a reputation for strong communication with the clients suit you better?
Also, pay attention to the types of clients they have worked with; are they similar to your company?
Approaching this information with a clear idea of your own needs will make it much easier to process what is relevant to you and your needs.
Consider requesting a sample translation
Providing a translation agency with a short sample text (around 300 words is standard) for them to translate, which you may or may not be asked to pay for, is a great way of checking the quality of the work and confirming if they are the right fit for your translation needs.
Be realistic with what to expect from a free test translation; don’t expect a translator to translate pages and pages of text for free, especially if the job on offer is a small project.
That being said, many translators are happy to provide short samples, and it’s a useful step in finding the right high-quality translation service.
Be clear on the service that you expect
Ask for details on what the translation company offers, and be clear about what you need. Will you require extra services such as proofreading or localisation?
Don’t be afraid to ask the agency for details of their service, for example, is proofreading performed by a second qualified translator?
This is recommended as human error is natural and the more eyes on a text the better.
The bottom line is that clear communication will lead to a better working relationship and, ultimately, a better final product.
As an experienced translation agency with highly-qualified translators located around the globe, BeTranslated could be the right translation service provider for you.
Check out our past clients and some of our translator bios to get a clearer picture of the work we do. If you still have questions or are interested in a free, no-obligation quote, get in touch!
We look forward to working with you.
by Michael Bastin | 16 Nov, 2016 | Belgium, Business Tips, Translation agency
Belgium, for a small country of nearly 11 million inhabitants, sure carries a lot of intrigue! Despite its small size, the country has three official languages – Dutch, French, and German.
This leads to a booming Belgian translation market. And that’s only part of the story; the country is divided into three regions and three “communities”, with some overlap between them.
The regions are Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and Brussels-capital (Bilingual).
In Belgium, decision-making powers do not lie exclusively with the federal government or parliament. Instead, there are multiple governing bodies which exercise autonomous power.
Quite puzzling, isn’t it? But this linguistic diversity is exactly what makes Belgium a fertile ground for developing a translation market.
Translators: communication experts in multiple languages
It may be surprising to learn that people living in the same country do not have a single common language to communicate in. But this is the reality in Belgium.
Furthermore, not all Belgians are bilingual, let alone trilingual.
This is where translators and interpreters come in. It is they who facilitate communication within this small country challenged by huge linguistic divisions that have grown wider over time.
Brussels: capital of the European Union
Beyond the country’s diverse linguistic landscape, there is yet another springboard for translators and interpreters in Belgium.
As you probably already know, Brussels is the political capital of the 28. This means it is home to most of the European Union institutions, including the European Commission and Parliament, and the Council of Ministers.
On a daily basis, these institutions attract a multitude of foreigners who flock to the capital to attend various types of events.
Our linguistic experts serve as ambassadors for them, facilitating multilingual communication.
They are at the heart of the Belgian translation market, smoothing the way for a plethora of international exchanges taking place in Brussels.
Brussels: the headquarters for numerous international organisations
In addition to the above-mentioned European institutions, many international organisations also have headquarters in the capital.
These include the offices of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and WCO (World Customs Organisation), for example.
Other organisations have at least major offices in Brussels, such as the UN, UNESCO, WHO (World Health Organisation), and the ILO (International Labour Organisation).
Due to their international character, these organisations bring together people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
This makes Brussels a veritable hub for multilingual communication and, consequently, for translation and interpretation.
The Belgian translation market: a strategic place
All these factors encourage translators and interpreters from around the world to join this flourishing market in the land of beer and chocolate. Many see it as a good opportunity for the future.
They are trying to find a place where competitiveness is ripe in the translation market. Translators and interpreters…you know what your next stop should be!
After reading all about Belgium, you probably won’t be surprised to know that BeTranslated has deep connections with the country and that we have many skilled translators specialised in all three of the official languages, as well as many others.
For more information or a free, no-obligation quote, get in touch today.
by Michael Bastin | 16 Nov, 2016 | Translation agency
Are you planning to hire a translation agency? To get the results you want, you need to ask yourself the right questions.
The market for translation is huge and the competition is stiff. As a customer, it is up to you to entrust your work and product to the most qualified experts.
Let’s go through some of the reasons why it is best to hire a small translation agency.
Optimal responsiveness
Does hiring a small team really equate to better customer experience and improved responsiveness? Yes!
Communication within a small company is much simpler than in a larger one, which makes it possible to offer customers a fast and efficient service that is better coordinated.
By hiring a small translation agency, you can avoid the slower pace and indifference of bigger companies.
A small company can combine quality and speed much more easily. Do you need something urgently translated from English to French? All the better to hire a small translation agency!
A small company can respond to your request faster and you can rely on them to always deliver your translated documents on time.
Personal customer service
When using a small translation company, you will be assigned a single contact person, who is responsive and always available.
This person will facilitate all the communications between yourself, the translators, and the proofreaders.
If there are any questions, concerns, comments, or areas of the work to discuss, you know exactly who to contact and how to contact them.
Your individual customer care person will respond to all your requests and needs throughout the project.
When you hire a small translation agency, your project is managed by a single intermediary, the project manager.
heir mission is to ensure a smooth process for you, starting with your initial request up through to the delivery of your completed translated documents.
The result of having one person take care of your project from beginning to end also eliminates the chance of miscommunication or the space for anything to get misconstrued.
There’s a good reason for the saying ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’.
Custom-tailored translation services
A small translation agency will connect you to its vast network of professional translators, who are selected according to strict and rigorous criteria.
This is where the single project manager shines, responsible for monitoring your project from A-Z and ensuring a smooth process all around.
The project manager will identify the most suitable and experienced translator for you and has the responsibility of ensuring that your collaboration with the company goes smoothly for the entirety of the project.
The perfect translator-client match
Though small translation agencies may have a smaller pool of translators they work with, this means the project managers are extremely knowledgable about the translators’ skills and specialties.
Thanks to this, they will be able to find the right translator for your project, one who is an expert not only in your language combination but also in the field relevant to the project.
Let us summarise
Do you need translation services? Do you want a simple, fast, and efficient process? Are you tired of dealing with large companies that lack the personal touch and connection with your brand?
Working with a small translation agency that can offer an intimate service and personalised customer care is without a doubt the ideal option for you.
This is what you need to be focused on when looking to implement your next translation services contract.
Contact BeTranslated, a boutique translation agency with a strong network of experienced native translators located around the world, for more information or a free, no-obligation quote today.
