What exactly is a non-fiction translation?
It means basically a translation of factual or non-fictional literature, i.e. technical, scientific, legal and medical texts, manuals, reports and websites, to mention just a few examples of non-fictional prose.
Who are members of NORFAG?
NORFAG is an interest organization for translators working in the field of nonfiction translation. The majority of our members are qualified translators or have qualifications in a relevant discipline. Most are self-employed and registered with the Norwegian Brønnøysund Register or similar registries abroad. Others work for translation agencies and governmental and private institutions. The organization seeks to ensure high standards of translation while promoting the interests of clients/customers by awarding membership only to applicants who meet selected criteria. Members are required to make their educational qualifications and professional experience known on NORFAG’s website.
NORFAG is not a translation agency. Members are themselves responsible for the work they deliver, and for computing and sending bills and invoices.
Who do we work for?
We work for translation agencies in Norway and abroad, government departments and agencies, businesses in the private sector, publishers and private individuals. Members work alone or in teams created for a particular assignment which needs the input of several specialist translators.
Agency or translator?
You’ll need an agency if the assignment in question is a large-scale project requiring several specialist translators, careful supervision and coordination. For smaller assignments, it pays to contact the individual translator.
Virtual agency
If you need translations on a regular basis, it might be useful to set up your own virtual agency. You can then draw on a stable team of translators selected by yourself. The advantage is that you’ll be working with translators you are already familiar with, who know your needs and can deliver translations tailored to suit your preferences. It is cheaper, too, because the translators are self-employed and have few overheads.
You can use NORFAG’s member database to find one or more translators to fit your needs.
Guidelines for translations undertaken by NORFAG translators
NORFAG translators want to deliver translations of the highest standard. Unless other terms are agreed with the client, the following guidelines should be followed.
- The translator makes an accurate translation and proofreads the work before delivery. The translator ensures the original and translation convey the same content, and are in the same style and genre.
- The translator reads the client’s instructions carefully and delivers the finished translation on time. If the agreed deadline cannot be met, the translator shall inform the client as soon as possible.
- The translator undertakes a thorough investigation of the requisite terminology and attempts to clarify terminological issues before delivery. If this is not possible, the translator shall make the client aware of unresolved terminological issues on delivery.
- The translator shall make use of any reference material provided by the client while working on the translation.
- The translator shall apply the rules of the language into which the text is being translated. (Translators translating into Norwegian Bokmål shall use the Bokmål Dictionary and comply with the recommendations of the Language Council of Norway.)
- The translator shall seek to clarify ambiguities in the original text with the client before delivery if at all possible.
- The translator shall observe any confidentiality requirements pertaining to the client and translator and their mutual dealings.
- The translator should set rates that make it unnecessary to compromise on quality while achieving an acceptable income. In following this precept, the translator helps maintain the good reputation of the translator’s profession along with high linguistic and professional standards.