Researchers in Brazil, France, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey and many other countries face the same choice: write the paper directly in English, or write in the language they think in and translate it. Both routes can lead to publication. The right one depends on you and your paper.
When should I write directly in English?
- You regularly read and write papers in English in your field.
- Your co-authors include fluent English writers.
- The paper is short or follows a standard structure (e.g. a short communication).
In this case, write in English and use English language editing to polish clarity and tone.
When is translation the better choice?
- Your argument is subtle or theoretical and you express it much more precisely in your native language.
- The paper is based on a thesis or report already written in another language.
- You are short of time and writing in English would be much slower.
In this case, professional academic translation preserves the precision of your ideas.
Why not just use machine translation?
Machine translation has improved dramatically and is useful for reading. But for submission it still mistranslates field-specific terminology, produces unnatural academic phrasing, and can introduce subtle errors in meaning that reviewers notice. Some journals also ask authors to confirm how text was produced. If you use machine translation for a first draft, always have it edited by a subject expert.
What makes a good academic translation?
- A translator who knows your field — terminology matters more than general fluency.
- Native-level English in the target text.
- An editing pass after translation, so the text reads naturally to reviewers.
- Consistency with your figures, tables and previously published terms.
- Confidentiality — your unpublished data must be protected.
How much does academic translation cost?
| Language ⇄ English | Per 250 words |
|---|---|
| French, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean | US$8 |
| Chinese, Dutch | US$9 |
| German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Persian, Arabic | US$10 |
Discounts of 7–17% apply above 2,000 words. Turkish, Malay, Swedish, Finnish and other languages are quoted on request. Use the price calculator for an instant estimate.
Tips for a smoother translation
- Send a glossary of key terms and any English papers you have already published.
- Finalise figures and tables before translation.
- Tell the translator your target journal and its English variant.
- Ask for a certificate of translation if your institution requires one.
GlobalEdico translations have been published in journals from Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, Springer, PLOS and IEEE. Request a translation quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to write a paper in English or translate it?
Write in English if you are comfortable doing so and then have it edited. Translate if your argument is much clearer in your native language, using a subject-specialist translator followed by English editing.
Can I submit a machine-translated paper?
It is not recommended. Machine translation often mistranslates technical terms and produces unnatural phrasing; it should always be edited by a subject expert before submission.
How much does academic translation cost?
GlobalEdico charges US$8–10 per 250 words depending on the language, with discounts of 7–17% for longer documents.
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