What is a Native Translator?

Native translators are linguists who learned their native language as a child with in-depth knowledge of their own culture to adapt content from another language fluently into their native language. The term “native” is mostly used to refer to someone that acquired their language as a child, as opposed to having learned it later in life. As they’ve had ample opportunity for exposure to their native language from an early age, they’ve likely achieved full command of the language. Even if they learned another language and have excellent command of it, they’re still not considered a native because it is their own mother tongue. For example, have you ever taken a foreign language class in school? Even if you have an aptitude for languages, learning another language is quite challenging. It takes constant and consistent work. In contrast learning your native language happens naturally from birth, at a time when your brain is primed for language acquisition. In general, people have a deeper and more intuitive understanding of the language they grew up speaking compared to languages they learned later in life. As a native translator if your native language is Japanese, then you would translate into Japanese from another language.

Surprisingly, a native translator does not need to live in the country of their native language while it is preferred. Thanks to the internet daily exposure is possible through media, entertainment, and social networks where they can immerse in their native language. But most important is being a professional. Professional translators are not just native speakers, they are professional linguists. They stay up to date with their native language incorporating any linguistic changes even though they reside elsewhere geographically. The professional translator is more attuned to linguistic nuances because of their work ethic. In today’s global economy, it is not as important for the native translator to reside in a country where the language is spoken. The fact is to be a native language professional.

Why Professional Native Translators?

Professional native translators have an extensive vocabulary, attuned to linguistic trends, and aware of its subtleties being knowledgeable of the ever-developing language. They will avoid using outdated idioms, obsolete words, or locally unrelatable expressions because they use the target language daily being immersed in the culture. This makes them fully aware of the beliefs and values being able to add nuances with proper word choices in such a way that the target translation is fully tailored for the audience which is perfectly faithful to the original language. Proper sentence flow comes more naturally which is what you’ll want your audience to experience being fully aware of the country’s customs, language sensitivities, knowledge of dialects, clichés, cultural references while enhancing understanding. A professional native translator’s unique knowledge allows them to adapt to the local culture more creatively and efficiently while preventing cultural misunderstandings that can seriously affect the image of your brand or company. Many bad translations have existed in the past that have embarrassed, confused, offended, which alienated audiences leaving a negative impression lasting for years. If you hire a professional native translator, you’ll not only increase the effectiveness of your international marketing campaigns, but you’ll also avoid catastrophic mistakes. Professional native translators are less likely to make grammar mistakes or overly complicate their grammar use in their native language. If there isn’t a particular word or phrase that doesn’t translate well, they’ll know the right variant or alternative to use. They will make the right choices depending on the environment and audience. As a result, you will have a translation that communicates brand identity in the right tone with the most relevant language equivalents to capture the audience’s attention properly.

The Professional Native Translator Specialist

A professional native translator is sometimes enough but for best practices clients should demand a professional native translator specialist. A professional native translator specialist is a native linguist of the target language who is professionally trained in the subject matter. A professional native translator specialist’s level of expertise guarantees accurate translations while being mindful with all rules and regulations. They ensure the quality and accuracy of a translation is understood and well-received by the target audience while following protocol. A native translation with specialized knowledge is especially important and helps ensure clarity. For example, in technical translations, the level of accuracy is critical to safely operate products or devices. A professional native translator specialist should be a priority when it concerns safety to prevent product misuse and malpractice. Precautions must be taken to avoid mistranslation errors that could lead to litigation in highly regulated sectors such as legal, finance, and medical industries. For example, a medical service could face legal disputes due to incorrectly translated medical device documentation. Falsely translated instructions can lead to irreversible medical errors, potentially placing lives at risk. A professional native translator specialist should be mandatory when handling translations in specialized sectors.

Why Hire Professional Native Translator Specialists with idioma®?

idioma® has a worldwide network of 2,000+ professional native translator specialists in 70+ languages. To ensure optimal quality we incorporate QA into the translation process utilizing CrossCheck® our formal error checker for translated text. idioma® is ISO 17100:2015 certified who only employs professional native translator specialists. ISO 17100:2015 provides requirements for the core processes, resources, and other aspects necessary for the delivery of a quality translation service that meets applicable specifications. Application of ISO 17100:2015 also provides how a translation service provider (TSP) can demonstrate conformity of specified translation services to ISO 17100:2015 and the capability of its processes and resources to deliver a translation service that will meet the client's and other applicable specifications. Applicable specifications can include those of the client, of the TSP itself, and of any relevant industry codes, best-practice guides, or legislation.

Building Trust

At idioma® we dedicate ourselves in establishing and maintaining relationships with our clients. We want to grow with our clients and invest time in building a trustful relationship to reach mutual goals. We believe in sincerity and being open to suggestions. We aspire to be the reliable and trustworthy translation service provider our clients deserve.

A professional native translator specialist has the subject matter expertise to understand the technical details of your document and convey information precisely in their native language. However, finding a trusted translation partner is the first step.

Do you have a trusted translation partner?

Need a translation quote? Please contact us at info@idioma.com