Translation into my native languages

Translating into a translator’s native language is not merely a preference; it is an essential strategy that greatly improves the quality of the translated material. This approach minimizes the risk of errors, leading to a smoother and more coherent text. It enables the translator to accurately convey the original work’s tone, style, and cultural nuances, allowing the translation to resonate with its intended audience. This skill is especially important for texts rich in idiomatic expressions or specialized terminology. Ultimately, choosing to translate into one’s native language is a powerful decision that enhances the accuracy, fluency, and cultural relevance of the final output, resulting in a significantly better translation.

I provide translation services from English or German to Greek, and from English or Greek to German.

Fields of specialization

Translators, like doctors with specific medical specialties such as dermatology, pathology, and neurology, also focus on particular fields. These fields include legal, medical, technical, literary, and gaming translation, among others. Each of these fields can be further divided into sub-fields. For example, a technical translator might specialize in areas like medical devices or the automotive industry, while a medical translator could focus on specialties such as cardiology or ophthalmology. There are also generalists, akin to general practitioners in medicine.

I specialize in various areas of translation, which include technical translation, medical translation, business and finance translation, travel and tourism translation, marketing translation, and search engine optimization (SEO). Below are some illustrative sub-specializations that highlight my areas of expertise.

CAT tools

According to ISO 17100:2015, the acronym CAT stands for computer-aided translation, which refers to a variety of software applications used to support human translation. These computer programs are usually called translation tools, computer-aided translation tools (CAT tools), or translation environment tools (TEnTs).

The CAT tools that I usually use are the following, but I can work with any other tool of your choice as well:

• Across (latest version)
• Alchemy Catalyst Lite (latest version)
• Déjà Vu X3 (latest version)
• MemoQ (latest version)
• Multiterm (latest version)
• Passolo (latest version)
• Phrase (latest version)
• Trados Studio (latest version)
• Transit NXT (latest version)
• Wordfast Anywhere
• Wordfast PRO (latest version)

Quality assurance

The grammar and spellcheck features in MS Word are not perfect, and there is no option for grammar checking in specific languages, such as Greek. Before delivering work to a client, translators typically run a spellcheck and perform quality assurance (QA) or verification, which may vary based on the computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool used. This procedure is standard and highly recommended. However, is it sufficient?

Especially for large projects, you might need additional checks to ensure everything is correct and consistent. This is where quality assurance tools come in. Depending on the project and the checks I need to run, I use ApSIC Xbench, QA Distiller, AceProof, or PerfectIt.

Certified translations

The process of translation certification differs by country and jurisdiction, but it typically involves a professional translator or a translation agency that is recognized or authorized by the appropriate authorities.

Who can certify translations in Greece?

The following professionals can certify documents in Greece:

• Translators certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who are listed in the Register of Certified Translators;
• Members of the Panhellenic Association of Professional Translators Graduates of the Ionian University (PEEMPIP);
• Lawyers-linguists.

Where can I order an apostille?

You can order an apostille from the Greek authorities through the govgr Portal before submitting your documents for translation. If you need an apostille from another country, you may find a list of apostille countries with links to the respective authorities on the HCCH website.

Other language combinations or specializations

Please reach out if you need translations in different languages or specializations. I collaborate with a network of skilled and experienced professionals, ensuring we can find a suitable colleague for your project.