At ad Astra Translatører we don’t just do translation. We also advise our clients about all the processes associated with communication that cuts across languages and cultures – whether the purpose is marketing or accreditation with the authorities. Sometimes we also advise our clients not to have all the copy they send us translated. So it’s worthwhile reading up here.
Advice on corporate translation needs
When companies experience a mounting need for translation, either due to growth, amalgamations or a desire to consolidate their purchasing, ad Astra Translatører are happy to help.
A typical consultancy assignment for us involves helping to collect all a company’s translation requirements in one place. We help identify the need for translation and the different purposes there may be for having texts translated. Some things need translating for the company website, others for use at trade fairs, and still others company documentation needed for foreign authorities and business connections. Once we have a helicopter view of your requirements, we can find the right solution and mix of skill-sets.
Some of the questions typically asked are:
- When should technical solutions like translation memory be used?
- How should texts be prepped before being translated?
- What is the need for certified and legalized translation?
- How to work with your Danish text production to standardize communications?
- Must the text be adapted to international conditions, or can the same content be used in Danish and other languages?
- Should our company have an in-house linguist or are we best off outsourcing it all?
- Should our company have access to the translation agency’s translation memory, to allow us to easily switch suppliers?
- Does a translation job need to be put out to tender and, if so, how should the specification requirements be made up?
Advice on the company’s language policy
As Danes, we take a fairly casual approach to many things, including written greetings, salutations and forms of address.
But how about English? Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely, Yours truly, With best wishes – or what? And do all members of staff have to sign off the same way?
We help companies to set rules governing linguistic use in English and other languages. This can be anything from boilerplate formulations, date formats, letterheads and employees’ titles. You need to decide whether to communicate in British or American English; and the difference needs to be spelled out clearly so that everyone is on board. We can all write English to some degree, but communications reflect the company’s public image, so it’s important to write correctly and to adopt a uniform house style. We call it a language policy, but it also goes under the name of a style guide or language guidelines.
We also offer our clients a terminology list or glossary, which the company can use as an in-house lexicon. That not only helps us to stick to the same terminology but also provides the company with a reference work for internal use. As we translate more texts for the company, the list is gradually expanded, to the benefit of everyone.
With a term list and a language policy your company will be well equipped to communicate professionally. We’re also happy to take a look at your use of Danish and come up with recommendations to improve everything from punctuation and stylistic register to clearer use of your working language(s), whether Danish or English.
Once we’ve agreed on the proposed language policy, we like to hold a short course for the key communicators in the company, either at our central Copenhagen premises or at your home site. After that, the company can purchase extra hands-on consultancy and proofreading on an hourly basis. It’s a sound yet inexpensive investment towards creating a professional look. And whichever way you look at it, the written language is your way of interfacing with your clients.
Advice on buying translation
We have more than 20 years’ experience of servicing corporate and private clients, and public authorities. We’re keen to share that experience with clients, creating the best experience for our clients while enabling us to deliver a product that matches their specific purpose.
For general translation-related enquiries, therefore, we have drawn up a check list for purchasing translation. The aim is to make the process as flexible and efficient as possible. The check list brings together our answers to typical questions and a number of useful tips to save you time and money. This advice is free to you. What’s more, you’ll be prepared to answer any questions we fire at you when you call or write to us.
See the check list here.
Advice about legalization and certification
Get the low-down on certified translation and legalization here.