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Translation - art & business » Business issues »
Test from a translation agency available on the web?
Thread poster: Anne Carnot

Anne Carnot  Identity Verified
Belgium
Local time: 02:25
Member (2009)
English to French
Mar 12, 2009

Hi everyone,

I'm a new freelancer, so I don't know if this issue has been addressed before, and I apologize if it has...
I was recently contacted by an agency which sent me two tests to translate (for free). Their content was very technical and as I had very little knowledge of the topics, I did some research on the web... and came across the translation of one of the text!! I was "good" and did not use it to do my own version, but I was wondering if I should warn the agency or not? Is that common and part of the test?? (to see who would tell them and who would'nt?)
Thanks for any advice you may haveicon_smile.gif
 

Kevin Fulton  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 20:25
German to English
Clever test of resourcefulness Mar 12, 2009

To be honest, I think that the agency didn't intentionally pick a translation that was on the web. It is certainly possible that they sent you a document that they had translated for a client that was eventually posted to the web.

On the other hand, it might have been a test of your Internet research skills, or perhaps your integrity. I'm not sure most agencies are that imaginative, however.

In any case, you were correct in not submitting the "found" translation as your own, as well as informing the prospective client. Assuming you submitted accurate translations, the agency should be happy to include you in their roster of translators.
 

whither has fle
France
Local time: 02:25
French to English
Testsfrom agencies/found on web Mar 12, 2009

Hello,

Ive just seen you question and, yes, this topic came up just last week with a lot of very interesting comments. Im new too, so Im not sure how to get you back to last week, but if you could somehow manage, believe me you wont be disappointed! There were some really interesting situations about the question of accepting or not accepting tests, and exactly the point you mentioned...finding the test on a web site.

Good luck with Proz. com and I hope you find last week's site.

Kind regards,

Joan Cahill.
 

Astrid Elke Witte  Identity Verified
Germany
Local time: 02:25
Member (2002)
German to English
+ ...
Not completely sure if this is the right thread, but try it anyway Mar 12, 2009

http://www.proz.com/forum/poll_discussion/128408-poll:_do_you_perform_free_test_translations.html
 

Katalin Horváth McClure  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 20:25
Member (2002)
English to Hungarian
+ ...
Link to the previous discussion on the same topic Mar 13, 2009

http://www.proz.com/forum/proofreading_editing_reviewing/128126-something_that_happened_to_me_with_a_translation_test.html
 

Anne Carnot  Identity Verified
Belgium
Local time: 02:25
Member (2009)
English to French
TOPIC STARTER
Thanks everyone! Mar 13, 2009

Thanks to all of you for your answers, that was really helpful. I read a few posts concerning agencies and tests, and I've learned quite a lot !!

Now I'll just have to wait and see how this specific agency will reacticon_wink.gif

Have a nice day.
 


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