Top 3 Myths about Working with Translation Agencies

Yes, the translation business has its own urban legends that clients often like to share. Some of those stories cause laugh, while others can truly mislead.

Let’s dispel a few of the most persistent ones.

Myth 1: “It’s all done by students”

This myth was apparently born in the ’90s and somehow still survives. Indeed, we engage young specialists. But only after they pass tests, undergo training, and work under the supervision of experienced editors. Being a professional translator takes more than just “knowing English.”

Myth 2: “Everything can be done in a day”

There’s a popular business joke: we can do it fast, good, cheap – pick any two. Like always, it’s only partly a joke. Quality translation takes time: researching terminology, aligning style, verifying facts. Yes, we take on urgent projects. But they have their price and their timeline that cannot be squeezed endlessly.

Myth 3: “One translator can handle any topic”

A one-man army is hard to find. There’s a world of difference between technical translation and medical translation, while the cost of a slightest mistake can be exorbitant. We assign translators by specialization, because “general understanding” is never enough.

The truth is: professional translation is not about “fast, good, and cheap.” It includes the team, process, quality, and responsibility. And let the myths live in coffee-break stories.