Audio translation process

Translating audio into another language involves more than just a direct interpretation of sound. GoTranscript uses a two-step approach—transcription followed by translation—to ensure maximum accuracy and consistency. Below is a detailed look at how the process unfolds.

1. Why Must Audio Be Transcribed First?

1. Clarity & Reference
   • Spoken words can be fast, accented, or muffled. Converting them into a written transcript makes it easier to verify text accuracy before translation.
2. Segmenting Content
   • A transcript enables clear segmentation of dialogues, speakers, and even background sounds—helpful when translating context-specific phrases or industry jargon.
3. Quality Control
   • Having a text version allows us to apply proofreading steps and client feedback (e.g., correct names, technical terms) before moving to the translation phase.

2. The Two-Step Process

Step 1: Transcription

1. Audio Upload
   • You provide an audio file (MP3, WAV, etc.) or a video file (e.g., MP4), which we then extract audio from.
2. Listening & Typing
   • Our skilled transcribers listen to the recording, capturing every spoken element accurately.
3. Time Stamps(Optional)
   • If you request timestamps or speaker labels, we include them in the transcript.

Step 2: Translation

1. Language Pair Selection
   • The final transcript is sent to a native-speaking translator of the target language (e.g., English → Spanish).
2. Cultural & Contextual Nuance
   • Translators adapt idioms, phrases, or references so they sound natural to the target audience.
3. Final Review
   • If needed, an additional review or quality check can be added for technical, medical, or legal content.

3. Timeline & Cost Factors

1. Recording Length
   • Pricing for audio translation is typically based on minutes (or hours) of recording.
2. Quality of Audio
   • Overlapping voices or heavy background noise can require more transcription time.
3. Language Complexity
   • Some languages or regional dialects may have higher rates due to fewer available translators or specialized expertise.

4. Ensuring Accuracy & Consistency

1. Client Glossaries(Optional)
   • If you have a list of technical terms, product names, or brand references, provide them to maintain consistent usage throughout.
2. Feedback & Revisions
   • Once the first translation draft is complete, you can request minor adjustments if something seems off.
3. Dedicated QA(For Complex Projects)
   • Large-scale or enterprise-level projects may benefit from a dedicated project manager ensuring uniform style and terminology across multiple files.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the transcription step?

No. Transcription is essential—translators need a text version of your audio to work on. Directly translating from raw audio is prone to errors.

Do I receive the transcript as well, or only the translated text?

You can usually download both the original transcript and the translated text, depending on your order instructions.

What if my audio includes multiple languages?

We handle multi-lingual content by splitting the transcript accordingly—each portion is then assigned to the right translator. For complex or heavily multi-lingual files, reach out to Support for a custom arrangement.

Can I get subtitles instead of a text file?

Yes. If your audio is part of a video or you need timed on-screen text, we can produce subtitles (SRT, VTT, etc.) after transcription and translation.