Depending on the complexity and subject matter of your writing, converting it into a foreign language can take time, even when you use professional translation services. To make the process more efficient and ultimately save money, prepare your document for translation with these tips.

Stick to concise sentences that avoid dependent clauses. Simpler writing prevents confusion in figuring out what you want to say. Avoid idiomatic expressions and slang unless you want the interpreter to use a language-appropriate equivalent that may not convey your precise thoughts.

Add plenty of white space if your document must follow a particular layout. Foreign-language translations can increase the size of English-language text by up to a third, depending on the target language. Having more white space gives a place for the additional characters to expand into. Keep in mind that foreign countries may use page sizes, such as A4, that are smaller than the American letter size.

Minimize the use of columns or narrow sidebars. Some languages, such as German, have words that are almost as long as complete English sentences. Narrow columns can force such a word to break across several lines making it incomprehensible.

Watch out for culturally inappropriate pictures. A picnic scene showing a young lady in shorts maybe be offensive in cultures where women normally cover up all their limbs. Have several alternatives available especially if your document is destined for multiple audiences and languages.

Provide source files to make editing easier. For example, rather than giving a picture of a budget chart, submit the Excel file used to create the chart. Otherwise, the translator may have to recreate the image, which increases time and cost, and can introduce errors.

For more tips on how to prepare your documents or information on translation services, contact us.