Section navigation
How to... files index "Organise translations"
How to organise translations
If there are particular community groups you know are under registered in your area, you may want to provide materials in the appropriate languages. Don't forget that the Electoral Commission does provide a range of information and forms in a variety of languages but you may want to tailor information to a local perspective.
Issues to consider:
- Which languages? The Electoral Commission has a set of standard languages which we translate our material into. Your area may have particular language needs so it is worthwhile contacting community groups to see if there is a demand for translated materials. Just because you haven't had any requests doesn't necessarily mean that people do not require translations, it might just mean that they don't know the information is available so it's worth doing a bit of outreach work.
- Time and budget: Have you built in enough time and budget into your project to accommodate translations? Many organisations don't factor in how long translations can take and end up having to pay extra for a rush job.
- Layout: Your translation may take up more space than the English version of your document. Can you increase the number of pages or size of the final document? Don't forget to allow for extra time and costs for design of the completed translation. Many translation agencies will be able to organise this for you.
- Proofing: Just because you don't speak the language doesn't mean you can't proof the document. You can check that punctuation, colours and headings are all in the right place. It is best to get your translator to check the final printers proofs just in case.
Useful tools: The Electoral Commission is always keen to get feedback on the kinds of translated information practitioners require. Please email us at dopolitics@electoralcommission.org.uk to let us know your thoughts.
How to organise translations
If there are particular community groups you know are under registered in your area, you may want to provide materials in the appropriate languages. Don't forget that the Electoral Commission does provide a range of information and forms in a variety of languages but you may want to tailor information to a local perspective.
Issues to consider:
- Which languages? The Electoral Commission has a set of standard languages which we translate our material into. Your area may have particular language needs so it is worthwhile contacting community groups to see if there is a demand for translated materials. Just because you haven't had any requests doesn't necessarily mean that people do not require translations, it might just mean that they don't know the information is available so it's worth doing a bit of outreach work.
- Time and budget: Have you built in enough time and budget into your project to accommodate translations? Many organisations don't factor in how long translations can take and end up having to pay extra for a rush job.
- Layout: Your translation may take up more space than the English version of your document. Can you increase the number of pages or size of the final document? Don't forget to allow for extra time and costs for design of the completed translation. Many translation agencies will be able to organise this for you.
- Proofing: Just because you don't speak the language doesn't mean you can't proof the document. You can check that punctuation, colours and headings are all in the right place. It is best to get your translator to check the final printers proofs just in case.
Useful tools: The Electoral Commission is always keen to get feedback on the kinds of translated information practitioners require. Please email us at dopolitics@electoralcommission.org.uk to let us know your thoughts.
