How to manage a translation project?

• Choose a translator who has previous experience in your subject area.
• Select a translator accredited by the National Authority of Accredited Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
• Decide which part of the text has to be remained in English, graphic, colour code, output format (bromide, film, computer file format), etc.
• When briefing the translator, make sure they know which part of the text has to be left in English, any typing instruction, size of output, etc.
• Even for a small job, allow about one week so that the translators can do the translation in their own pace.
• Use a graphic designer who has worked with foreign language project before.
• Laying out foreign language text can be more time consuming, especially if there is table or column involved. Make sure you allow enough time for the graphic designer to do a proper job.
• If the budget allows, allow for community checking and back-translation.

MMM undertake translation of over a million words of all languages each year. Each project is looked after by a project manager. We put in 4 internal checking process to ensure accuracy. For quotation, please ring or e-mail us.

We handle all languages including: Arabic, Armenian, Assyrian, Bosnian, Cantonese, Croatian, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Macedonian, Mandarin, Maltese, Turkish and over 50 other languages.

Here are a few tips to bear in mind when using an interpreter:

• Always choose interpreters with professional accreditation from a recognised Institute
  who adhere to a strict code of ethics. Interpreters have an obligation under the Code to maintain confidentiality.
• Freelance interpreters accept appointments from interpreter referral services, government, MPs, Law Courts, businesses. You may not be able to have the same interpreter every time.
• It is important if you use interpreters regularly to develop a relationship with individual professionals.
• Book for an interpreter two or more weeks before your meeting, especially if you need interpreters for special events or during busy times.
• If your company has an eye on overseas markets, plan interpreting ahead.
• Meet with the interpreter beforehand to clarify key points, technical terms, acronyms, jargon, etc. Provide him/her with any written material a few days beforehand. The more technical the subject is, the more time should be allowed to make sure the interpreter knows it well. Give him/her as much lead time as possible.
• Address the speaker directly, avoid directing comments to the interpreter (e.g. "ask him" or "tell her"), reply directly to the speaker.
• Speak naturally at your normal pace. Interpreters listen for concepts, not just words to render accurate interpretation. If you are facilitating a group discussion, be aware that the interpreter needs a bit longer at times to finish the previous phrase. Pause a while.
• Provide short breaks every hour, interpreting can be quite stressful.
• Remember that hiring an interpreter can be expensive. Make sure you allow for enough budget.

MMM provided conference interpreters for the latest Forbes Global Economy conference in Sydney. Here is the testimonial:

"Please accept this as a sincere thank you for organising the three Mandarin interpreters for the Forbes Global CEO Conference in August - September 2005.
It was a pleasure to work with you in the lead up to the event.
The interpreters were very professional and did a great job at such a high profile event."- Sarah King, Senior Event Manager, Podium