Qualities of a Professional Translator

a translation sign

Although finding a good and professional translator is no longer a difficult thing these days, there are still several considerations to make before hiring them. With it being a global need and a new field of business, it is safe to say that you can easily find translation services for your projects. One good thing about modern translation is that those translators can help you with your translation plans, either written or spoken. Translating academic to casual documents is also not a problem at all. Finding a translator in Lyon is one example of how common it is to spot the service around you.

However, the many available options can lead to quite a frustration, especially when you need to find the one that can handle the work professionally. You may end up researching about their track records, but the following considerations below will help you find the one that you can rely on.

two dictionaries on the table

Availability

Aside from the experience and ability to translate numerous documents with various tones and modes, a translator should also think about their line of business. It is to ensure the potential clients know they are available for business, and the best way to do so is to be available through several different platforms. For example, if one is available in social media, website, email, or even phone number, it is a good sign that they are eager for new clients. One cannot say it is a sign of professionalism, but they at least are ready for new projects. It is the business side of the service, and you can use it as the first indicator that you are hiring the right people.

Experience

Translation services are a matter of experience. Many may not agree with this statement, but it is true. One can claim that they can translate documents or files without having to be in the business for years. However, what really happens is that they are only projecting their limited knowledge to the work they are handling. As a result, you may expect stiff and literal translation without giving a touch of localization. An experienced translator will be familiar with the term localization as it is the key to their service.

Oral Fluency

Another sign of professionalism is oral fluency. If you think that they do not need to be fluent in oral language, you need to know that their active participation in conversations in target languages will significantly affect the way how they handle the job.