Our world is increasingly characterized by connectivism and linguistic and cultural similarities. However, even though we live in an age of globalization, where the differences between nations are lower than ever, and the paperwork required for international business expansion is easier to manage, most likely, your professional or personal activity will eventually require the services of a certified translation agency.
From the interpretation of legal texts to comprehensive website translations for commercial expansion, professional translation services can be essential for your activities and provide the necessary legal protections to continue your activities in foreign nations. Let’s assume, for example, that you are the manager of a company based in the UK, and your professional endeavors can no longer be achieved cost-effectively in your local area. In such a scenario, your main desire is likely to expand your range of services into a new market and tap into the preferences of demographics that your rivals have not yet reached.
The Right Call for Complex Use Cases
Business expansion is complex enough as it is, but one element that could make or break the success of your plans is the proper translation of your venture’s official documentation. To be admissible in court, provide legal protection, and leave no room for interpretation, your documentation will need to be professionally translated. In other words, you will require the specialization of a certified translation agency. Certified translators are more than just individuals skilled in foreign language interpretation.
Most often, they are specialists qualified to provide translations for texts related to specific fields and are familiar with field-specific jargon relevant to both your activity sector and your objective needs. Certified translators provide a level of accountability for their work that non-certified linguistic interpreters do not meet. Their work is recognized by national or international bodies, they guarantee translations via their reputation, and they prioritize data confidentiality. So, if you need the linguistic interpretation of official documentation, contacting such an agency should be your top priority.
The Differences Between Unlicensed Translators and Certified Ones
Documents translated by a certified translation agency will come with a legally binding certification statement that attests to the overall accuracy of the document and makes it admissible in court. Additionally, in some countries, like Spain, the official validation of the document will be done with a stamp, as are the ones provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Not least, the documentation will be accompanied by the contact details of the translation agency and the completion date for the quality assurance certificate.
Non-certified translations lack these formal guarantees and, therefore, do not benefit from the same type of judicial protection. Sure, the work might still be accurate, usable, and relevant to your specific use cases. However, in legal disputes, its use will be inadequate. Certified translators have the expertise needed to handle translations of official documents, are internationally recognized, follow strict confidentiality protocols for the papers dealt with, and, most importantly, are legally responsible for the accuracy of the provided work.
What Does It Mean to be ISO 17100-Certified?
ISO 17100:2015 is an international quality standard published and managed by the International Organization for Standardization, which is primarily applicable to national or international agencies offering professional translation services. Firms that are ISO 17100 certified follow strict guidelines regarding the methodology used in providing commercial translation services and implement a distinct framework for the separation of internal responsibilities, all to minimize the risk of translation errors.
International agencies that obtain their ISO-17100 certification utilize well-defined translation steps to maximize the accuracy of the documents provided to clients. ISO-17100-certified translation agencies only hire linguists with the professional training necessary to handle high-importance documentation. On top of that, they follow strict guidelines regarding the use of CAT tools in the final output of translation work. Yes, even the most competent and reputable certified translation agency will occasionally use computer-assisted technologies in processing texts provided by clients. It’s a consequence of technological development.
However, the difference is that the use of these tools will be sporadic, and the final draft of the translation work will always be reviewed by linguists specialized in the specific field covered in the documentation provided. The ISO-17100 certification, at least in the translation services industry, has become synonymous with accuracy. Therefore, agencies that adhere to this international standard are known for their professionalism and high-quality services.
When Should You Look for Certified Translations?
Certified translations are more expensive than those provided by non-licensed linguists who are not nationally or internationally recognized. However, in some instances, certified text translations may be a legal necessity essential to your objective requirements. Are you planning, for example, to continue your professional activity in a new European country? Then, if your immigration paperwork is not presented in a language used in the nation you are applying to, you will need to use the services of an agency that offers internationally recognized translation services.
Yes, in some cases, your official application can be accompanied by a multilingual standard form. But, in most instances related to immigration applications, your birth certificate or passport will need to be presented in a language officially used by that country. Beyond immigration documents, the services of certified translation agencies will be necessary if you require official foreign language interpretations of affidavits, legally binding contracts, academic diplomas, or shareholder agreements. In short, all lawfully binding or official documents can only be translated by certified agencies.
It’s a Financially Advantageous Solution
The monetary benefits of a certified translation agency may not be immediately noticeable. However, in the long run, they might prove to be one of the most economically advantageous decisions you’ll ever make. Certified translations are not always cheap, but they are used for the linguistic interpretation of legally binding documentation. That’s not something to dismiss, as a mistake in the translation of such paperwork can not only potentially lead to financial troubles but also waste your time, as you would have to explain your case in foreign courts. Moreover, in the case of a translation error by a non-licensed agency, your case will likely be dismissed, as your documentation will not be officially recognized.
Certified translations come with a quality assurance guarantee and can be used for both personal and professional purposes. Yes, for small-stakes translations, such as interpreting short advertising texts for a digital marketing campaign, the services of non-licensed translators might be appropriate. However, for documentation that might impact the legality of your endeavors or significantly affect your long-term profits, certified translation work will be essential. Is it always cheap? No. But the alternative, if something goes wrong, will be far costlier.
