Translation agencies play a crucial role in bridging the communication gap between people from different countries. As a translation agency Singapore based provider specialises around language, it is important to remember that not all languages are equal. In fact, there are many languages that have a rather big difference when spoken by a native and a non-native speaker.
While English may be one of Singapore’s 4 official languages, that does not mean that it is the only language spoken here. The majority of Singaporeans speak Chinese dialects at home. We also have a large number of Malays and Indians with roots in vernacular languages.
When it comes to translation, the end product should not only be grammatically correct; it must maintain cultural consistency as well. If these elements are disregarded, the resulting translation may even be offensive or incomprehensible to those who speak that language as a first or dominant language.
Thus, when you approach the agency for their fees and deadlines, be sure to ask them about what they will do beyond just literal translation. Will the translator check for cultural correctness? How complete is your source material? Have all colloquialisms been retained? These factors determine how much revision might be needed after the final draft has been submitted and completed. Of course, this can also affect the due date.
Finally, there are many stories of people who have used services like translators for hire in Singapore to complete their translation tasks. Be warned; you need to be sure that they are reliable and will not disappear with your money or take your work hostage unless you pay up.
When working with a translation agency in Singapore, it is good to ask them how they ensure the accuracy and consistency of their Chinese translations. Here are some tips on what you should look out for when hiring a translation company:
Translation agencies may say that there is no difference between English and Mandarin or Cantonese but ask them why that is. The answer would show whether they truly understand the context of language use in Singapore’s multi-cultural society. If the person giving the answer says “Mandarin is essentially Mandarin regardless of who speaks it”, then chances are, you might want to reconsider your choice. This response shows ignorance about people whose first language is not Mandarin speaking amongst themselves in their native tongue.
Another important point is to get the opinion of a translation agency in Singapore on whether an equivalent English term can be used when translating from one dialect into another. Look out for whether the agency understands that just because two words have the same meaning, does not necessarily mean they are interchangeable. Sometimes some phrases or idioms may only exist in a specific language and cannot be translated using a direct equivalent from another language. To give an example, while “想念” has the same meaning as “miss”, one cannot substitute it with “missing you”.
While these tips might seem like basic knowledge, some agencies still fail to understand this. In such cases, do not hesitate to quiz them on their understanding of how languages differ according to who is speaking them. Remember that they are the experts in this field and they should know better than you what to look for in a translation agency in Singapore.
When working with a translation agency, it is important to be aware of the differences between languages. Not all languages are equal and some translations may not be as straightforward as one might think. It is also important to ask the translation agency about their understanding of Singapore’s multi-cultural society and how they ensure accuracy in their translations.If you are looking for a translation agency that understands the intricacies of Singapore’s multi-cultural society and can provide accurate translations, look no further than Elite Asia: https://www.eliteasia.co/. Contact them today for a free consultation!
