| Q. What is the difference between translating and interpreting? |
| Q. What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting? |
| Q. Is manual translation more accurate than that produced using translation software programs? |
| Q. How do I select the best interpreters for my event and what questions should I ask? |
| Q. What are the rates of translation and why do they vary so much? |
| Q. What is the difference between certified and non-certified translators and interpreters? |
| Q. What are the qualifications of a competent translator? |
| Q. I’m bilingual, can I translate my own document? |
| Q. How can I send Avid my document for translation? |
| Q. In what format do you deliver the translated document? |
| Q. How do you ensure the quality of the translation and delivery on time? |
| ....................................................................................................................................................................................... |
| |
Q. What is the difference between translating and interpreting?
A. Translating refers to working with text or documents and interpreting is spoken. |
|
|
Q. What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
A. Simultaneous interpreting is practiced in courts and conferences and has a minimal time gap while consecutive interpreting has a longer time gap as the interpreter would listen to what the speaker is saying first and then interpret. |
|
| |
Q. Is manual translation more accurate than that produced using translation software programs?
A. Although human translation by an experienced translator/ linguist may
be much more time consuming, it produces a correct meaning that is contextual rather than literal. The translator will focus on the context while translation using translation software programs is automatic and literal, producing text that is often distorted and does not make sense and will require revising and editing. Avid Translation relies on experienced human translators in almost all fields. |
|
| |
Q. How do I select the best interpreters for my event and what questions should I ask?
A. You, our client know best the event, focus, background, target audience / population of your planned event or conference. To help us select the best interpreters for your event, it is important to describe in detail: the type of event, venue, the number and background of the attendees, specific languages/ dialects (for example: Chinese Mandarin versus Chinese Cantonese or Castilian Spanish versus Mexican Spanish), whether you need simultaneous or consecutive interpretation and whether you will require the use of equipment. |
|
| |
Q. What are the rates of translation and why do they vary so much?
A. Translator rates tend to vary with the size of the document, language, whether the subject is technical or legal as an example, document length and whether translation is done by a freelancer or an agency. Rates tend to vary between .10 cents per word to .35 cents or even more. Higher rates are not indicative of quality or accuracy. Agencies tend to charge higher rates mainly because they have to account for the quality control process and add charges for proofreading and editing the translated work. They also tend to be more mindful about their reputation as a company. |
|
| |
Q. What is the difference between certified and non-certified translators and interpreters?
A. Certification is usually given by an accredited college or language institute training program. Students go through extensive training in translating from source to target languages, methods, settings as well as practical training. As a generally accepted rule, certified translators are professionals at their work. They understand and abide by the industry standards. |
|
| |
Q. What are the qualifications of a competent translator?
A. A competent translator possesses the required training and certification combined with an in-depth knowledge of both source and target languages including a wide knowledge of terminology in multiple subjects in both languages as well as symbolism and idiomatic uses. This requires an in-depth knowledge of the cultural region for their target language/s. A competent translator has excellent grammatical uses and impeccable writing with the ability to proofread their own work. Training, experience, depth of cultural knowledge related to the target or native language region and a versatile style is what makes an interpreter or translator succeed at the job. |
|
| |
Q. I’m bilingual, can I translate my own document?
A. Bilingual persons are not translators and there is much more to translation than being bilingual. Translators are trained to work with text focusing on the purpose of the translation i.e. whether it needs to be a verbatim translation rendered for court purposes and where notations are often necessary or for purposes where cultural context and localization is more important. Professional translators understand and abide by standards adopted by the translation industry in all documents they work with. |
|
| |
How can I send my document for translation
A. Avid translation accepts documents by fax or delivered electronically by email as a Word, PDF or JPG file or using a file transfer service. Avid Translation uses ‘You Send It’ file transfer service and you can call us to check how to send your file. In all cases, we require a legible copy with good resolution in order for us to produce and deliver back a professional translation. |
|
| |
Q. In what format do you deliver the translated document?
Avid Translation delivers files in most desired formats such as Word, PDF or JPG files. Large files with graphics are delivered using our file transfer service. |
|
| |
Q. How do you ensure the quality of the translation and delivery on time?
Avid Translation works with clients as partners. We do our best to understand the parameters of the project, deadlines, time constraints and develop a schedule of delivery that works for our clients. If there are anticipated delays we make sure to communicate that to our client. Our quality is ensured by the multifaceted proofreading and revision process. |
|
|
