Fast Translation: 3 Essential Steps When Speed Matters

Fast translation is sought after for many reasons and we are used to it. Even so, questions like “How fast can I get my translation back?” or “How long will you take to translate my document?” are difficult to answer. There are multiple factors that will influence the speed of translation:

  1. The size of the document
  2. The type of the document and its intended purpose
  3. The target language(s)
  4. Your desired deadline
  5. Additional complexities such as formatting or need for specific software
  6. The quality level needed

1. Get Your Document Ready

Your translation services provider will ask you to see the document before committing to price and turnaround time. Be ready to provide it. If your document is a PDF, see if you can locate a copy in the native format (text editable). Read more here about the specific challenges of PDF document translation.

2. Specify Target Audience and Purpose 

Who will be the recipient of your document? Where are they? Is there any other demographic information you can share? How will your document be used? Is it for information only or will it be published? Is it to address a customer service issue or to make a presentation to an important business partner? Any information you can share will help your provider select the correct path for translating your document. Avoiding unnecessary steps will speed up the process, as well as correctly understanding your goals.

3. Settle on the Desired Turnaround Time

Come up with the best and the worst case scenario. Allow your translation provider to express their opinion. Keep in mind that while they want to help you meet your deadline they also want to deliver the best possible product. Translation companies have ways of speeding up by changing the process, scaling up available capacity by using multiple translators and/or by using automation. There will almost always be some trade off in terms of quality, though. For example, a document translated by 5 different translators rather than 1 – and without the time for proper editing – will read like a document written by 5 different people.

Last but not least, be available for consultation during the translation process. If you are there to answer questions you might just be able to help speed things up.

Consider working with your translation partner closely during the phase of authoring documents for translation to avoid last minute rush scenarios. Anything that can be done to switch the translation process from reactive to proactive will help.

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