Course Outline
This course consists of eight comprehensive lessons that will guide you through the process of selecting qualified human translators and translation vendors effectively.
Introduction: Selecting a Translator with Purpose
Discover the fundamentals of localization and translation. Learn why reaching multicultural audiences requires more than just language conversion, and understand how strategic translator selection impacts your global reach.
Lesson 1: Human or Automatic Translation, or both?
Understand when to choose human translation versus machine translation. Learn the key factors that should influence this critical decision including content type, audience, risk factors, and budget considerations.
Lesson 2: Translation Labels by ASTM F43
Explore the ASTM F43 translation quality standards and labeling system. Discover how these industry standards can help you specify and evaluate translation quality objectively.
Lesson 3: How to Select an Individual Translator
Learn what to look for in individual translator credentials, experience, and specializations. Learn what questions to ask and about kinds of qualifications you can prioritize based on your project requirements.
Lesson 4: Professional Translator Selection Checklist
Learn a framework for understanding if a translator's language proficiency, subject matter expertise, audience appropriateness, technical capabilities, and sound business practices are a fit for your project.
Lesson 5: Selecting a Translation Agency
Navigate the process of choosing a translation agency partner. Understand agency structures, certification requirements, quality assurance processes, and how to assess agency capabilities.
Lesson 6: Localization Vendor Management Scorecard
Implement systematic vendor evaluation using scorecards and metrics. Learn how to create objective assessment frameworks that support continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
Conclusion: Your Path Forward
Review key learnings and explore next steps in your localization journey. Preview upcoming LocEssentials courses on neural machine translation and LLM-based translation.