In a municipality, translation requests usually come from two sources: sister city relations and externally funded projects. Each generates its own document family, and in both the records of the council, the decision-making body, sit at the centre of the file.
Sister city relations
Municipalities establish relations with foreign cities. The relationship is recorded in a protocol. The text goes to translation.
Protocol texts
Sister city protocols are short, formulaic texts. The wording carries mutual undertakings. It is rendered with care.
Council resolutions
Core decisions are taken in the municipal council. The resolution number and date are its identity. The fields are verified.
Structure of the resolution text
The reasoning and the resolution sections stand apart. The structure is preserved. The order is not changed.
Executive committee resolutions
Resolutions on execution form a separate set. The texts are short and functional. They are carried over exactly.
External project applications
Applications are made to international funds and programmes. The specification gives the document list. The scope follows from it.
Project reports
Ongoing projects generate periodic reports. The reports have a fixed structure. A template is used.
Budget tables
Project budgets are number-heavy. The fields are verified separately. A layer is added.
Local government terms
Local government structures differ between countries. A one-to-one equivalent is not forced. An explanation is added.
Rendering unit names
Names of directorates and departments are translated by interpretation and used consistently. A list is set up. Deviation is prevented.
Rendering job titles
Titles of elected and appointed offices differ between systems. The equivalent is chosen with care. An explanation may be given.
Zoning and technical documents
Projects may also include technical documents. The terms are field-specific. Expertise is sought.
Promotional materials
City promotion calls for a different competence. Style comes to the fore. A separate team is assigned.
Event and delegation programmes
Visit programmes are prepared at short notice. Requests arrive suddenly. Capacity is kept flexible.
Web and announcement texts
In texts for citizens, clarity comes first. Plain language is observed. The yardstick is the reader.
Tender procedure
Services are procured under tender legislation. The process follows the procedure. The framework is known.
Archive and historical documents
In some projects old documents come up. These texts call for separate expertise. The scope is separated.
The need for multilingual service
Cities that receive tourists and migrants may need more than one language. The pool is prepared in advance. A plan is made.
Information texts for citizens
Announcements may be prepared for foreign national residents. In these texts clarity comes first. Plain language is observed.
The seasonal nature of the relationship
Sister city visits and project calls cluster in certain periods; when this calendar is known, capacity can be reserved in advance and most rush requests disappear. The calendar is shared. The plan is made yearly.
Limits of liability
What is described here is for information purposes and does not replace a legal opinion. Assessment belongs to qualified persons. The limit is stated.