One of my project managers has asked me to give him a budget to prepare specifications for a fairly significant project In Spanish for a potential client in somewhere in Central America. I am clueless, short of hiring an independent consultant! I am aware of computer programs that automatically convert English to Spanish but I doubt if they work well with various architectural and spec terminology. My command of the spanish language is limited to asking for beer and bathrooms. Does anyone have any experience or suggestions?
Contact a spec writer in Miami. No body speaks English there either.
Try contacting a member of the CSI chapter in Puerto Rico.
http://www.csiwse.org/csi/10237
Doug:
About 12 years or so ago, we researched translating a specification into Spanish. We found a firm that does (and at least did) such translation, Salinas Design & Consulting in Richmond, Virginia. Their fee would be determined by the exact number of sections, word count, and research for special terminology.
I jus Googled them, and find the following: Salinas Design & Consulting, 10300 Pebblebrook Pl, Richmond VA, (804) 741-4290.
Dave: Try contacting Steve Andros… he had a similar situation a few years ago and used a gentleman in Hermasillo.
I believe in 20 years a majority of the specifications will be written in Spanish. You don’t have to look very far to see the trend. Just look at the construction workers next time you are out in the field. What is their nationality? The Hispanic population is the fastest growing in the US.
Means publishes a Spanish/English construction dictionary and USG publishes their handbook in Spanish. I am seeing more and more bilingual literature.
I wish now that I had take Spanish in high school or college!
Doesn’t matter. All the specs writers will be in India by then.
Alan, I’m serious. Ever been to an ATM lately?
I have a hard enough time with English…and it is my first language!
David
Our office has done many projects in Latin America for several different global clients. Even though we have spanish-speaking architects in our office, we partner with a local architect, usually trained in the US.
Then we have someone there during construction who shares our interests, knows how to get things done with available resources, and can deal with the contractor and authorities. We prepare our usual DD-level documents and let him do the translation to spanish and metric.
It isn’t only a different language - it is a different culture. You have local customs and preferences. You want to have someone on board who can keep your design within the scope of capabilities.
When we go the jobsite, we have a friend there who can not only show us around the jobsite, but can show us around town as well.
David,
While said in humor, I also was being truthful. I did a google search a while back for specs and what came up was a few places that would produce a set of specs over the net for $500 in 24 hours. They were all in India. I also know that quite a few architectural firms are actively looking into out-sourcing. All you have to do is look at what firms are opening an office in New Delphi, etc. and even Mexico.
As far as the ATM, yeah; I know, but having traveled to Europe many years ago and in Spain the train announced in 7 different language, so I don’t feel that bad about it.
David, there is a flaw in your thinking. Remember, the specs are legally enforceable requirements. The agreement between the General Contractor and the Owner will continue to remain in English as well as the specs. There is no way in 20 years The U.S. is going to have construction litigation handled in Spanish. Think of the hardship this will cause the lawyers.
As for the installers, it makes sense for companies to provide their installation instructions in English and Spanish so long as someone will actually read and follow them.
RE: the original post; Doug, I’m curious as to what you find out?
Tommy
Tomas,
One word, “Canada”.
Le ver en veinte aos!
Thanks one and all for your help, as well as for the humor. I did get some good contacts (G. Wade’s suggestion about the Puerto Rico Chapter was a good one too) and, if the project ever really happens, I’ll know who to call.