International organisations: 5 things to look for in an English translation specialist

For effective cross-cultural communication in the international development sector, you need a specialist linguist.

Do you work for an international organisation? Have you ever bought translation services from one-size-fits-all translation companies and come away feeling like you’ve missed out? That your organisation deserves so much more?

If you’re looking to boost the impact of your work, you need a strategic translation partner: an experienced specialist who listens to and understands your needs and requirements. These five questions will help you find out if a translator is the perfect match:

1. Do they know your audience?

You already know that cultural differences usually mean that something acceptable for one target audience may not have the same impact in another cultural/linguistic community. But does the translator actually understand who they’re translating for?

You need a freelance specialist who knows the development and humanitarian field inside out. A translator with expertise gained from years of experience in your sector; a reliable partner who can confidently communicate its complex concepts and terminology.

2. Can they write?

No, really. True professional translators are also skilled writers whose cultural and linguistic knowledge adds tangible value. Yes, being bilingual is amazing, but don’t risk spending vital income on robotic, word-for-word copy with no impact.

If your original language content was engaging and eloquent, you’ll want the English version to be equally so. Here’s where a translator with a writer’s skill set comes in.

With a truly professional translator, you have peace of mind that the translation will provide a showcase for your expertise.

3. Are they a problem solver?

Expert translators are problem solvers who thrive on meticulous attention to detail. They understand the international development sector’s pressures and are ready to offer solutions. They’ll listen to your concerns and give honest answers.

They’ll also be adept at unpacking tricky turns of phrase and ensuring technical terminology is accurate. With their strong research skills, the heavy lifting behind the scenes is done for you.

An experienced translator will make your job easier and guarantee the high standards you require.

4. Do they ask the right questions?

Invest in an excellent translator and you’ll benefit from an intelligent approach; a professional partner who cares about your values and reputation. Did you know that a trustworthy translator will read and research your texts more carefully than anyone? It’s true. And this in-depth reading should prompt inquisitive, relevant questions.

Does your organisation have a tone of voice and style that is unique? Your translator should be 100% on board with that.

A translator of this calibre will stay on message and provide reassuring, responsive support.

5. Do they care enough?

You care about achieving your goals, about protecting your reputation, and about making an impact. You don’t want to feel like your carefully produced content was translated on autopilot and delivered with a shrug, wasting your time and money.

With an organised approach, a professional translator will maintain a laser focus on demanding projects and will ensure any last-minute hiccups and weak spots are avoided.

They will dedicate time to reading about your organisation or your specific project or product, and their in-depth knowledge of the humanitarian and international development sector comes as standard.

What’s your biggest challenge when finding the right translator for your organisation? If you’re ready to work with a reliable, specialist English translation partner, let’s talk.

Hi! I’m Philippa

I take Spanish, French and Portuguese (and English!) content and transform it into snappy, fresh and 100% engaging English copy.

Want pithy English that gets straight to the point, while maintaining the ethos and impact of its original language? My clients rely on me for a genuine 1:1 working relationship, as a translation specialist who truly cares about your reputation. I think we could work well together, don’t you?