Google Translate is one of the most popular free Google services available today, and can translate up to 100 billion words every day into as many as 103 languages. Businesses all around the world rely on Google Translate to help them communicate with their international clients and customers. There are times, however, when a professional translation service might be a more appropriate means of translating documents. In this article, we’ll discuss when using the high-tech convenience of Google Translate is a good option and when is it better to call up a professional translator.
When to Utilize Google Translate
- You Need a Quick (and Brief) Translation
According to the Washington Post, this online language tool is getting more accurate in translating 5,000-character excerpts. This is equal to about 5 or 6 sentences. If you only have a small amount of copy in need of translation, Google Translate is a good option.
- You Are Traveling Abroad for Business or Pleasure
Take the online tool with you and use it anywhere in the world for instant, relatively general, translations. Download the application and use it right from your smartphone anywhere you have a good internet connection.
- Your Budget Is a Work in Progress
There may be a time when your translation budget really cannot handle the fees charged by a professional translation service. Here you might consider the extra time it takes to copy, paste, and edit short excerpts a good investment.
- If You Have Some Experience Using the Target Language
Google Translate is one of the easiest online tools to use across age groups and business industries, however many finished translations were found to have several missing words or awkward phrasing making it imperative to have at least some knowledge of the new language. If you have the ability to catch and correct mistakes made by the online translation service, it’s a great tool to use.
When to Hire a Professional Translator
- You Don’t Have the Time to Do the Translating Work Yourself
Imagine translating your entire project one short paragraph at a time. With Google Translate, you will need to copy and paste every 5 to 6 sentences into the online tool, copy and paste the translation into a new document, and finally, edit for language accuracy and meaning for the new audience. If you are prepared to do this amount of work and are dealing with a language you are familiar with, go for it. Otherwise, hire a professional translator to do the work for you. They can provide you with an accurate translation, and free you up to do other important business tasks.
Suggested: Is Google Translate Sufficient for Business, or Should You Hire a Professional Translator?
- Your Original Document Contains Personal or Secure Information
Like with all online tools and correspondence, consider not inputting secure information into the fields. Professional translators are held to a strict code of confidentiality and are trained to handle sensitive information with care. As such, hiring a tourism translation services would be the best option for companies concerned about security.
- If Your Work, Especially Global Marketing Projects, Would Be More Effective with Native Language Translation
Good translation companies are known for their preference of hiring native speakers with at least some cultural knowledge. This ensures translation transparency in the new language and has farther reaching benefits for your brand, including helping to increase website traffic and generate leads by using their SEO translation services.
There are several top translation companies that provide surprisingly affordable translation services. Shop around for a translation company to ensure that large projects and longer reports get translated accurately and in a lot less time.
short url:
