Notes

*Aspects of translator reliability*
Reliability with regard to the text
Attention to detail
-The translator is meticulous in her attention to the contextual and collocational nuances of each word and phrase she uses.
Sensitivity to the user’s needs
-The translator listens closely to the user’s special instructions regarding the type of translation desired, understands those instructions quickly and fully, and strives to carry them out exactly and flexibly.
Research
-The translator does not simply “work around” words she doesn’t know, by using a vague phrase that avoids the problem or leaving a question mark where the word would go, but does careful research, in reference books and Internet databases, and through phone calls, faxes, and e-mail inquiries.
Checking
-The translator checks her work closely, and if there is any doubt (as when she translates into a foreign language) has a translation checked by an expert before delivery to the client. (The translator also knows when there is any doubt.)

*Reliability with regard to the client*
Versatility
-The translator is versatile enough to translate texts outside her area of specialization, out of languages she doesn’t feel entirely competent in (always having such work checked, of course), in manners she has never tried. (The translator also knows when she can handle a novel task and when something is simply beyond her abilities and needs to be politely refused.)
Promises
-The translator knows her own abilities and schedule and working habits well enough to make realistic promises to clients or agencies regarding delivery dates and times, and then keeps those promises; or, if pressing circumstances make it impossible to meet a deadline, calls the client or agency and renegotiates the time frame or arranges for someone else to finish the job.
Friendliness
-The translator is friendly and helpful on the phone or in person, is pleasant to speak or be with, has a sense of humor, offers helpful advice (such as who to call for that one page of Estonian or Urdu), doesn’t offer unhelpful advice, etc.
Confidentiality
-The translator will not disclose confidential matters learned through the process of translation (or negotiation) to third parties.

*Reliability with regard to technology*
Hardware and software
-The translator owns a late-model computer, a recent version of Microsoft Word, an Internet connection (preferably high-speed/broadband), an e-mail address, and a fax machine, and either owns and uses regularly, or is prepared to purchase and learn how to use, translation memory software specified by the client.