Give dates and numbers enough context
A date written entirely as numbers, such as 03/04, can lead readers to interpret the day and month differently. If it matters for delivery, write out the month or specify the format clearly, and confirm which year is intended in the target version.
Check currencies, units and the meaning of number ranges too. A translation should not change amounts or convert units without agreement. If the source is ambiguous, ask for confirmation first instead of choosing a plausible answer on the information owner’s behalf.
Familiar internal abbreviations may be unfamiliar to partners
Collect the abbreviations, department names, product names and service terms the business regularly uses. Identify which must remain unchanged, which have approved English versions and which need an explanation on first mention.
The same word may refer to different stages in different organisations. Include a sample situation or an original sentence previously used. This short context is more helpful than a vocabulary list with no explanation of meaning.
Separate language polishing from changes to terms
A smoother sentence must still preserve the original scope: whether a date is only an estimate or a confirmed deadline, for example, and which expenses are included or excluded. Wording that expresses a possibility must not become a guarantee.
If the offer, terms or information need to change, obtain the business owner’s approval first. Translation does not mean making commercial decisions for the customer, nor does it automatically certify specialist documents.
- The document’s readers and purpose
- Dates, currencies, units and figures requiring confirmation
- Approved abbreviations and terminology
- Estimates, exclusions and important terms
Review the text through the reader’s next action
After reading the translation, ask whether a partner would know what to answer, what information to send or when to act. If the answer remains unclear, the source may need more context, rather than simply more formal English wording.
For example, a request to “confirm the details” should specify whether this means product quantities, file format or the delivery deadline. Clear source information gives both sides the same reference for checking the translation.
Prepare the source text before translation begins
Send an editable source file and identify confirmed passages and points still awaiting answers. Include terminology with usage examples. If the text still needs writing from scratch or company information needs developing into a document, consider the appropriate scope of work first.
Discuss this information on Fastwork to confirm the source language, target language, word count and file format. The main translation package covers 1 agreed direction between Thai and English. It excludes writing new content, transcribing text from images and certification work specified as excluded.
Your next step
Before sending a document for translation, circle every date, unit, abbreviation and sentence setting out terms. Ask, “Would someone outside the company understand this the same way we do?” Confirm these points before polishing the wording.
