What Type of Spanish Do Translation Companies Use?

As English is spoken quite differently throughout the nation, this also holds true for Spanish. One may find a difference in how those in Florida speak Spanish compared to Spanish speakers in Southern California. The question asked quite often to Spanish Translation Services is what type of Spanish is used for Spanish translations?

Spanish translation services use Spanish that can be understood by anyone who speaks Spanish no matter what region of the country they live. It is the same concept when books for school are written. English textbooks can be understood by students throughout the country regardless of location. Most Spanish translation services do not use any form of slang or other word usage that may be specific to one region.

When using any Spanish translation service, do not worry about the Spanish they will be using, focus more on their quality, experience, and professionalism.

Using Translation Services

It is clear that the usage of translation services has increased tremendously. What is also true is that people needing these translation services are busier than ever. So the following are some tips to keep in mind when you come to the realization that it’s better to use a professional translation service than to do attempt to complete translations on your own:

• If the source language is your native language, proof read the document yourself. Make sure that there are no grammar mistakes as it will make it easier for the translator.
  
  
• Choose your translation service wisely. Do not just base your decision on rates. Nowadays, language translators are quite competitive, especially for Spanish translation services. Ask about experience, proof reading process, turnaround time, and subject matter expertise.
  
  
• It is not always possible, but you can request to view the CV of the language translator most likely to be doing your translation. Even if it’s not that same person, at least you will get an idea of the caliber language translator the company uses.
  
  
• If your need a special translation, e.g. medical translation or Spanish translation, find a company that specialized in that subject matter. This may cost you more, but accuracy may be crucial like for a medical translation.
  

The bottom line is that it’s worth your time now to do some preliminary due diligence before choosing a translation service company.

Increase Your Vocabulary

If you provide translation services, and this includes Spanish translation service or even medical translation, increasing your vocabulary is essential. There are many ways to go about doing this, and just recently Dictionary.com has suggested a rather easy and actually quite entertaining method: Watch the right TV shows.

Dictionary.com has put out a list of shows that they believe will increase your vocabulary based on the plethora of ‘big words’ that are used in these shows.

• Glee
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
• Fringe
• Top Chef
• Sesame Street
• Yo Gabba Gabba
• True Blood
• Mad Men
  

Those of you who provide translation services may not actually find the need to translate words from these shows, but one never knows what translation services may be needed. One would think that watching a medical show like House would only help someone who does medical translations. So, the next time someone tells you that you watch too much TV, let them know that it’s part of your job as a translator doing medical translations, Spanish translation service, or any other translation services you do.

Are Spanish Translations All the Same?

No. There are multiple dialects of the Spanish language, not to mention, the Spanish spoken in Columbia is different from the Spanish Spoken in Spain which differs from Spanish spoken in Mexico. So how do you know if a Spanish translation service is taking all these dialects and language nuances into account? You don’t. You have to ask. It’s ok that a Spanish translation service specializes in only one type of Spanish translation. What is not ok is for them not to be clear on what that is. Many free lance Spanish translator services are not inclined to turn down any translation work. Hence, they may not be inclined to say that they do not translate in the Spanish dialect you need. So ask!

Also, ask for sample work from any Spanish translation service you are considering to use. Communicate clearly who your target audience is and what subject matter you are needing to translate. Some Spanish translation services are specialize in medical Spanish translation but not online content Spanish translation or localization. There is quite a difference so explaining the scope of work early is prudent. Don’t be afraid to ask what the process is and who performs the proof reading: A different Spanish translation services than the one doing the initial translating?