Hiring a native speaker has always been one of the main objectives of many clients. However, it is currently a debatable issue that comprises different opinions and logics.
No doubt human translation poses a more accurate choice to translate a document; similarly, native language translations will be the most accurate version of the document where a native linguist will have that sense and intuition for their mother tongue; with no grammar or spelling mistakes.
In addition to being their mother tongue, native translators are as well educated to be translators which give them further knowledge and understanding to translate a document efficiently; while being aware of language styles and usages.
Sometimes you want to translate a document of rare language pair, where you wouldn’t find easily a native translator or interpreter. In this case, you’d try to find the most competent who is not a native, but can offer competent language translation.
Even if you are demanding human translation for a common language pair, it is now argued that non natives can be as competent as natives.
Who is a native translator?
Well, this doesn’t have a standard answer!
Because people are continuously moving from one country to another, it is very hard to classify translators as natives because they were just born in a certain area, and to classify others as non natives while they might have spent half of their lives in the same country.
Another valid point is the fact that specialized translations like legal or technical language translations need translators who had learnt these specific types and are fully aware of the terminology and uses; which again gives an edge to qualified non native speakers.
However non native speaker might not be born as natives but has the knowledge and experience to translate a document efficiently and provide human translation with zero spelling or punctuation mistakes.
In addition to the fact that those non natives of the target language fact might be native of the source language; this makes them almost equally competent.
Understanding the source language hints and connotations are very crucial especially in some documents like for example, movies, videos, documentaries, sales and marketing materials, among other documents.
EgyTranscript is one of the leading agencies in Arabic English translation and vice versa; this gives us the edge that Arabic is the mother tongue of our non native linguists.
This is what we really master; we have long experience in translating different kinds of documents that need thorough understanding of both the source and target languages.
When to hire a professional translators
While native translators are often preferred for their innate understanding of the nuances of their language, there are situations where non-native translators may be a viable option. Here are some examples:
High proficiency in the source language: If a non-native translator has a high level of proficiency in the source language, they may be able to provide a high-quality translation. For instance, if they have lived in a country where the source language is spoken or have studied it extensively, they may have a deep understanding of its grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
Expertise in the subject matter: Non-native translators with expertise in the subject matter of the text can provide valuable insight and knowledge that native speakers may lack. For instance, a non-native translator with a background in finance may be better suited to translate financial documents than a native speaker who lacks financial knowledge.
No available native translators: In some cases, there may simply not be enough native translators available with the required language pair and subject matter expertise. In such cases, a non-native translator with strong language skills and relevant experience may be the best available option.
Why hire native professionals
Hiring native professional translators has several advantages. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider working with native professionals for your translation needs:
Innate understanding of the language: Native speakers have an innate understanding of their language, including its nuances, idioms, and cultural references. This allows them to produce translations that accurately convey the intended meaning of the source text.
Familiarity with local dialects and variations: Native speakers are also familiar with the dialects and regional variations of their language. This is important when translating content for specific target audiences, as it allows the translator to choose the appropriate language and terminology for the intended audience.
Cultural sensitivity: Translations are not just about words, they are also about culture. Native translators have a deep understanding of the cultural context in which the language is used, which allows them to ensure that the translated content is culturally appropriate and sensitive.
Higher quality translations: Hiring a native professional translator can help ensure that the translation is of high quality and accuracy. Native translators have a deep understanding of the language and are able to produce translations that are free of errors in grammar, style, and tone.
Improved communication: When working with a native professional translator, communication is often smoother and more effective. They can easily understand your needs and requirements and provide feedback and suggestions in a timely manner.
In summary, hiring native professional translators can lead to higher quality translations that are culturally appropriate and sensitive. They have a deep understanding of the language and can produce translations that accurately convey the intended meaning of the source text.
Ensure high-quality and culturally appropriate translations by hiring native professional translators who have a deep understanding of the language, regional variations, and cultural context. Invest in training and development, project management, and quality assurance processes to continually improve your services and provide effective communication with your clients.