𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

In the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, precise and reliable communication is non-negotiable. Yet, despite the growing demand for high-quality translation services, there are still widespread misconceptions about what translation really involves—especially in technical and regulated industries like ours.

Here, we unpack some of the most persistent myths about language services and shine a light on the realities behind effective, high-stakes translation.

❌ 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #1: “Anyone who speaks two languages can translate.”

🟢 Reality: Being bilingual is only a starting point. A professional pharmaceutical translator must also possess:

• Expertise in medical and scientific terminology

• A deep understanding of regulatory language

• Knowledge of clinical trial protocols, drug approval processes, and patient safety requirements

For example, translating an investigator’s brochure or a summary of product characteristics (SmPC) requires fluency not just in language, but in the science and structure of the document. Misinterpretation can lead to delayed approvals, non-compliance, or worse—patient harm.

❌ 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #2: “Machine translation tools are enough.”

🟢 Reality: Machine translation (MT) has improved significantly, especially with AI and neural networks. However, it is still far from sufficient for sensitive pharma content, where:

• Context matters (e.g., clinical vs. commercial terms)

• Nuance can affect meaning (e.g., “may cause” vs. “is known to cause”)

• Errors can carry legal implications

A raw MT output might work for internal summaries or low-risk content, but patient-facing materials, regulatory submissions, and drug labels require expert human review to ensure they are accurate, compliant, and culturally appropriate.

❌ 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #3: “Translation is just about converting words.”

🟢 Reality: Quality translation goes well beyond word-for-word substitution. It’s about:

• Conveying intent: A safety warning must have the same impact in every language.

• Preserving tone and meaning: Especially important in informed consent forms (ICFs), where clarity and readability are legally required.

• Adapting to the target audience: Translators must understand the end user—whether it’s a regulator, a physician, or a patient with no scientific background.

In pharmaceuticals, clarity and precision can be life-saving. A mistranslated dosage instruction, for example, can have fatal consequences.

❌ 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #4: “It’s a quick, one-size-fits-all process.”

🟢 Reality: Each translation project is unique, depending on the content type, target market, and regulatory requirements.

A translation of a clinical trial protocol for Spain requires different linguistic and regulatory knowledge than translating a marketing authorization application (MAA) for Germany. High-quality providers follow a multi-step process that may include:

• Terminology harmonization using glossaries and translation memories

• Review by a subject matter expert (SME)

• Linguistic validation or cognitive debriefing for patient materials

• Back-translation to confirm fidelity in critical content

This is not a one-step task. It’s a specialized workflow requiring precision and industry-specific know-how.

❌ 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #5: “All translation providers are the same.”

🟢 Reality: Language service providers (LSPs) vary widely in quality, experience, and compliance protocols. In pharmaceuticals, your LSP should:

• Be ISO 17100 or ISO 9001 certified

• Use linguists with medical or pharmaceutical training

• Have proven experience in regulatory documentation, clinical trial materials, and pharmacovigilance reports

Choosing the right partner isn’t just about price—it’s about risk mitigation and regulatory success. Look for an LSP that understands the stakes, timelines, and complexity of your industry.

✅ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Translation is Risk Management

In pharma, every word matters.

An error in translation can mean rejected applications, halted trials, or worse—compromised patient safety. Professional translation is not an optional service; it's a critical part of your global operations strategy.

At aiaTranslations, we combine linguistic precision with scientific expertise to deliver translations you can trust—on time, every time. Whether you're preparing a clinical trial dossier, submitting to the EMA, or launching a product in LATAM, we’re here to help you speak the language of compliance and care.