Working in the field, I came to see how the purpose and audience of a translation are closely related to whether the output text will be used for import or export, and the effects on communication and translation quality.

Translation into English in the U.S. is often what I call import translation. The communication has likely already happened, and a third party wants to see what it was. Examples are competitors’ marketing materials, articles of incorporation of acquisition candidates, or medical records. The client "just wants to know what it says." The purpose of the document has shifted to information only; the document no longer needs to convince or instruct a live audience, and the quality of the text—content, grammar, style—is less relevant.

Export translation is generally the opposite: The client needs to reach users or potential customers in a foreign language, and good communication tailored to the purpose and audience is key. This is the case of Silicon Valley firms localizing their products or European companies making their materials available in international English.

This is what Matt Hammond, LLC, did for major firms in Europe and the Americas. My work in international documentation focused on turning foreign legacy into stand-alone documents that could function as original English. Often I was called in to copyedit the output of traditional translators and make it suitable for publication in English, or edit documents written by non-native speakers. I also proofread thousands of texts produced by myself and others.

Some Technical Clients

• SAP
• Siemens
• Software AG
• Sylog Data GmbH
• Linde
• Dräger (medical equipment)
• Degussa (dental casting)
• Europay (ec card)
• EUnet

Some Marketing Clients

• Swatch
• Swiss Telecom
• Fingerpin (biometric security)
• SOFFEX (Swiss Options and Futures Exchange)
• WIFAG (printing presses)
• AAO (customs brokerage)
• Swissport (airport ground services)
• A. Lange & Söhne (fine watches)
• McKinsey & Co.