Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Translation and Interpretation?
While both Translation and Interpretation involve the conversion of one language to another, Translation involves the written form, while Interpretation involves the spoken form.
2. What is the difference between Simultaneous Interpretation and Consecutive Interpretation?
In Simultaneous Interpretation, the Interpreter renders the source language in the target language as quickly as possible, while the source language speaker continues speaking. This differs from Consecutive Interpretation, where the Interpreter renders the target language version of the content only when the source language speaker pauses.
3. What is Localization?
Localization is the conversion of materials (software, website, online help and documentation) from its source language to the language of the target market. The process includes making it linguistically and culturally appropriate for the target clientele.
4. What is the difference between Translation and Localization?
Localization is much more than just Translation. Translation is just one aspect of the Localization process. The Localization process continues after Translation is completed. The software application and graphics will have to be adapted to suit the needs of the target audience, tested and checked that it meets Verztec’s Quality Assurance standards.
5. What is the difference between Transcription and audio Translation?
Using the example of an audio source file in Mandarin, it is Transcription if the client requires the content to be written down in Mandarin.
It is audio Translation if the client wants the content to be written down in English.
6. What is DTP?
DTP stands for desktop publishing. DTP involves formatting the layout of text and images on a computer for print purposes or for online display. The publishing tools we use include Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Freehand, Framemaker, Quarkxpress and CorelDRAW.
7. How does Verztec ensure the quality of its Translators?
A lot of effort is put in to ensure that only qualified Translators are part of our team. Translators we work with are required to have an academic degree, to ascertain that they have the required linguistic skills and specialized knowledge. 85% of our Translators are certified by professional Translation associations such as the American Translators Association, the Arabic Translators’ Association (ATA) and the Japanese Translator’s Association (JTA).
Additionally, our stringent selection process has been fortified with the implementation of language skill tests for prospective candidates. Only the top 10–20 percent is recruited.
A demerit point system is also in place to provide continuous assessment of our Translators. This not only helps in weeding out sub-par Translators but also serves as deterrence to submitting works of poor quality.
8. What is Verztec’s Quality Assurance process like?
Each translation project goes through a source and a target review. The source review is usually conducted by a source language native speaker, who will ensure that the translations fully reflect the meaning of the original text and that there are no omissions.
The target review is done by a target language native speaker, who will conduct thorough checks with regard to grammar, style of writing, spelling, punctuation and terminology.
Finally, the project manager makes sure that the files are in order.
9. How does Verztec ensure the confidentiality of the documents that it handles?
Verztec observes strict confidentiality guidelines with regards to the documents that we handle. Non-disclosure agreements that are bound by law, are signed with the linguists before the commencement of any project. Without permission delivered in writing from our clients, we will not disclose any information pertaining to the documents that we handle. Verztec also does not sell or share personal details with any third party organizations. We will also be willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement with the client at their request.
10. I need a certified Translation for official purposes. Can Verztec provide the certification?
Yes, Verztec does provide certification for its Translations on request. The certificate attests to the accuracy and completeness of the Translation. It contains the signature of the manager or other authorized senior staff. Certified Translations are often used together with applications for educational, legal or immigration purposes. Sometimes, notarized Translations are required instead, so it is advised that you clarify with the relevant sources to determine what is required.
11. What is a notarized Translation? Can Verztec provide notarized Translations?
A notarized Translation is a certified Translation, but one that has been signed in the presence of a notary public. Besides serving as a witness, the notary public will also affix the notary seal. Notarized Translation is usually required for legal procedures. Verztec can provide such services at the client’s request.
12. Does Verztec use any software in the Translation process?
While your documents are handled by qualified Translators who are native speakers, we do employ the use of CAT (Computer Aided Translation) tools. The use of CAT tools facilitates terminology management through storing phrases that have been translated in a TM (Translation Memory) database for use in future projects to ensure consistency. This also accelerates the overall Translation process, resulting in a faster turnaround time and cost savings for clients.
13. What are the charges for Translation?
For Translation, we normally base our charges on the number of source words. So, for a Translation job from English to German, charges will be based on the number of English words that have to be translated.
A minimum charge and a discount model are in place as well.
14. What is the turnaround time for Translation services?
A minimum of two days is required for each project. The larger the project, the longer it takes to complete. The turnaround time needed also depends on the nature of the content as more time is usually required for highly technical documents.
Urgent projects will incur an urgent fee, to factor in the additional resources and costs required to complete the project in the short timeframe.