Introduction

Before you request a translation service, you should make sure you have prepared your content so it is accurate and easy to understand when it is translated.

We have put together some guidance to help you.

Understand the brief

You will need to provide a brief to the translator, so it is a good idea to make some notes about the:

• purpose of the translation - for example it could be for informational purposes, marketing or legal compliance
• target audience - think about their demographics, preferred language, cultural considerations or specific needs
• formatting preferences - do you want it to be translated into a different format or file type to the one you are providing it in?
• any other information - is there anything else you think the translator needs to know to get the tone and meaning right?

Need to check a customer’s preferred language? Find out how to identify the language someone speaks

Tips on preparing your content

• Use plain English
  Aim to write for a reading age of 12 and use plain, simple words.

• Write in short sentences
  Do not use long and complicated sentences.

• Don't use jargon
  Avoid jargon or phrases specific to English, such as ‘teaching me to suck eggs’. These may not translate well and there may not be an equivalent phrase in the target language.

• Write in the council’s voice
  Use our house writing style to make sure your content is in the correct tone, has the right formatting applied, is easy to understand, and accessible to everyone.

• Complete the document
  Your document should be finished before you send it for translation. Any changes required once the translation process has started may cost extra and affect the consistency of the translation.