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.
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.
What is Transcription and Why Does it Matter?
Why audio and video transcription are important tools for translation and beyond What do transcription and translation have in common? (Besides starting with the same five letters.) Like translation, transcription services help people access content. But what exactly is transcription? In short, anything that gets you from speech to text. It can range from normal text documents to time-stamped summaries…
Read MoreVRI vs VSI Interpreting: A Guide for Language Service Users
Today, providing language access services, whether through document translation or interpretation services, is no longer just a luxury; they are often required by law or in the best interest of an organization’s bottom line, making effective communication more important than ever. As businesses expand their global reach, educational institutions embrace diverse student bodies, and healthcare providers serve multicultural communities, the…
Read MoreGuide to Buying Translation Services, Part II: Working with a Translator
Working with a Translator Properly preparing to work with a translator is key to a positive outcome. The more information you are able to provide upfront, the more successful your collaboration will be. Follow the guidelines below to get started. 1) Identify your Target Audience What language do they speak? Where do they live? Where are they from? What is…
Read MoreGuide to Buying Translation Services, Part I: Finding and Choosing a Translator
Translators help power the global economy, working with businesses, governments, non-profits and individuals. They are an integral part of global communication. Translators work with the written word, adapting text from one language to another. The American Translators Association (ATA) has developed a Guide to Buying Translation Services as a resource to help clients identify, select and work with translators. Finding…
Read MoreInclusive Language Speaks to Everyone
When it comes to your marketing strategy, it’s important that your content speaks to as many people as possible. A powerful way to achieve this is to ensure that you use inclusive language. Translating your messages into other languages is a great way to make them more accessible. But knowing your audience and speaking to them in their language, both…
Read MoreDemystifying the Difference Between Simplified Chinese vs. Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese vs. Traditional Chinese, Mandarin vs. Cantonese⏤there are plenty of myths and misconceptions when it comes to the Chinese language. Many such misconceptions even persist in the language services industry, where seasoned language services providers (LSPs) make factual mistakes that they could avoid with a little more knowledge (and asking the right questions). One such misconception: Simplified characters are…
Read MoreWhy 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.
The ATA Compass
Our outreach publication provides up-to-date information and resources about the translating and interpreting industry.
What's the difference?
Translators do the writing. Interpreters do the talking. ATA helps you find the right language professional.
Can't a computer do all this?
There are times when machine translation is useful, and times when it's not. Learn when to use Google Translate, and when to hire a professional.