Translating and interpreting: Issues facing a foreigner when relocating.
Translating and interpreting issues is a topic that any foreigner can relate to. Especially, if you have relocated or is currently in the relocation process. This is especially relevant when relocating to a country where English is not the official language. A frequent question on forums and one often asked by foreigners. When I moved 10 years ago to Argentina, the same problem faced me. My documents were in English and without translation, not accepted by officials.
Importance of translating official documents properly.
Why is it important to translate your documents? Barriers are created when people do not speak the same language. By translating a document into a language that the other person understand, we break down those barriers. It is the best way to reach people and to communicate effectively. I am referring mostly to immigration issues but it also extends to business people wanting to grow their markets and to reach more people.
It is vital to find someone who can translate documents properly. A small error can cause a lot of problems and cost a lot of money to fix later on. Take Andrei for example. The translator translated his birth certificate incorrectly. Nothing major, just one letter. A mistake when the translator translated the document from the Cyrillic Alphabet. This caused major problems for Andrei later on and a lot of trouble to get it fixed.
It is important to know that Argentine Spanish or Castellano, differs from Spanish in Spain or throughout Latin America. It is still Spanish but there are cultural subtleties and dialectal variations. The same word can mean two entirely different things. It is of utmost importance to have a qualified person take care of these variations and to ensure the correct meaning.
What type of services does translating agencies offer?
The aim of translating documents is so that the end result is a document that looks like it was originally written in that language. A translation agency can typically translate into more than 40 languages and use professionals and expert translators. Many have industry-specific knowledge and expertise and offer high-quality translation services.
The most common type of translating services offered is:
- Contracts;
- Financial translations;
- Medical records;
- Birth Certificates;
- Marriage Certificates;
- Diplomas and Degrees;
- Specific immigration documents;
- Commercial brochures;
- Technical specifications;
- Website and legal;
- Marketing documents, to name a few.
Interpreting services and when to make use of an interpreter?
Are you planning to do business in Argentina as a foreigner once settled? Business could include, the purchase of a house or land. Maybe you want to start your own business and need to negotiate a deal. Interpreting services or the use of an interpreter is an excellent idea in these cases. It is also useful for more informal occasions like banquets, guided tours, business trips or receptions.
The interpreter is a trained professional who will take notes of the discussion around the table. He or she will then accurately reproduce it, in part or all. There is no need for sophisticated equipment. A pen and notepad will do the trick.
Translating and interpreting services make it easier to communicate with other people in their own language and definitely something to consider when relocating or when doing business in a foreign country.
