When it comes to searching for interpreting services, there are plenty of options in the market. Some clients will prefer to work with prestigious and well known translation agencies while others will go for free-lance interpreters.
Language interpretation is a serious business and the interpreter should be able to render the message into a different target language fluently and with total accuracy. There is no room for errors and any misinterpretation may result in detrimental effects. That is why it is so important to choose the right professional.
Advantages of working with an interpretation agency
1. The majority of translation agencies established in the UK are certified translation providers accredited by the Association of Translation Companies and British Standard EN 15038 which has specific processes and procedures in place to provide the checks needed to ensure translation service quality.
What makes professional translation complete?
2. Translation agencies have a Customer Service team that deal with unhappy customers services.
3. The company project management team coordinates, plans and assigns the diverse tasks. Their objective is getting the most suitable and cost-effective interpreters. A good project manager should build up relationships with his clients to ensure that the services are tailored to their needs at all times.
4. An efficient project manager will assign the language interpreters more suitable to the specific assignment. The interpreting skills needed for a particular assignment vary by situation and level of specialist topic.
5. Some translation companies can provide all the equipment required for some assignments.
Disadvantages of working with an interpretation agency
1. Prices can be considerable higher than free-lance interpreters.
2. The booking process can be tricky especially if it is a last minute request from the client.
Advantages of working with free-lance interpreters
1. The absent of intermediaries reduces the costs dramatically.
2. Clients deals with the interpreters explaining their requirements, aims and objectives.
Disadvantages of working with free-lance interpreters
1. The selection process can be long and difficult.
2. Without a project manager, the interpreter will have to assess the style and mode of interpretation.
3. It is more difficult to establish quality assurance procedures.
4. If the interpreter is not member of a formal organisation, there is not any regulatory body than can deal with complaints.
5. The majority of freelance interpreters don’t have all equipment required such as translation booths, microphones and others.
Whatever your choice, always ensure that the interpreters have appropriate language qualifications and possess at least 2 years’ interpreting experience within their specialist industry field.