Three questions to Arielle Alvarez, Translation Manager at EUROPAGES.
How does translation represent added value?
Linguistic diversity is one of the all-important values inherent in EUROPAGES. At www.europages.com, you can run a search in 26 languages. The ads placed by companies referenced in our database are translated into 15 languages, including the main European languages and Chinese.
For our users, this means a search in their language that is pertinent and targeted. For companies referenced on our site, it provides an opportunity for increased visibility, and securing contacts from international business partners in their own language. This is one the main features that makes EUROPAGES stand out from its competitors. At present, we are the only B2B directory site to provide such a comprehensive formula, all of which represents a considerable advantage for our customers.
How is the quality and accuracy of translations guaranteed?
An original system has been designed to ensure the best possible level of quality. It involves a Translation department that operates much like a translation agency, thus centralising all the necessary resources within EUROPAGES. This department works directly with a global network of more than 120 professional translators who provide tailor-made translations. This system is based on a sophisticated CAT[1] tool whereby everything that is translated is automatically saved in a purpose-built database. To date, the terminology database contains more than 3 million terms in 26 languages.
What changes do you see for the future?
By adding new functions to the translation process, we will ensure better system reactivity and traceability. We will be maintaining our strict requirements in terms of translation quality while effectively speeding up the process. This represents a real necessity since, in 2007 alone, some 4,000,000 words were translated.
