Few Advantages of Using Trados for Translations

Photo credit wandering_angel Few Advantages of Using Trados for Translations While the use of software tools such as Trados is becoming increasingly popular there are still many translators who are not comfortable even with the thought of using software tools for translation. Many people who abhor programs such as Trados do not like it because they think that it is too complicated to learn and master. Contrary to the belief that software tools are difficult to learn, programs such as Trados can help you in achieving higher efficiency in terms of quality as well as quantity. Let us get a brief insight into the many advantages of using programs such as Trados for your work. 1. Trados is useful in recalling repetitive texts that get stored within the memory of the program. 2. It is also useful in storing terminologies that are specific to a client which need to be used frequently. 3. It prevents skipping of lines as the translated text and the source text are open together. This also avoids missing out on important details such as numbers, names, etc and prevents wrong spelling of the same. 4. It can help you get more projects as many clients now enlist the possession of a software tool as a prerequisite to provide you the project. 5. It can help you in increasing the speeds at which you work as both the texts are open simultaneously thereby enhancing the volume of work completed. This also helps in improving the quality of your work. 6. It can also help in performing a proofreading of your work and can function as a quality assurance tool. While the use of software programs is increasing by the day, clients are often seen utilizing the benefits of using a program such as repetitive texts not needing translation again as a means to cut their costs by asking the translator for discounts when translating complete and partial matches. This does not sit too well with some translators as they feel that even though they have spent a substantial amount of money towards buying the software they now have to put up with such requests for discounts. But, some feel that such discounts are justified and do not mind giving them out to get better business prospects.

5 Tips to Avoid Proofreading Bad Translations

Photo Credit Eduardo Amorim 5 Tips to Avoid Proofreading Bad Translations Many of you would have had the experience of landing up with poor translations while proofreading causing you to perform drastic corrections. This would have cost a lot in terms of precious time and money since the amount paid to proofread is generally much lower than what is paid out for translation. In order to avoid falling prey to such costly mistakes, it is advisable to follow a few pointers while accepting work for proofreading. 1. Try and check if the person who has handled the translation is well-versed with the language of translation and has had sufficient experience in the field. 2. Tell the client that you need to preview the translation before accepting the job. Do not take up the work if they do not agree to this condition. Tell them you need to do this to access the quality of the translation. 3. Try to charge an hourly rate rather than a per word rate. This will limit losses if you are to handle a poor translation. 4. If the client does not agree to an hourly rate, try to negotiate different rates based on what needs to be done. Tell what it will cost them if the translation needs to be just proofread and what it would be if it needs to be edited. 5. If during the preview you find the work to be very poor such that it will need more time to edit rather than just retranslate, inform them and tell you will handle the work at translation rates only. If you do not want to do a retranslation, then flatly refuse the work or outsource it to somebody who will be willing to do so. The important thing is not to be taken for a ride or for granted. If the situation calls for putting your foot down, it is necessary to take action as long as what you are asking for is justified. If the agency refuses to abide by your conditions, it is time to take a call for accepting work from them in future.