Term consistency in document translations – how important is it?

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Just as there is more than one way of saying something in English, there is more than one way of saying something in other languages.  The meanings are the same, but the style, character length and other features may vary. Sometimes, when it comes to corporate branding or general client preferences, there is a need to standardize terms used in foreign languages. The most common example is the need to have consistency between product manual terms and marketing material.  It might not be possible to standardize every word, but “key words” can certainly be taken into account in translations.   Read more

BURG Translations client review policy and process

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The option for a client to collaborate with us on a translation, called Client Review, is recommended in all circumstances. Client Review is important because:  

  • it helps better meet client expectations of style and terminology
  • it provides domain-specific and localized input that the client has special access to
  • it better manages expectations by involving a knowledgeable reviewer from a client resource

Read more

How translation companies manage to translate many languages a day

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Due to the nature of language services, it is rare that a client requires the service of one language pair only. Procurement officers and inquisitive clients often wonder how a company like BURG Translations in Chicago could possibly supply hundreds of languages to nationwide hospital networks and large multinational companies every day. Below is our secret (and how the whole industry works).  Read more

How to reasonably predict the time and cost to complete a translation project

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A lot of our clients depend on our services regularly.  Something we do to streamline our collaboration is share statistical heuristics that can help predict the value of their regular work and when they can expect us to deliver.  In practice, computers are used to analyze every word of content and produce a valuation down to the penny. Since only our team have access to all the tools and detailed training, heuristics were developed to improve transparency and collaboration.  In this article, we will dissect these heuristics and help you predict the value and time required to deliver translations of standard Word documents. The sections of this article are as follows:  Read more

What does quality assurance look like for a translation project

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Some clients ask how a translation project can have quality assurance and how that differs from “rereading” the translation.  Quality assurance is actually much more than checking text and is actually considered separate from reviewing the text because the reviewer needs to be a specialist translator, while the rest of the quality assurance activities do not require linguistic capabilities.  Below is how we break down quality assurance: Read more

Your file’s journey through the translation process

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Not every client wants to know what exactly a language service provider (LSP) does when translating a typical document.  Other clients think they already know. We want to be as transparent as possible – including posting our processes on our website.  Below is a simplified look of every activity in a typical translation project: Read more

Variations in application of the ISO 17100 to a translation company

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About 80% of the time we get the opportunity to earn the business of a new client it is because they were hurt by another language service provider (LSP).  While all LSPs offer the same service, few explain how they do it. As a result, the quality of the translations can vary significantly. Is the translation good? Is it basically Google Translate? Is the right terminology being used?

We interviewed our own ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 auditor to learn how LSPs can possibly offer such variable work if we’re all certified to the same standard.  Below is a summary of the answer: Read more

Application of the principles of the ISO 9001 quality management system to a translation company

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19% of LSPs are certified in the ISO 9001.  As a professional services industry that is driven by process and can create substantial business risk for its clients, this statistic should be concerning to its clients.  Anecdotally, the most common reason I’ve heard for language service providers (LSPs) to forgo the certification is the lack of return on investment (ROI). While it might be difficult to quantify some sources of ROI, the access it provides to clients who are also certified in the ISO 9001 could be reason enough.  This article will focus on the application of the principles of the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system to BURG Translations. Below are the principles: Read more

A language guide for clients

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Technically, there are over 4,000 languages spoken in the world.  We have found that it can be very helpful for clients to know just a few basics about some languages to make translation projects more understandable.  Translation requests are mostly broken down into three kind:  Read more

When to get involved in a translation project

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Most buyers of translation services prefer not to be involved in the translation project.  In some cases, this approach is perfectly fine and will not affect the outcome of the project.  However, like tailoring a suit, or in any other personalized professional service, the buyer can benefit greatly by participating – particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness.  This article will define when it makes sense for buyers to participate in a translation project. The criteria in a project are: Read more