Find a Translator
Where to Get Documents Translated
Increasingly, the federal government has demonstrated their accommodation to those who do not speak the English language. For example, the federal government has begun printing Federal documentation in other languages besides English.
Legal translators are becoming more in demand every day. Multi-country and multilingual legal translation services are especially needed, as having a legal language professional who can identify the nuances of a contract in a foreign language is an invaluable asset to any organization or government entity.
Keep these steps in mind when searching for a translator:
- Know when you need a qualified translator
- Understand the importance of working with a qualified translator
- Know where to look for a qualified translator
Determine if you require a translator
You will need a translator if:
- Your customers don’t communicate well in English
- If you’re required by law
Finding the right service
To identify the right kind of service for your customers, there are several aspects you need to consider:
- Are there explicit requirements that need to be considered when selecting your translator, such as culture, race or ethnicity?
- Is the interpreter qualified for the position?
- What is the primary language used by your customers?
More resources
Knowing how to choose the correct translation agency can be tough. Check out these pointers for selecting a translation company to work with and these foreign language translation tips to do it right the first time.
Translation services vary in their specialties. Knowing exactly what to look for will exponentially help your search.
Identifying your company’s needs will most certainly help you when you’re picking the right translator for the job.
Translator Resources
The American Translators Association — ATA is a professional association founded to advance the translation and interpreting professions and foster the professional development of individual translators and interpreters. ATA offers a certification exam that allows translators to demonstrate that they meet certain standards of the translation profession to provide certified translation services. Its over 10,000 members in more than more than 100 countries include translators, interpreters, teachers, project managers, web and software developers, language company owners, hospitals, universities, and government agencies.
The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters & Translators—NAJIT has a comprehensive resource guide on their site. The organization promotes the highest professional standards in legal interpretation and translation.
The Institute of Translation and Interpreting—This organization has a very helpful “Advice to Buyers” resource, available to download in 11 diffhttps://www.iti.org.uk/language-services/advice-to-buyers%2520erent languages. The guide is aimed at reducing the stress in finding the right translation solution and getting the most out of your translation budget.
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – This is a national organization that encourages a rational and humane criminal justice policy for America with fairness to all, and this link presents an Interpreter Checklist for attorneys that covers all the bases for using interpreters – both for in-court and out of court functions.
Modern Language Association – MLA has an extensive article for anyone dealing with the evaluation of translations as scholarship and the guidelines for peer review and procedures. The MLA is a leading advocate for the study and teaching of languages and literature and serves as a knowledge and professional resource for teachers and scholars.
Finding the right type of legal translator doesn’t have to be a challenge. However, understanding the needs of your business or agency will aid you during your search. Keep in mind, cultural awareness will play a major key in which translator or translation agency you choose.