If translating into and from Arabic is hard due to the linguistic differences between the two languages, then finding the right freelance translator is harder. That is simply because not all native speakers can translate. We have discussed before how translating into Arabic is more than just conveying meaning. It’s about the cultural nuances and the real adaptation of the whole context.
Translators on the other hand, like any other professionals can vary in their skills and knowledge. Translation itself as a profession has a low entry barrier, which is why we find many freelance translators out there who think they can translate everything accurately.
In this article, we are going to dive deep into the most important characteristics that must be found in a good translator. This article aims to make your mission easier to find the perfect freelance translator for your project. It doesn’t matter what project; the translator is the cornerstone of this project.
Here are some useful tips:
- Translation is a specialized field. No translator knows all fields. So a “know it all” translator is not really what they think they are. Specialization means quality and meeting customers’ expectations. It also means the translator can deliver on time due to their familiarity with the terminology in that particular field.
- Specialization is not only required as the domain of work but also as an academic requirement. Yes, you don’t need a master’s degree to be a freelance translator, but having a degree is a big asset. Mastering both languages means mastering grammatical rules, sentence structure, etc. Translation requires high linguistic skills, it is therefore a specialty for those who have reached advanced levels in a language.
- The desire to specialize in the field of translation or an internal motivation to pursue this career. We can’t stress enough the importance of having a motivated translator who doesn’t look at your project just as another financial opportunity. That is because translation is a hard and mentally exhausting job, but if the translator has the right motive, this will be achieved greatly.
- A good freelance translator has a strong attention to detail. They will ask you many questions before and during their work. Not because they are confused or unskilled, but because they want to make sure they have the right context and convey the intended message accurately. So next time you hire a translator, keep this in mind. Linguistic details matter too as the following example from Arabic shows:
- Paying attention to punctuation marks and every single letter, especially in the Arabic language, where the meaning may change, such as the sentence (أهو الشخص الذي تبحث عنه؟) meaning “Is this the person you are looking for!?” and the sentence”هو الشخص الذي تبحث عنه ” meaning “This is the person you are looking for!?”. The first is a question, while the second is a statement.
- A good freelance translator is also a good listener. This doesn’t only apply to the linguistic aspects, but also to the interaction with you as a client with the translator. If they are listening attentively to your specific needs, they are keen to offer the best. This is true in certain fields of translations, but not all. For example, in medical or legal fields, translation must be very straightforward as there is no room for creativity. Whereas, in the marketing, and literary fields, “a translation is a creator”.
- Finally, always check the translator’s portfolio and reviews. Examining their previous work will give you insight into their expertise. We even recommend consulting with a linguist ( preferably a native speaker) before deciding to ensure a translator is a good fit for your project.
So, to sum it up: know your project needs, ask questions, give reasonable deadlines, budget wisely, and choose someone who communicates well. Following these tips will help you avoid the headaches of poor translation and make sure your project is in safe hands. Besides, wouldn’t it be nice to sit back, relax, and trust that you’ve found the right freelance translator for the job?
At LinguBest, we specialize in Arabic-to-English and English-to-Arabic translation services ensuring accuracy in different fields. Visit our translation services page or contact us today to see how we can assist you with your next project.