How to know if your Translator is Professional and Competent

By Anastassia Ash

10/23/01

  Choosing the right translator for your needs is half the battle in your successful communication with the other side.  The aim of this article is to gather all the tips and info that is out there and add my own ideas to help you along in this process.

  I am a professional English/Russian Translator/Interpreter/Teacher and I would like to share with you some info and tips on how to choose the most competent translator.  Throughout this article I will use the Russian and English languages in my examples, but the same concepts can apply for any two languages.

  Being bilingual is definitely not enough.

  It is very important to find a professional and experienced translator / interpreter for any language work if the need arises.  However, if we are talking about establishing a friendship with a Russian-speaking lady and moreover a relationship leading to marriage, these requirements become even more crucial.  The remainder of this article will be written with this situation in mind.

A professional Translator SHOULD:

1.       Have in-depth knowledge of the language, grammar, semantics, idioms, slang, proverbs, realities and syntax of both languages.

2.       Should be able to transfer (if asked) the structure of an English sentence into a similar Russian sentence structure.

3.       Should take into consideration the differences between American and British English.

4.       Should be impartial.

A professional Translator SHOULD NOT:

1.       Translate word for word, without regard for the idea of the sentence or paragraph as a whole.

2.       Use any on-line or computer automated translator.

The background and education of a Professional Russian Translator:

1.       Graduate from the following universities or institutes in Moscow (or other famous linguistic universities in other big cities, capitals):

a.       Moris Torez Institute of Foreign Languages or its branches.

b.       Moscow State University for International Relations (MGIMO).

c.       Lenin Pedagogical University

d.       Lomonosov Moscow State University.

2.       Their first language (other than their native tongue) should be English, their second one any other language.  If, for example, French is first and English is second, the quality will suffer (if you are looking for an English translation).

3.       Should be willing to actually show his/her diploma and CV.

4.       Should have some years of experience.

5.       Should be willing to explain how he/she really works, what methods he/she uses.

While working a 3-way call, its a good sign when your translator:

a.       Makes 2 parties feel comfortable talking to each other through this interpreter.

b.       Helps to ‘melt the ice’ between 2 parties.

c.       Gives true unbiased evaluation of a lady after the call.

d.       Explains to you anything again if you didn’t grasp it during the call.

Some additional desirable traits to look for:

1.       It's a big plus if your translator has actually lived in America to really understand all the cultural realities an American man lives in.  Your translator should understand and respect both cultures, and be ready to explain differences between them.

2.       If your translator has already been through the K1 Visa process and has made it to the US this way, he/she could be a valuable asset if it comes time to do the same yourself.  There are many details that need to be taken into account.  A wise translator will know how to avoid some steps to save time, where to get necessary documents, etc.

3.       Your translator should be ready to explain to your lady what awaits her here when she relocates to the US, including problems and how to overcome them.  For example, be able to explain what a ‘loan’ is or what ‘deductible’ is and how credit cards work etc.  These things are foreign to most Russians. 

4.       Your translator should in some way also function as a psychologist and a detective; be able to predict or detect any 'red flags' (signs that the other party may not be what he/she claims to be).  It helps that your translator is able to encourage or comfort, to clarify cultural misunderstandings, and not be afraid to do it more than once if need arises until both parties understand each other at the end.

5.       A good translator can help you to compose your first introductory letter, to prompt you how to target or attract more ladies.  You never get a second chance to make a first impression!

6.       It almost goes without saying that your translator should be good-mannered and friendly, ready to help any time and have reasonable prices with discounts for loyal customers.

7.       It is best to use one translator consistently for your 3 way calls, because you and your interpreter will get used to each other, the interpreter will know your particular situation better, and you will feel much more confident.  With this in mind, try to make your decision about an interpreter before you start doing 3-way calls. 

8.       Another good idea is to use one translator for your 3-way calls, and another for written work, should you find two translators with strengths in these areas.  Each should excel and be professional in his/her sphere of expertise.

Should you find such a Translator, you can enjoy the following benefits:

1.       The higher the quality of your translations, the fewer misunderstandings.  Even between couples who speak the same language, misunderstandings can ruin a relationship.  With a foreign language relationship, these problems can multiply.  You won't have to worry about this with the right translator.

2.       You won't have to simplify your letters, especially your introductory one.  You will be able to use your own style and it will come through as you.  Nothing about you will be 'lost in translation'.

3.       You should be able to receive your translations very fast... the same day or the next day.  When a budding relationship is moving forward, you don't want delays because of your translator.

The Translator versus the Agency

  Often I get questions about the merits of using a translation Agency rather than an individual Translator.  Much has been written about this subject, easily enough for another article.  I will attempt to summarize below in an unbiased manner the pros and cons:

1.       Fees from an agency are split between the agency itself and the translators it employs.  Some of the less reputable agencies take a large percentage of the fees, leaving little for the translators themselves.  As a result, agencies often employ less skilled and less experienced translators, who will work for less. On the other, hand, its cheaper.  In most cases, you will get what you pay for!

2.       It can be difficult to examine or verify the credentials of translators working for an agency.  With a private translator, your chances of getting a person with a vested interest in their own reputation rises substantially.  Thus, they are more forthcoming with establishing their credentials.

3.       A reliable agency, on the other hand, can offer you a more comprehensive service, including organizing conferences and large volume translation projects.  A reputable agency will not promise miracles however, such as filling a 100 page order in two days.  If you encounter such claims, run the other way. 

4.       If you have your own translator with whom you and your clients work well, is reliable, and above all knows what he/she is doing, then you've got it made.  Individual translators tend to pamper their good clients, as they have had plenty of experience with bad ones.  Nevertheless, it may happen that your favorite translator is ill, or has an excessive workload, and cannot meet your needs at times.  In such a case, most good translators have trustworthy colleagues they can recommend, or may even be able to point you towards a reliable agency.

   In closing, let me stress once more the importance of finding the right translator.  Look at it this way: 

  Your translator is your representative and your guide to the other side.  For the first few impressions, how the other side sees you will be shaped by how good your translator is.   Later on, the key to avoiding misunderstandings is good communication, and when you don't know the language, this part is up to your translator.  A great translator can be a cultural consultant, relationship advisor and your guide within a foreign culture.  Make the right choice!

  Anastassia A.