While Baltimore may not be Maryland’s capital, it is the state’s largest city, as well as one of the most multilingual metropolises in the Mid-Atlantic. Indeed, with dynamic communities originating from countries as far apart as Korea, Haiti, China, and Ethiopia, it’s a true melting pot of cultures and languages. As a result, the demand for Baltimore translation services has never been higher, as companies and individuals alike attempt to overcome linguistic obstacles and communicate effectively with the city’s rich and varied population.
When it comes to choosing the right translation partner, however, the decision can feel overwhelming. What should you try to avoid, and what’s simply non-negotiable? Read on to find out!
Certified or standard translations?
The first thing to establish is whether you need a certified or a standard translation. To decide, you’ll need to look at the purpose of the document being translated. For example, a standard translation is usually fine for any material that can be further edited. It is suitable for contexts with an element of subjectivity, such as a creative text, online material, or documents where nuance, style, or tone matters the most.
In contrast, certificates, qualifications, and anything used for regulatory bodies, governmental organizations, or legal institutions often need to be certified. That’s because these bodies require a formal guarantee of accuracy. Without certification, translations of these documents risk being rejected by the body handling them.
Assess their experience in your sector
Have you ever tried to read something complicated, in a field that was completely removed from your own? Let’s say you’re a medical doctor and have to read an in-depth article about medieval art history. Chances are, you might need to look a few things up. The same principle applies to translation; if you’re handling a complex legal document, you are best selecting an agency with proven expertise in legal translation. The same applies, of course, to medical documents or scientific material.
A single mistranslation can delay a legal process, jeopardize patient care, or cause reputational damage. That’s why it pays to choose your provider with care.
When choosing your translation partner, ask:
- Do they have experience in your industry?
- Do they employ subject-matter experts or work with translators who specialize in particular domains?
- Can they provide case studies or testimonials that speak to similar projects?
A reliable translation agency will understand the difference between general language fluency and the specialist accuracy that certain industries demand.
Do they speak your language?
And no – we’re not just talking about the kind of textbook language you learn at school.
Did you know, for example, that in European French, a cell phone is known as un portable, whereas in Canada, it’s called un cellulaire? And, while a pistolet is the French word for a gun, in Brussels, it’s the name for a type of bread roll? Meanwhile, in Spain, to order a juice you’d ask for zumo, but in Mexico (and most of Latin America, for that matter), you’d use the term jugo instead?.
Regional variations are crucial when translating or interpreting. Even if your audience understood what you meant, by selecting a term that was not commonplace in their region, you could easily distance yourself – or even alienate yourself – from your target audience. Check that your translation provider is skilled and experienced in the precise dialect or regional variation that you need.
Red flags to watch for when choosing a translation partner
So, we’ve identified what’s crucial to look out for when deciding on a Baltimore translation partner, but what should set alarm bells ringing?
- The first thing that should raise concerns is a lack of information about their translators or interpreters. Experienced translation agencies with stringent vetting procedures should have plenty of measures in place to verify the experience and qualifications of their linguists. While it’s easy to make claims, a translation agency you can trust may be ISO 17100 certified, indicating their rigorous approach to recruitment.Â
- Secondly, if an agency makes little or no mention of its approach to confidentiality, you should ask further questions. Many (or even most) translation projects involve highly sensitive information, and clients should know their data and details are in safe hands. Look for ISO 9001 certification, which vouches for an agency’s quality management systems, as well as scrupulous processes for managing risks and handling sensitive information.
Capital Linguists: Baltimore translation services you can trust
Capital Linguists only works with translators and interpreters with at least five years of experience. That’s not all: Armed with the highest accreditations and qualifications in the industry, we guarantee that you’ll receive accurate, culturally sensitive, and highly polished translations – whatever your sector.
Baltimore is a city of complexity, diversity, and energy – and your communication strategy should reflect that. The right translation agency will not only deliver accurate, high-quality work but also become a partner in helping you connect with the communities you serve. Reach out to Capital Linguists to explore the best solution for your needs.
