Do Non-Native Speakers Make Good Translators?

The best translators usually specialise in certain subject matters like, for example, financial or legal document translations. This makes sense as a skilled translator who specializes is ultimately going to be better value for money.

Most translation services would normally offer a translator who is a native speaker of the language that needs to be translated. There are some schools of thought that suggest that there are advantages in using non native speakers for translation services in Australia. A particular instance is when designing brochures for a language school offering tuition to overseas students. As the overseas student is likely only to have a minimal grasp of English, getting a non native English speaker to write a simple brochure in simple English would make it far easier for the potential overseas student to understand.  

This is just one example for translation services to provide a non native English speaker. If the level of English required for a translation has to be simple then a non native English speaker may be an ideal fit. However, it should be stressed here that no non native speaker in these contexts should do the final proofread. This is best left to a native speaker who will ensure the translation is perfect.

In the translation industry there is a huge variety of subject matter that needs translating and all translators have to be proficient enough in two languages to perform an accurate translation that will not lead to any misunderstanding. If a translator is truly bilingual and has proved this through examinations and other assessment methods, he or she may decide what his or her native language is, but they may still feel just as competent in the second language. This type of translator has exceptional qualities and is far better for translating more complicated documents than someone who defines themself as a non native speaker. A business generally hires translators for marketing translation services on the basis that a native speaker will be assigned the translation job.

In summary, there are occasions when simple language is important for understanding and a non native language translator may do a more effective translation. In most cases though, a native speaker should know how to adapt the language to fit the audience and should be able to handle both simple English and more complex English.