Google Translate vs. ISO 17100 Certified Translation Company: Which One Do You Need?

Lost in Translation: Why Google Translate Won’t Cut It and Why You Need an ISO 17100 Certified Translation Company

Google Translate is a popular tool that many people use to translate text from one language to another. It’s free, easy to use, and provides instant translations. However, while Google Translate may be useful for basic translations, it is not a substitute for a professional translation company, especially one that is ISO 17100 certified.

ISO 17100 is an international standard that sets requirements for translation services. To become ISO 17100 certified, a translation company must meet certain criteria, such as having a documented quality management system, employing qualified translators and editors, and providing high-quality translations that are accurate, complete, and suitable for their intended purpose. ISO 17100 certification ensures that a translation company meets these rigorous standards and is committed to providing high-quality translation services to its clients.

There are several reasons why you need a certified translation company that is ISO 17100 certified, and why Google Translate won’t work for you:

1. Accuracy and Quality: While Google Translate can be useful for basic translations, it is not always accurate or reliable. Machine translation algorithms, like those used by Google Translate, often produce translations that are grammatically incorrect or use incorrect terminology. This can lead to misunderstandings, errors, and even legal issues. A certified translation company, on the other hand, employs professional translators who have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that translations are accurate, complete, and of high quality.
2. Context and Culture: Translating text from one language to another is not simply a matter of swapping words. Translators must take into account the context and culture of the target language, including idiomatic expressions, cultural nuances, and local customs. Google Translate is not always able to accurately convey these subtleties, which can lead to misinterpretations and miscommunications. A certified translation company, however, employs translators who are not only fluent in the target language but also have a deep understanding of its culture and customs.
3. Confidentiality and Security: When you use Google Translate, your text is uploaded to Google’s servers, where it is processed and stored. This can raise privacy and security concerns, particularly if the text contains sensitive or confidential information. A certified translation company, however, has strict policies and procedures in place to protect the confidentiality and security of your information. Translators are bound by confidentiality agreements and use secure file transfer protocols to ensure that your information remains secure.
4. Legal Compliance: If you need to translate legal documents, such as contracts, patents, or certificates, you cannot rely on Google Translate. Legal translations require specialized knowledge and expertise, as well as a deep understanding of the legal systems and terminology of both the source and target languages. A certified translation company has the necessary expertise to provide accurate and reliable legal translations that comply with legal requirements and regulations.

In conclusion, while Google Translate can be useful for basic translations, it is not a substitute for a certified translation company that is ISO 17100 certified. ISO 17100 certification ensures that a translation company meets rigorous standards for accuracy, quality, context, culture, confidentiality, security, and legal compliance. By working with a certified translation company, you can ensure that your translations are accurate, reliable, and of high quality, and that your sensitive or confidential information is protected.