Challenges of Translation: The Needs of The Client

When providing certified document translation services in Singapore, one may tend to focus on the act of translation itself, looking directly to the text and translating it to the requested language. This may sound fine on its own but doing so neglects the fact that language is fluid; a word can have multiple meanings depending on the context, and a sentence can imply dramatically different things depending on where in a paragraph it is used. More importantly, a translator focusing entirely on the act of translation is overlooking a crucial factor: the intent of the client.

Whether they be a single person or an organization, clients rarely request for a document to be translated solely to be read by the clients themselves. Frequently, there is a purpose behind that request and a recipient other than the client. If a PR application translation was requested, then the translated documents are meant to be read by government officials for the purpose of gaining Permanent Residency in a country. If legal translation services are requested, then the translator or translation company in question are expected to be familiar with legal terminology in both languages associated with the language.

Even if the text to be translated is not meant for purposes associated with important institutions, one must still consider its target audience, especially if it is meant to be reproduced in large quantities. Is it a book meant largely for classrooms? Then the language used should be formal but not too complicated for the students. Does the text include direct quotations from various peoples for the purpose of promoting travel to a particular country? Then in the process of providing a translation service for this document, one must also attempt to match the tone of each quote’s speaker. While texts like these may not be as crucial as those submitted to governing authorities, the sheer volume of copies that will be distributed to numerous readers allows a paid job to also function as subtle advertising for the quality of one’s translation services, an opportune moment of dual-purpose that a certified translation company in Singapore would gladly seize.

Ultimately, whether a text is to go through a notarized translation and become an official submitted-to-government document or is simply to be a product for a more commercial enterprise, understanding the client’s preferences and requirements are crucial for the translation of a document to be a success. Back-and-forth communication is mandatory to accurately provide what a client wants, but of course being able to understand earlier what they want and provide it to them more quickly is also an essential skill. If one wishes to be known as a dependable provider of certified translation services in Singapore, then it is key for them to understand and address the needs of the client.