How Long Does Translation Take?

By: Shahzad Bashir Posted on Fri, 02-07-2021

Language is that unique tool that distinguishes mankind from any other creature. Human beings always intend to understand each other’s language in order to understand each other’s culture and religion. So, here we need translation which should be free from any ambiguity. History has seen the drastic consequences of misinterpreted translation in the forms of wars and annexation. That is why it is quite a crucial job to perform.

It is important to note that translation varies from language to language as there is no universal rule in determining the exact time limit which a translator would take in translating a text. It depends upon many variables to determine the estimated translation time.

Let’s discuss all the variables one by one.

The volume of the Project and Time

Time duration is directly proportional to the size of the project. If the volume of the project is large, it will take more time to complete. For instance, if the translation project is of 6,000 words, by estimating the estimated speed of translators, it can take two days to produce qualitative translation results. Apart from that, if multiple translators are working on one project then it would take less time for sure.

Professional Language Translators

The professional variable also determines the translation time. For effective and efficient results, globally recognized agencies do not fall for unprofessional language service providers just to settle for low pricing. They go for professional experts and assign projects to specialized translators. Resultantly, experts who specialize in different domains will be able to complete the project at a rapid pace. A mismatch between project and translation can cause delays. If you give a medical translation project to a group of business freelancers, their translation can take longer duration than expected.

Level of Repetition

Many translation software has revolutionized the translation process, improving accuracy, speed, and quality of results. In this context, translation memory (TM), a powerful software, is used to collect words and phrases in its database for future use. For instance, when the new text matches with the previously stored data, new content is translated automatically. By all means, the usage of translation memory (TM) software reduces plenty of time and expenses. By quicking the turnaround time of the repetitive content, completing the translation task takes much less time than translating original content.

Complexity of Projects

Some translation projects demand highly skilled expertise. For instance, if your project is simply in a descriptive context, it will not take much time. In contrast to this, if your content needs technical understanding, in-depth explanations, numerical understanding, and legal documentations your translator will need time for researching and analyzing. In this process of complexity, translation takes time in comparison to translation of a simple descriptive project.

Language Variations

Turnaround time for a translation project varies from one language to another. Some languages have lengthy words and some have precise wording. For example, the Finnish language wording is quite lengthy as compared to the English language. Some Finnish words are in a compound form that can be translated into up to ten English words. So, the language of compound words can take a longer time than expected in translation. Resultantly, it increases the average time required for project completion.

Complex Language Structure

Some languages are easy to translate and some are hard nuts to crack. The Chinese language is the hardest of all to translate. Being a tonal language, their meanings are based on the tone so it might be difficult for translators to translate the accurate context of every word. Also, one word can have a variety of meanings in English. So to avoid any kind of embarrassment apart from translation, translators need time to determine the language context also. In this kind of complex environment, translation takes more time.

Translator Availability

Translation of data is always at the mercy of translators’ availability and efficiency. The time needed for any translation project greatly depends on the efficiency, speed, and expertise of the translator. Their unprofessional attitude can delay the work for days, likewise, their scrutiny can save the face of the forum. On average, a translator can translate 2500-3000 a day. If they are unavailable, the translation process expects delay. So, it is important to find LSPs’ availability and let them consider the deadline of any project.
Some vital stages should be kept into consideration while translating and reducing the turnaround time.

Step 1: Relying on Recognized Translation Software

People and companies indeed rely on online translation platforms. For instance, Google translate gives literal to literal meanings which are unable to formulate the context. If you need to promote your brand and have to convince the local audience, you need to localize all the requirements. For this, relying only on online platforms is not going to be a safe choice. Some specialized choices with human translators need to be undertaken within the account. Several professional translation services are operating across the globe. For instance, Marstranslation is offering valuable services in the form of website translation, document translation, e-commerce, and e-learning translation. By relying on a recognized platform you can get translation services right on time.

Step 2: Professional Translators with Vigilant Skills

The successful translation results are based on the translators’ vigilant expertise. So far, Marstranslation is providing qualitative results within a quick turnaround time. By keeping into consideration the contemporary requirements of localization, its translators are providing 2000 words a day. A strict deadline is observed by translators to satisfy the client's needs. Specialized translators are gathered here to produce a translation quickly on time. So, estimated time can be calculated with the help of a recognized platform that produces a productive translation of the content of 2000 will take a day with an easy pace.

Step 3: Proper Details and Communication Facility can Save Time

As we have heard, graphics and vision made clear understanding. Likewise, the use of pictures, tables, and charts can save a lot of time for translators as well as yours. The gap in communications leads to misunderstanding and misunderstanding can miss the deadline and be unable to give productive translation services. Translators can pick up the project if they get a whole understanding of your project and platforms like MarsHub provide all-in-one solutions for enterprises, language service providers, and linguistics where everyone can communicate. This platform bridges the gap among the trio to remove the communication gap. These kinds of privileges and facilities promote speedy translation and reduce turnaround time.

Ending Note:

In the light of the above discussion, it is safe to say that computing the exact time required for the translation services does not fall under any universal law. Translation time depends upon many variables as it varies from language to language, context to context, and translators to translators’. Moreover, reducing the turnaround time does not mean sacrificing quality. So, it is advisable to produce 2000 words a day for efficient quality via research and in-depth analysis. Apart from that, it is worthy to note that TAT can be reduced by relying on globally acknowledged forums like Marstranslation.

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