Language Services – How to Find Them and How to Work With Them

Language Services is a broad term that actually describes many different types of services. And, thanks to technological developments, new areas of expertise continue to compete for a spot in the language arena. We do live in a shrinking world where information is created – and travels – much faster than ever before. Services like translation or interpreting, if done right, play an important role in facilitating information exchange quickly, on a high level of quality, and in a reliable manner. 

DO YOU HAVE A NEED?

 Chances are that if any of the following statements are true, you are someone who could benefit from finding the right partner: 

1. Your business sells something abroad or imports products or services from another country. 

2. Your business needs to advertise globally via its website. 

3. You have a substantial percentage of employees whose primary language is not English. 

4. Advertising to domestic audiences who favor a foreign language would bring more revenue to your business. 

5. You have a need for language training. 

6. You work in an industry where there is a frequent need for (oral) interpreting, sign language interpreting, or transcription (such as legal services, health care, etc.)

These are just a few examples but in general, the language services industry is the sector dedicated to facilitating multilingual communication, both oral and written, in all its forms.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT PROVIDER

First, determine your current and future needs. Translating product literature, contracts, and any type of written communication will fall under written translation services. 

Translation of a website or software falls under localization. Read more about website translation in this blog post.

Spoken language services are described as interpreting. Interpreting also has many different sub-types, such as consecutive, simultaneous or conference interpreting, over-the-phone, over-video, etc. 

If you need classes for yourself or your employees, look for language instruction or langauge training. 

When you research the candidates, eliminate the ones who simply promise to do it “cheaper”, “faster”, or “better” than others. Instead, dig deeper and ask for : 

1. Their background (experience and resources)

2. Technology (tools, capacity, & consistency)

3. Process (efficiency, flexibility, and quality assurance) 

4. Attitude (“can do” and extensive additional offerings)

WORK WITH THEM

Language Services Providers (or LSPs) for short, come in all shapes and sizes. Some specialize in one type of language service, some do it all.  But in general, they all live and breathe communication which should make things easier for you. What you are looking for is a provider who will become an extension of your own company. One who will not only understand your goals but also work with you  to achieve them.

When you start working with an LSP, make sure that you communicate to them what your goals are.  Statements like “getting established on new markets”, “communicating with employees”, or “translating for compliance reasons” will go a long way toward helping your LSP understand how they need to support you. 

If you already use similar services, let your new provider examine your current model and help you come up with a  predictable, managed, and lean solution that will work with your vision for business growth. 

What you should see from your LSP is: 

1. Information on their process, including quality assurance

2. Your contact person’s information along with expectations for working with you

3. Information on how to request a quote, start an order, and any other general processing information 

4. Information on what to do if you are not satisfied with the service

5. Detailed pricing information

In a world where many people will simply not buy what they cannot read, language services can help your business grow in many different ways – if you have the right partner by your side.