It takes more than just the ability to understand two languages.
Professional translators and interpreters have the education, experience, and expertise to understand the nuances in one language and transfer them to another. The right professional will have solid knowledge of your industry and will know how to culturally adapt your content for the target audience you are trying to reach. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it counts.
Can I afford to hire a professional?
You can't afford NOT to. Getting your message wrong can cost money, ruin your image, and even cost lives. Whether you’re having a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign translated or need an interpreter to communicate treatment options between a doctor and patient, it pays to hire a professional to get the job done right.
Instead of hiring a professional, this restaurant used machine translation and did not realize the result was an error message.
Understanding what’s at stake
ATA publishes articles to illustrate why it is critical to hire qualified translators and interpreters.
Want your children’s book translated into another language? Answer these 7 questions first!
By: Gabriella Aldemann Whether you’re an author or a publisher, you’ve likely grappled with lots of questions before publishing your book. For the translated edition(s), there are many more things to consider – questions you may not have thought about. Here are seven key points to clarify that can greatly impact the translation of your children’s book, regardless of whether…
Read MoreGuide to Buying Translation Services, Part IV: Terms to Know
This is the fourth article in a series of articles introducing the American Translators Association’s Guide to Buying Translations Services, which was created to help those in need of translation services find the best provider for their project and work efficiently with the chosen translation provider. For the full guide, click here. Terms to Know When you Hire a Translation…
Read MoreGuide to Buying Translation Services, Part III: ATA Certification and Legal Considerations
This is the third article in a series of articles introducing the American Translators Association’s Guide to Buying Translations Services, which was created to help those in need of translation services find the best provider for their project and work efficiently with the chosen translation provider. For the full guide, click here. ATA Certification Respected Credential ATA certification is one…
Read MoreWhat is transcription and why does it matter?
Why audio and video transcription are important tools for translation and beyond By Olivia Caputo What do transcription and translation have in common? (Besides starting with the same five letters.) Like translation, transcription services help people access content. But what exactly is transcription? In short, anything that gets you from speech to text. It can range from normal text documents…
Read MoreVRI vs VSI Interpreting: A Guide for Language Service Users
By Jennifer Nielsen Today, providing language access services, whether through document translation or interpretation services, is no longer just a luxury; they are often required by law or in the best interest of an organization’s bottom line, making effective communication more important than ever. As businesses expand their global reach, educational institutions embrace diverse student bodies, and healthcare providers serve…
Read MoreGuide to Buying Translation Services, Part II: Working with a Translator
This is the second article in a series of articles introducing the American Translators Association’s Guide to Buying Translations Services, which was created to help those in need of translation services find the best provider for their project and work efficiently with the chosen translation provider. For the full guide, click here. Working with a Translator Properly preparing to work…
Read MoreWhy Hire an ATA Member?
ATA members have a commitment to continuing education and are held to the highest professional standards. Feel secure knowing if you’re hiring an ATA member, you’re hiring the best in the business.
The ATA Compass
Our outreach publication provides up-to-date information and resources about the translating and interpreting industry.
What's the difference?
Translators do the writing. Interpreters do the talking. ATA helps you find the right language professional.
Can't a computer do all this?
There are times when machine translation is useful, and times when it's not. Learn when to use Google Translate, and when to hire a professional.