Machine translation vs. human translation
In this fast-paced world, the language industry stepped it up and many language service providers (LSPs) moved away from human translations and shifted their focus on machine translations. This provides the benefit of a quick turnaround, but often times it leads to mistranslations and the lack of quality. Some texts are simply not conducive to be handled by machines. Some argue that machine translations will provide consistency, which cannot be provided by human translators. Modern and technology-savvy translators work with translation software that have an internal translation memory (MT). In case of repeat clients, the human translator can easily achieve same consistency as created through algorithm in machine translation. On top of that, the human translator provides quality work through passion and experience. And let’s not forget about the tone of the translation and the target audience.
Translation software, formatting, consistency
I pride myself by providing quality translation due to my passion for languages and by keeping up with the translation industry trends. Many clients use translation software and assume that only ISPs will have the expensive software. I use all current translation software, e.g., SDL Trados Studio 2017, Wordfast, MemoQ and others. Most experienced translators work with such software to provide consistency, build a terminology glossary and as a result, provide discounts to clients. If clients have files that are outside the standard text format, these software handle the layout and images in such a way that the target text provided will be identical to the source text.
Close client relationships more confidentiality
I will be your only point of contact, I will work with you personally. As a result, I will learn to understand the complexity of your project and your needs. I strive for perfection when it comes to my personal work ethics and outcomes. Consequently, this will ensure every translation will be customized to your business the way you or your company wishes. The less people involved in your project, the better the confidentiality. Your sensitive business documents will not be outsourced to large companies/language providers, ultimately distributed to several translators for review. I helped many German clients to expand their business to the US markets. My clients are consistently happy with my translations and keep coming back for more.
Availability
I am located in the US (North Carolina). My business hours are Eastern Standard Time, i.e., there is a six hours time difference between Germany (CET). If you are located in Europe, this allows me to work on your text while you are out of the office and have your translation done by the time you check your email with your morning coffee or tea. For my clients here in the US, the same applies. Eastern Standard Time will put me ahead of schedule to the rest of the US time zones and you might be able to receive same day translation, a.k.a., rush translations. My business hours are 9 AM EST to 5 PM EST from Monday to Friday. Weekend and rush translations can also be scheduled at a special rate. For my local clients, i.e., in my time zone, I am happy to provide in-house translation for highly confidential translation projects, I am available for phone consultations and face-to-face meetings. I am able to travel to any surrounding states upon request. Many large companies/ISPs will not provide this flexibility and are often not local to tend to customer needs.
Workload
Many clients initially assume that a single translator cannot handle the workload large translation companies/ISPs can handle due to the pool of translators available to them. This may be true for multiple languages, however, the time it takes each department at a large company to provide you a quote, find a suitable translator, provide instructions and deal with possible delayed responses from translators, I could already be done with your translation. I translate between 2,500 – 3,500 a day. This equals roughly five to seven pages of a full-page text. I do not outsource my work, hence, the text is translated only by one translator. As a result, the text does not lose the tone, the consistency stays the same and due diligence will be ensured. If more translation is needed, I work with wonderful colleagues and I would be happy to inquire with them for urgent translation beyond my daily capacity.
Price
The biggest benefit my clients reap is the enormous price difference. Experienced certified translators have a higher price than student translators, in-house translators, this is required to cover all up-to-date translation software and to cover the minimal, yet necessary business-related costs. Now, ISPs or large companies are just the middle man who requires a higher price due to the fact that they often times keep a percentage and then pay the translator. Hence, their costs to run a business are much higher than an individual translator. Stop paying the “middle-man fee” and benefit from the savings. The lower price you pay directly to the translator, does not equal less quality. In a sense, this is how your translations are done regardless, since the ISP/large companies do not have translators in house they send translations to me or other translators. Omit the middle man–get the same quality with my translation services.
Svamberk Translations, LLC 