What makes a good translator? In our view a good translator – no, an excellent translator – should have a number of key qualities. First, good translators should be proficient in the source language: that goes without saying. They should have sufficient technical knowledge to understand the source text, and they should be skilled in the use of CAT translation tools to manage a document effectively, and gain access to translation memories and other tools. They should also be super detectives, searching all sources, including websites, dictionaries, previous publications and search engines to decode difficult meanings and terms.
Finally, excellent translators should be excellent writers. It is not enough just to translate the source text word for word into the target language: this will produce a wooden, unnatural translation that remains rooted to its host culture. Instead, the translation must be adapted to flow freely and naturally in the target language, without losing the core meaning of the original text. This requires great skill and talent as a writer and a thinker.
We at ilium have all the skills needed to deliver high-quality translations for high-quality clients. And we have many years’ experience to prove it.
Please contact us for more details on translation types, price structure and turnaround times.
Ilium Communications 