When a business translates documents, it holds the financial, social, and sometimes legal future of its clients in its hands. Even in basic communication scenarios, respect for the languages being translated is key to earning long-term trust.
Whether translating a document for a customer or setting up a new website in another language, your business’s reputation is at stake every time. Translating official documents allows your brand to establish itself as a solid and trustworthy source in the global marketplace.
Despite the many professional translation services available, some businesses still choose to translate official documents themselves. Unfortunately, these companies are likely to face serious consequences due to small mistakes that can have significant impacts on clients and the entire business.
Here are some reasons why you should not translate your own documents:
Why You Should Not Translate Medical Documents Yourself
Understanding dense and detailed medical documents in your native language is challenging. Translating them requires professional help. Doctors use specific terminology to communicate sensitive information, including blood types, mild rashes, medication doses, and potentially fatal allergies. Medical texts, instructions, and patient records are too important to leave to chance.
Working with an experienced professional can literally save lives and shows international clients that you respect their specific needs.
See our medical language services
Why You Should Not Translate Technical Documents Yourself
Attempting to translate technical documents yourself can harm your reputation. Automated translations lack accuracy and the human touch. Without a professional translator, you are solely responsible for maintaining diligence.
Common mistakes include:
- Not noticing changes between plural and singular forms
- Interchanging feminine and masculine forms, causing confusion
- Altering verb tenses, which removes context
- Translating typos and errors into nonsensical words
- Misunderstanding punctuation, making errors worse
These issues damage your brand’s credibility. Such oversights can quickly turn your business from trusted to avoided in any region.
Why You Should Not Translate Legal Documents Yourself
Legal matters are already complex. Translating legal documents adds another layer of complication. Different countries have different legal systems, making accuracy crucial. Any reputable company must use professional translation services by law.
Whether it’s a testament, official statement, or contract, accuracy is vital. Legal translations require meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict guidelines. Misinterpretation can have life-changing consequences for all parties involved.
See our legal language services
Is Google Translate Accurate?
While Google offers many benefits for businesses, accurate translation isn’t one of them. Google translations are compiled from various sources and may not be reliable. Google itself warns that its translations shouldn’t be considered accurate.
Businesses aiming globally may fail at the final hurdle by using search engine translations. These tools cannot comprehend intent, and many colloquialisms get lost. The result can be a funny but nonsensical translation or a culturally insensitive document that damages your brand.
Document Translation: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about when to use professional translation services:
Can I translate my own documents?
Legally, you can translate official documents yourself. However, these translations won’t be accepted in court or other sensitive matters. To have a document recognized, you need a professional translator.
Who can legally translate a document?
A trusted friend or relative can translate official documentation, and anyone with a notary seal can oversee and notarize the translation. However, certifying a document as accurate requires a professional linguistics service, especially for legal or medical documents.
Can I certify my own documentation?
No. You cannot witness and certify a document for yourself. This would not be recognized legally.
How do I officially translate a document?
A legally qualified translator must sign the translated document to certify it as accurate. A notary public must witness the process for a notarized translation.
Document Translation and Your Business
If you want to be a multinational company, you need a global perspective. Customers don’t want to feel like an afterthought, and nothing says unprofessional like a poorly constructed translation. Show your clients you are a strong, world-renowned brand that treats clients equally across all cultures and beliefs. Clear communication in other languages unifies your business under one word – trusted.