The global health pandemic has done nothing to stop the inexorable approach of Brexit. However, it has distracted many businesses from getting ready for Brexit. If you’re one of them, it’s time to act. The UK’s economic relationships with other countries are going to change. If you want to do all you can to embrace that change, it’s time to build a strong Brexit strategy with professional translation at its core. Language translation can open many doors that only using your native language cannot. In this article, we’ll walk you through some key details, from the role of translators to how to source cost-efficient translations that won’t break the bank.
Using a translation agency to navigate Brexit
To quote Julie Andrews, let’s start at the very beginning: what is a professional translator? A translator is someone who takes a copy written in one language and converts it into another. An interpreter, meanwhile, does the same with spoken language.
Language translation is a skilled undertaking. The translator must be fluent in two languages and have exceptional spelling and grammar, as well as a superb attention to detail. Not only that but professional translation usually also requires translators to work efficiently under pressure, with no room for missing deadlines.
When it comes to Brexit, Ofer Tirosh, CEO of translation agency Tomedes, advises:
“If you want to gain a competitive edge when preparing for Brexit, communicate with your international contacts and customers in their own languages. An English-only approach isn’t going to do you any favours when it comes to showing respect and building trust. So use professional translation and interpretation to set your company apart as the one that makes the effort.”
Time is of the essence when it comes to building your Brexit strategy. But if you don’t feel prepared, at least take comfort from the fact you’re not alone. Just 24% of businesses feel fully ready for Brexit when it comes to the new EU trade checks, according to Michael Gove.
Building a Brexit strategy with language translation at the core
If you’re ready to start building your Brexit strategy and organising your professional translation needs, begin by writing a simple list of who you need to communicate with and where. Which countries do you import from and/or export to? Are there any new markets that you are going to pursue to maximise on any opportunities that Brexit might present? Map out these details and your language translation needs will already start to come into focus.
The EU has just 24 official languages. However, over 200 languages are spoken in Europe. That means that you might need to depart linguistically from the EU in order to deliver your post-Brexit business.
Create a roadmap to post-Brexit success within your strategy by working out precisely how you will need to do things differently and why. Consider your communication needs at all levels – partners, suppliers, manufacturers, hauliers, distributors, customers, potential customers, and so forth – and the ways in which you need to communicate with them.
Building cost-efficient translations into your Brexit strategy.
Once you understand your language translation needs, it’s time to find the right company to deliver the cost-efficient translations you require.
Bear in mind that the cost of your translation will be about more than just language. Say you need to translate English to Spanish. Many agencies can translate to Spanish, but if you need a specialist form of translation, such as legal translation or medical translation, then the cost per word is likely to be higher. That’s because your translators will be providing specialist subject knowledge, as well as their language translation skills.
Matching your translators’ experience to your business needs is key to ensuring your professional translation service provides your business with the most accurate translations possible. The right business translators can help you to build up a strong Brexit strategy that includes smooth communication with your business contacts and a slick multilingual marketing approach for your international audiences.
Some of the tasks routinely undertaken by language translation experts, which you can build into your Brexit strategy, include:
- Website translation
- Business email and letter translation
- Contract and legal agreement translation
- Brochure, presentation and newsletter translation
- Video translation
Machine versus human language translation
If you’re seeking the most cost-efficient translations, it can be tempting to turn to machine translation. Can Google translate languages? Yes, it can – and it’s fast and free to boot. However, the resulting quality isn’t up to human standards.
With Google and other machine translation products out of the picture, what is the best language translator? For business purposes, it’s a professional translation service that uses human translators with relevant background experience and outstanding language skills.
You can ask your business contacts for recommendations or jump online and start searching for an agency with the right mix of skills, experience, and positive online reviews. When it comes to choosing a translation agency UK businesses have a wealth of options. You can opt for a translation company anywhere in the world – just check that they have staff working in your time zone and that they cover the whole range of languages you need, as well as having relevant experience.
With a decent translation agency in your corner, you should be able to build a robust Brexit strategy that underpins your company’s approach for the months and years ahead and that maximises your chance of post-Brexit success.
