Make no mistake. The proposed deal between Boeing and Iran Air for 88 jets is a huge deal, not so much in dollars but in symbolism. Because there are many more Western companies lined up eager to strike similar deals in Iran.
While these deals are not without a fair share of risk, there was a time not very long ago when similar statements were made about Russia and China. And, of course, everything could fall apart in an instant (or an election).
Or we could look back a decade from now and wonder what the big deal was. I prefer the latter, which is why I’m pleased to announce that The Savvy Client’s Guide to Translation Agencies is now available in Persian and is for sale in Iran.
Iranian translator Mary Poorglavi translated the book and I recently asked her a few questions about the process and Iran. Here’s what she had to say…
About how long did it take you to translate the book?
You know translating and editing are two separate, but interdependent processes. Therefore, I first translated the book and then edited for three months. Since this was my first publishing experience after 15 years of working as a freelance translator, I did my best to produce a fluent but accurate translation of the book.
What were the most challenging aspects?
The book avoids complicated syntax; therefore, I had no problem in understanding the meaning. However, the most challenging part of the book was related to the cloud model! It was new for me, because in Iran, the traditional TEF (Translating-Editing-Proofreading) model is still used by the translation agencies. To the best of my knowledge, none of translation companies uses this system for localization services and most of them are not familiar with it. Moreover, many freelance translators in Iran do not use even translation memories and are not familiar with them. I think this part of the book should be expanded with more details for those who don’t know what the cloud-based translation system is or how they can use it.
What is the current state of the translation industry in Iran?
Generally, in Iran as a developing country, it is a slow-growing industry. Unfortunately, Iranian LSPs rarely use technology. Nearly all of LSPs in Iran focus on specialized translation and few companies provide localization services by emails! Some other companies use an automated system of registering the project, pricing, translating, and delivery with no use of term banks or translation memory integrated in their websites (or no use of cloud-based translation system management) and depend only on the knowledge of freelancers. However, recently, some associations and institutes have been established to organize translation agencies.
Have you seen signs of translation industry growth over the past year as Iran has worked to open up its markets to Western companies?
After terminating sanctions, a very limited number of LSPs are slowly preparing themselves to offer services to global customers and get their shares of global market opportunities. In my idea, publishing books on introducing translation industry, academic papers focusing on translation industry in Iran, using the newest technologies, holding the conferences on translation industry and the importance of the presence in global markets, revising the related policies may help the industry to grow faster.
For those of us who would like to visit Iran, what sights do you most recommend visiting?
Iran is known as a four-season country with many attractions. In Tehran, Golestan Palace and Niavaran Palace are among many beautiful and charming attractions; in Isfahan, there is Naqsh-e Jahan Square known as Imam Square, and in Shiraz, Eram Garden and Persepolis are worth visiting.