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Language fluency: A strategic asset

Melissa Oliva

Melissa Oliva is a translator for Milwaukee-based Translation Services Ltd. as well as manager of delivery services-international for a major global medical system. She is a guest columnist for this week’s issue of Cheese Market News®.

In today’s globalized business environment, having team members who are “fluent” in a language is often seen as a valuable asset. These individuals bring not only linguistic skills but also a deep understanding of the business context, allowing companies to navigate diverse markets more effectively. However, when it comes to complex tasks like translating technical documents, the process requires a more thoughtful approach to ensure accuracy, quality and professionalism.

Fluent speakers, while an essential part of any team, may not always possess the expertise needed for the nuanced demands of technical translation. This is particularly true for specialized content, such as operational manuals, legal documents, patent filings and contracts, where even small errors can lead to significant risks and liabilities.

• Strategic considerations for leveraging fluent speakers

Fluent speakers can be a tremendous asset when it comes to marketing, internal communications or customer-facing content. However, translating highly technical or legal material requires a more strategic approach. Experts suggest the following considerations when utilizing fluent speakers for translation tasks:

1. Certification testing

To ensure that fluent speakers have the necessary skills, it’s recommended that they take proficiency tests through recognized organizations like the American Translators Association (ATA). This establishes a clear benchmark of their translation capabilities and ensures they are equipped for the demands of the task.

2. Regional appropriateness

Language fluency extends beyond just speaking the language; it also involves understanding regional dialects and variations. A fluent Spanish speaker may be well-versed in Mexican Spanish but might struggle with regional dialects spoken in Argentina or Chile. Similarly, a Mandarin speaker might be fluent in spoken Chinese but lack proficiency in traditional Chinese characters, which are necessary for regions like Hong Kong or Taiwan.

3. Time and cost analysis for large projects

For large-scale translation projects — such as those exceeding 20 pages — companies must weigh the costs and time involved in using in-house resources versus professional translation services. In-house translation may seem cost-effective initially, but the hidden opportunity costs, such as the time the employee spends away from their regular duties, can increase the real cost.

• Comparing costs: In-house versus professional services

A recent cost comparison between in-house fluent speakers and professional translation services highlights the importance of conducting a thorough cost analysis. For example, in-house fluent speakers may be paid hourly, with slightly higher rates. A recent cost comparison shows a total cost of $950 for an in-house speaker versus $550 for a professional translation firm.

Internal costs should also account for employee benefits and the opportunity cost of diverting an employee from their regular responsibilities. In this scenario, the true cost is nearly double the initial calculation.

• The role of opportunity cost

Opportunity cost plays a critical role when deciding whether to use in-house resources for translation. Every hour spent on translation tasks is an hour diverted from an employee’s core responsibilities. This ripple effect not only leads to delays but may also hinder progress on other important projects, increasing the overall cost to the company.

• The importance of a rigorous review process

Regardless of who handles the translation, experts emphasize the need for a thorough review process. This ensures the final product is accurate and maintains the integrity of the original content. A line-by-line comparison between the translated document and the original source material is crucial for quality assurance.

• Caution with distributor and customer translations

Companies should exercise caution when outsourcing translation tasks to distributors or customers, especially for critical materials like operational manuals or legal documents. Without a robust review process, errors in these translations can result in costly miscommunications, potential legal liabilities or damage to the company’s reputation.

• Why choose professional translation services?

For businesses handling technical or specialized translations, relying on professional translation services can mitigate risks and ensure quality.

Fluent speakers are an undeniable asset to any team, but companies should carefully evaluate their language skills when assigning them complex translation tasks. A strategic approach incorporating certification, awareness of regional differences, and a careful analysis of time and costs will ensure that translation projects are accurate and professionally executed. For companies handling specialized content, outsourcing to a professional translation service may be a more cost-effective and risk-free solution, allowing internal resources to focus on their core responsibilities.

CMN

The views expressed by CMN’s guest columnists are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Cheese Market News®.

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