Selecting a Good Thai Translator and Thai Translation Service

Translating is more than just simply a matter of substituting words from a ‘source’ language into the ‘target’ language with, on the face of it, “corresponding" words in another, as some people would like to believe. The fact of the matter is that it is not quite as simple or as easy as that and the job of a translator necessitates so much more.

Word for Word translations simply do not work, they generally fail to communicate the real meaning effectively and also fail to take into account the target languages sentence syntax and cultural implications.

For example: In English, one would say “The White Horse” yet in Spanish it would be “The Horse White”.

In business as in personal matters, translators undertake a valuable, important and at times pivotal role in dealings all over the globe.

In a business matter, a bad translation can result in poor communication, misunderstandings, lost business opportunities and critical mistakes which can result in inefficient operations and substantial financial losses.

The same applies to personal matters being translated, misunderstanding can cause more than just hurt feelings – they can affectively portray one party as insensitive to the others persons needs, wishes, hopes, customs and beliefs. Thus being viewed as totally the wrong ‘life’ partner.

Whether as a Translator or as an Interpreter communication is the primary element and the individual must be qualified, capable and able to appropriately target the language customs in an efficient style ensuring that the respective thoughts, intent and meaning does not get lost in the deciphering and relaying from one language to another. It is therefore critical that one should learn how to choose a translator wisely.

So what are some of the basic requirements and key qualities that you should expect to find in a translator or a Thai translation service?

He/She must be a native speaker of the target language this is first and foremost. Eliminating and confirming that a Computer/Software translation is not being employed.

Additionally, He/She should have an in-depth detailed knowledge or sound appreciation of the subject matter being translated. Consequently this makes the whole translation process easier if He/She is already familiar and up to date with the meaning or inference of industry-specific words, jargon and phrases.

In addition to this, one fundamental trait that He/She must without fail have is Experience.

Before considering assigning any project, contract, document or letter to your translator, ask for samples of work that He/She has previously undertaken. However, this may not be so easy to provide, as most professional translators value their clients Confidentiality and Privacy over any commercial consideration they may gain.

Confirm that He/She has had specialised academic training or relevant background and is an accredited member of professional organisations. For instance, our Thai translators at TranslateThai are qualified professionals who have had extensive experience in their careers, across a broad range of industries ensuring that you are getting only the best value for your money.