It goes without saying that every translation job is different. Every translation project presents its own unique challenges because every client has their own unique set of requirements. So, what can translators do to ensure that a translation project goes smoothly from beginning to end? The answer to this question is very simple: ask your client the right questions!

Don’t ever be shy about asking questions about a translation job. New translators may be concerned that asking questions could highlight their inexperience or lack of training, but that would be quite wrong. The truth is that most clients prefer that you ask questions – smart questions – because it reassures the client that the translator is a professional whose aim is to get the translation job done right. And, because every translation job is different, it’s a good rule of thumb to double-check details if something is not quite clear. Who knows, you could well discover some important detail that hasn’t even occurred to the client!

Obviously, you need to be a little cautious here and not bother the client with many pointless questions that you didn’t really need to ask. Use your common sense to avoid wasting your clients time, and for this purpose, we suggest you have a short checklist at hand.

Can my question be answered online, or elsewhere?

Is this an issue I’ve encountered before?

Can I answer this question by perusing the reference material given to me by the client, or might this information be available on their website?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then you’re probably capable of resolving these issues by yourself. However, if you’re still confused or concerned, then you need to communicate with your client.

Questions You Ask Your Client Might Include –

What’s the Target Audience?

This is a very important question because it can significantly impact the way a translator handles a translation. If you’re translating technical documents for engineers to study, you need to be careful that you don’t patronise them and waste time explaining information they’re already familiar with; whereas if you’re translating a market brochure which advertises a brand new product, then your job is to introduce new terms and ideas simply and clearly, making sure no-one gets left behind. This question can sometimes be answered by considering the style of which the text is written in the source language, including the manner in which it’s presented – covering things like content, layout, or the probable context in which it will be read. Again, if you’re unsure and you’re not confident in the decisions you make, communicate with your client and ask for advice.

In What Format Will The File Be Output?

In some instances, the answer is as easy as looking at the source type file, but this is not always the case. A business could first produce content using a word processor with the intention of transferring it to DTP or web design software later, and if you’re confident and qualified you could well add value to your translation by saving them the effort and time of doing so. On the other hand, you could receive a package from a translation agency to be translated using a CAT tool and then exported to Word or a different format.