Mirela
A translation management system (TMS) is a great tool to use to streamline the translation process, but if you’re a business using such a software, you should know that a little bit of help on your part may still be needed. Such a case is when you have to share context.
If you want your translators to deliver translations that are accurate, culturally appropriate, and aligned with your brand’s voice, they need to understand the bigger picture. In this article, we will be explaining how to provide context so you can help translators understand the message you want to spread out into the world.
Ways to provide context to translators
First off, there are several ways to provide context, and you might have to use a combination of methods. Textual explanations are the most straightforward way to provide context. However, words alone may not always be enough to convey the full context; screenshots and images can provide translators with a visual understanding of where the text will appear.
In some cases, you may have to use multimedia elements like videos or audio recordings. This is often the case with translations that involve subtitles; providing the video alongside the text allows translators to match the timing and emotion of the speech. For digital products and software, interactive context like live demos/interactive mockups help translators experience the product or content in action.
Start by providing an overview
It’s important to give translators a brief overview of the project. Explain the purpose of the article, the target audience, and the specific goals you hope to achieve. For instance, if your content is intended to drive engagement or educate a particular group, this information will guide the translator in choosing the right tone and style. When they understand the intent behind the content, the translators are able to make informed decisions that go beyond word-for-word translation.
Provide related source materials
In addition to a project overview, provide any related source material. This could be anything from reference documents, previous translations, to a glossary of terms specific to your industry. Translators often deal with complex terminology, and having a predefined glossary ensures consistency across translations. Moreover, if your brand follows a particular style guide, do share this with the translator so they can maintain the desired tone.
Highlight key sections of the text
Some sections of the text may require special attention, so be sure to highlight them. Often, these include phrases that are critical to the brand’s messaging, culturally sensitive content, or sections where a literal translation might not convey the intended meaning. For example, idiomatic expressions or slogans often don’t translate directly into other languages.
State where the translation will be used
Finally, you also need to explain the context in which the translation will be used. Whether the article is intended for a blog, social media, or a formal publication, the platform can influence how the text should be translated. A blog post might allow for a more casual tone, while the content for your corporate website might require a formal approach.
Wrapping up
Now you know how to provide context to translators, editors, and reviewers. Regardless of the way (textual explanations or visual aids) you choose to do this, the goal remains the same: to give your team a clear understanding of the content’s purpose, audience, and intended use.