translations: a step-by-step guide

TranslationsA Step-By-Step Guide

So, you need to translate a project – where do you start?

Translation can be an overwhelming topic.

Here at Lionbridge onDemand, we’ve made a step-by-step guide to help

you decide how to proceed.

Let’s go!

Define Your Project Type

What exactly is it that needs

translating?

1

Define Your Project Type

• Different project types require different translation resources and technologies

• Which category does your project fall under?

o Document: Basic text files, PowerPoint slides, and scanned documents

o Web or App: Websites, apps for Android and iOS, and emails

o Video: Voice-over, subtitling, and transcription of video and videogames

o DTP files: Advertisements, banners, web graphics, and various other graphic file types

Pick Your Languages

What is the target audience?

2

Pick Your Languages

• Determine your project’s audienceo Where are they located?o What language(s) do they speak?

• Once your audience is determined, this will help you choose into which language you translate your project

• Lionbridge onDemand offers translation in over 250 languageso Ex: Afrikaans, Japanese, Arabic, Swedish, Tagalog,

etc.

• Know the location of your audience so you can properly localize. If you are translating into English, but your main audience is in Australia, the translation is going to be different than an English speaking audience in the UK or the US

Who, and How Much?

What is your translation

budget, and which vendor fits

your needs?

3

Who, and How Much?

• There are various options when it comes to getting your project translated, including:o Translation Company: These have professional

translators on staff and can communicate with you throughout process. Option might be more costly, but translated project will usually be of higher quality

o Crowdsourcing: Your project is uploaded to a pool of translators translate the document and send it to a reviewer.  If you have sensitive or confidential materials, this service is not for you

Who, and How Much? Cont’d.

oBilingual company staff or friend: You might have a friend or colleague that speaks the language that you are translating to, and you might think this is a great idea.  While this is one of the least expensive options, bilingual people are not professional translators.oMachine Translation: This is the cheapest option you will find, both in price and quality.  You can find a number of free machine translation services online.  Although this may seem like a fast, easy solution to your translation needs, keep in mind that Machines aren’t as accurate as humans

Who, and How Much? Cont’d.

• Before choosing, consider your budget for translationo This will help you determine which method of

translation you end up using

• Many companies charge for translation services by the word (or minute, for videos). Know the word count and length of video content before sending it for a quote

• Lionbridge onDemand makes this step easy with the use of our instant quotes. Just upload your project into our online portal, choose your target languages, and let the system do the rest

Tech Help

You may need some assistance…

4

Tech Help

• One thing that many translation companies provide is the help of technology in the form of:

o Portals such as the Lionbridge onDemand online portal make it simple to submit and track projects

o Connectors such as the Clay Tablet Connector through Lionbridge help to translate all content located in a content management system (CMS) such as Drupal, WordPress, or Sitecore

o Translation Software tools owned by translation companies help build and maintain glossaries and style guides for future translation projects

• The use of technologies offered by translation companies can be a great way to save time, money, and frustration during the overall translation process

Take the First Step!

Visit our website to learn more!