TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I thought it might be interesting for me to add my own experiences to this
discussion. I live in the Netherlands (since 1991) and I started my own
company in 1994 as a translator/English teacher so that I could stay here.
I then taught myself how to translate from Dutch to English. I acquired
several regular clients including the Rotterdam Zoo and the National
Natural History Museum in Leiden. I started working as a full-time
technical writer in 1997. I have continued to do the translations in
addition to the full-time job because I don't want to lose these important
contacts, and really not for the money.
But money is the reason I am responding to this discussion about
translation rates. I am paid by every client on the number of words in my
final English version of the text. In connection with Dutch being the
source language, this is very important because some Dutch words equal
three or more English words. The people who I have talked to that also do
translations here also are paid by the number of words in the final
translated text. Sometimes I agree to special arrangements with the zoo
because I regularly do work for them and they are a non-profit
organisation.
I also make suggestions concerning using words or phrases that are more
internationally understood such as instead of Europoort, the Rotterdam
Harbour or instead of Blijdorp Dierentuin, the Rotterdam Zoo. So I always
take time to discuss the text before it is finalized.
Well that is how I handle translations and most of the time, not 100%, it
goes smoothly.
Gayle Hoffman
email:
Gayle_Hoffman -at- sgsgroup -dot- com
