Code of Ethics for Translators

Translators of Translation Empire Ltd , shall:

1. See the translation as more than a simple operation of swapping one word for another into the target language; strip down the sentences in the original document entirely before meaningfully re-assembling the fragments of communication from the source language into the target language.
2. Only accept work which they are competent to carry out satisfactorily and only undertake work in the language/s in which they have been accredited.
3. Treat all information that they come across in the course of their work as confidential and not stand to make any personal gain from it.
4. Not delegate any work that they have accepted to another translator.
5. Not accept any form of reward for translation other than payment by Translation Empire Ltd.
6. Be willing to continuously increase their skills and knowledge within the field and make themselves available for any training/qualification that may be deemed necessary.
7. Work in accordance with Translation Empire’s “Good Practice Guide for Translators”.

Good Practice Guide for Translators 

A translator works with the written word and should see translation as more than a simple operation of swapping one word for another into the target language. S/he should strip down the sentences in the original document entirely before meaningfully re-assembling the fragments of communication from the source language into the target language. As a professional freelance translator providing a service to the Translation Team at Translation Empire there are certain guidelines that we expect you to follow. If you encounter difficulties that are not dealt with in this guide, please contact the Translation Team and we will endeavour to give you further assistance. At no stage should the Good Practice Guide or Code of Ethics be compromised. 

Considerations before taking on a translation assignment 

Before accepting work, the translator should make sure s/he has all the relevant information to enable her/him to decide whether s/he can accept the translation assignment and to carry it out effectively. 

You should take into account the following issues before accepting a translation assignment:

Availability

 

You must ensure that you have sufficient time to be able to complete the assignment by the specified deadline, leaving yourself enough time to carry out quality controls and a final proof-read.

Language competency

 

Your mother tongue should be the language that you translate into. You should be fluent in both the source and the target language, and the target language should be your mother tongue. If the need arises for you to translate into your second language, your work will be quality checked by a native speaker of the target language. If you are not happy to accept a translation assignment on this basis, please inform a member of staff at Translation Empire Ltd.

Qualifications and experience

 

We aim to use the best-qualified translators. This inevitably means that many of the translators on our database will have qualifications in the field, such as degree-level qualifications in translation/interpreting, Diploma in Translation (IOL), membership of the ITI and Diploma in Public Service Interpreting.  However, some translators will not have formal qualifications but will still produce work of a high standard. Many will have proven  

experience gained from working for other public service providers. Applicants will be required to provide samples of their work. A good translator will have excellent knowledge of the source and the target language and of the specific area. S/he will also have excellent written communication skills in the target language and will always use carefully chosen, appropriate language, paying particular notice to the register of the documents being translated and the requirements of the end-user.

Subject matter and terminology

 

It is expected that you will be specialised in the area. You are expected and advised to research the field fully, to ensure that you are aware of all the issues involved in the translation. It is in your best interests to establish and develop your own terminology glossaries so that you have a database of information to refer to and are able to develop in-depth knowledge of specific areas. You should endeavour to keep up-to-date and to take opportunities to develop your knowledge and expertise.

Criteria for good translations

 

Meaning:

Translators should faithfully convey the sense and purpose of the original to the intended user. Allowance should be made for cultural difference. 

Completeness:

All the original information from one language should be transferred to the other language. There should be no omissions, distortion or incoherence. 

Vocabulary and syntax:

Vocabulary used should be appropriate. The content and clarity of the source text should be maintained through the use of correct grammatical constructions. Care should also be taken to protect the integrity of the target language’s grammar and syntax. 

Terminology:

Specialist terminology must be faithfully translated. Paraphrasing must not distort the meaning of the source text. 

Style:

The style must be appropriate to the original. 

Remember: Spelling and grammar must be correct. Names, dates and figures must be accurately transferred.

Query procedure

 

There may be occasions on which you do not know exactly what is meant by a word, phrase or concept in a particular context. Do not try to guess if you do not understand  

something, as this will lead to mistranslations, with potentially grave consequences. Please call the Translation Empire Team for advice. In most cases, we will contact the document’s author and ask for clarification. We may ask the author if they would be prepared to allow the translator to contact them directly.

Insurance

 

You must take out a professional indemnity insurance policy to cover your freelance work.

Software/hardware

 

You are expected to have the software necessary to produce high-quality documents in your target language. All translations must be word-processed. You will be required to send your translations to Translation team at Translation Empire and to retain a copy on your hard drive for 28 days, after which time you must delete the translation in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Payment

 

We expect you to typeset, format and layout all translations. This is included in your rate. We expect you to quality-check all translated work. Your quality check should include spelling and grammar checks, a check for typographical errors and a final read through for completeness and style. The translation that we receive from you should be of a publishable quality. You should have received information about rates with your application pack. If you do not have this information, please contact a member of staff at Translation Empire.

Post-translation checks

 

Once we have had translated documents printed, we may send the final version to you for a post-printing read through. The purpose of this is to ensure that the translation has not been compromised during the printing process.

Confidentiality

 

During your work you have access to information of a sensitive nature. At no time must you breach any trust of confidentiality.  Any breach may result in you being removed from the Framework.