The ASTM Standard Guide for Quality Assurance in Translation, F2575-14, lists some key considerations when choosing a translation provider. They apply both to hiring a company and an individual translator. Responsibilities need to be assigned for each task. At Gaucha Translations, we have spelled it out in a Work Order.
The client needs to be assured that the translation provider is qualified for the assignment and know exactly who is doing the work. Attorneys always tell their clients who is in charge of every aspect of their work and what percentage of the money each participant is receiving. At Gaucha Translations, we do the same. I work with a reviewer, and let the clients know who my reviewer is and what the reviewer’s qualifications are. Sometimes the reviewer has direct contact with the client.
The ASTM Guide recommends some qualifications for any translation provider:
- Translation competence, which implies source and target language competence. I usually verify these through certification. Having lived and worked in the country where the foreign language is spoken usually adds depth to the understanding or the writing ability of the translator.
- Subject matter expertise. Some translators excel in literary topics, and others are experts in the legal field. Through our work we have acquired expertise in other areas as well.
- Text-type competence. Community relations documents are different from transcription translations for the court, or even contracts. We have worked with all these documents. We have even translated technical user manuals!
Though Gaucha Translations is my business name as a freelancer, I provide reliable services that are backed up by a team, and clients can count on consistent work time after time.
This model has served us well for website translation and a variety of other projects. It has worked for very strict translation and for transcreation. It is reliable. Read more about our process here. We are ready to help you with your Spanish translations.
