Lost in Translation: How to break through the Language Barrier

If you have ever played a game of Chinese Whispers then you will know it is extremely rare that the phrase that was given to the first person is the same phrase that is uttered by the final one.

When I was at University one of my lectures asked us to play it to demonstrate how information within companies can often become distorted as it passes between people and departments.

It is safe to say that the phrase was nothing like the original. Having being given an old fashioned military code (my lecturer did used to work for the MOD) which involved something about starboard, was consequently turned into starship, though this was most likely my fault based on my love of Star Wars.

Geeky movies aside, the point was clear; information can be mistranslated, miscommunicated and misinterpreted when passed from person to person.

You might now be asking; what does this have to do with my business? Well all businesses share information between departments and clients. If your business involves heavily on translation, are you sure that the right message is being put across?

Did you know that in its original telling Cinderella was said to have been given fur slippers by her fairy godmother? The tale was accidentally updated to involve the famous glass slipper due to a mistranslation from its original French.

The moral of the story lies in the value of communication; make sure that the right message is being received by your most important asset; your customers.

With an ISO 17100 Translation Services Management System you can rest easy knowing that your clients are receiving the best possible care and attention from your translators.

To find out more information about instating the ISO 17100, an industry recognised system that will reassure customers and further develop your staff, please contact ISO Quality Services Limited today on 01905 670303 to find out more, or email info@isoqsltd.com.

ISO Quality Services Ltd are proud to specialise in the implementation and certification of the Internationally recognised ISO and BS EN Management Standards.

Primarily working with clients throughout the whole of the UK and Ireland, ISO Quality Services Ltd also cover Europe and the UAE.

Do you want to get ahead of your competition? Win more tenders or save time and money on reoccurring issues? Contact us today!