It takes more than just the ability to understand two languages.

Professional translators and interpreters have the education, experience, and expertise to understand the nuances in one language and transfer them to another. The right professional will have solid knowledge of your industry and will know how to culturally adapt your content for the target audience you are trying to reach. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it counts.

Professional translators and interpreters can help you reach more customers, grow your business, and improve your bottom line.

Can I afford to hire a professional?

You can't afford NOT to. Getting your message wrong can cost money, ruin your image, and even cost lives. Whether you’re having a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign translated or need an interpreter to communicate treatment options between a doctor and patient, it pays to hire a professional to get the job done right.

Instead of hiring a professional, this restaurant used machine translation and did not realize the result was an error message.

Understanding what’s at stake

ATA publishes articles to illustrate why it is critical to hire qualified translators and interpreters.

The Importance of Hiring Qualified Technical Translators

By ATA Compass | January 24, 2017

Occasionally, an enterprise client comes to our firm for post-translation help. The scenario usually looks like this: they needed a technical text translated, they had someone in the company fluent in the target language, and they decided to save money by having their bilingual colleague perform the translation. This rarely ends well. The reason? Translation of technical texts requires much…

To Translate or Not to Translate? 5 Tips for Knowing When You Need Professional Translation

By ATA Compass | November 28, 2016

“A little knowledge goes a long way.” That’s what Michael, the owner of a fast-growing company, said to his business partner when discussing the process of taking their U.S. success into international markets. His partner couldn’t agree more. Sales were up, and they both knew why. Michael had decided to have his sales training materials translated and adapted for each…

Global Expansion Can Be Hindered without Proper Translation Services

By ATA Compass | October 14, 2016

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the Atlanta metro area, 146 languages are spoken at home. As more businesses expand globally, it is no surprise that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of interpreters and translators will grow 29% from 2014 to 2024—much faster than the average for all occupations. Translation solutions and language services are vital…

Legal Risks in Translations: Hanging On Every (Foreign) Word

By ATA Compass | October 5, 2016

Janel and her business partner Kevin go all in on their wearable-tech startup. They even get foreign patents translated into English to make sure there are no conflicts with their idea. Three years later, when their products are finally hitting the shelves, they receive a cease and desist letter. One of the Japanese patents that they had translated is now…

The High Cost of Cheap Translation

By ATA Compass | August 3, 2016

Why You Shouldn’t Skimp When Leaping the Language Barrier You pay for the best product development and manufacturing. Your legal and administrative people are top-notch. You choose your advertising and marketing partners with utmost care. And then you pick the lowest bidder for your translations. There’s a good chance you’ve just made a costly mistake. Size Does Not Mean Quality…

5 Tips for Taking Your Business Global

By ATA Compass | July 19, 2016

The Coca-Cola Company is the leading beverage maker in China’s $69 billion soft drink market, but the story might have been quite different if it weren’t for some smart and localized brand management at the very beginning of its foray into the country. Protecting the company’s valuable trademark was a high priority when Coca-Cola began to expand outside the United…

Why Hire an ATA Member?

ATA members have a commitment to continuing education and are held to the highest professional standards. Feel secure knowing if you’re hiring an ATA member, you’re hiring the best in the business.

Expertise

ATA plays a crucial role in helping members pursue the knowledge and skills necessary to help clients reach their goals. Through their membership in ATA, translators and interpreters signal the importance they place on professional education in the service of their clients.

Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility

ATA members share a commitment to the ethical business practices that hold their services accountable to the highest possible standards. ATA's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility is the basis for a member's honest, confidential, and responsible interaction with clients.

It’s easy

ATA’s Language Services Directory is the largest of its kind in the world. It’s free to use and lets you customize a search for translators, interpreters, and companies that meet your requirements.

Find a Professional Translator or Interpreter

When you are committed to quality, the language professional you need is an ATA member.

Explore ATA's Client Assistance Resources

Reach new audiences, communicate with confidence, and gain a competitive edge with the help of a language professional.
Client Assistance
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Translator vs. Interpreter: What's the difference?
Translator vs. Interpreter
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ATA offers free guides to help you navigate the process of hiring and working with a professional translator or interpreter.
Buying Language Services
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Want to reach more customers, grow your business, and improve your bottom line? Learn how language professionals can help.
The ATA Compass
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ATA certification is a respected credential, providing evidence of the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a quality translation.
Why Hire an ATA-Certified Translator®?
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What is Machine Translation?
Machine Translation
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ATA's Language Services Directory makes it easy to connect with professional translators and interpreters who are ready to assist you.
Find a Translator or Interpreter Near You
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Discover how professional language services experts can bridge linguistic gaps and facilitate seamless communication.
Exploring Translation and Interpreting Services
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Know Your Rights to Language Access
Know Your Rights to Language Access
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Find the translator or interpreter that meets your needs. Customize your search by language, specialties, location, credentials, and more.
Language Services Directory
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Understand the common uses and requirements of a certified translation and download sample statements.
What is a Certified Translation?
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When it comes to effective communication across languages, the expertise of a certified translator or interpreter can make all the difference.
Why You Should Use a Certified Translator or Interpreter
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If you have an applicant’s certification number, use this tool to verify their certification and language pair(s).
Verify ATA-Certified Translator® Status
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