Translation Services – Questions & Answers

Problems moving between languages is that often the different lengths and formats of languages create problems with the original document layout and format. When the language translation is simple, it is relatively easy to correct, however, if the document in question is a creative busy brochure or a full-length magazine or even an entire large website that has been localized, these difficult layout issues become not only more important but also more difficult to work with and format.

Language breakdowns can result from poor translations which can be embarrassing, costly with legal implications—jeopardizing your customer relationship and brand identity.

FAQ's

How do I view documents that use different characters?

Santranslation frequently translates from English into Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other languages. Upon receiving the translated document, many customers want to open and view the translation. Unless your computer supports the language in question, the document will not display correctly.

Windows – Install Microsoft Global IME 5.02 for 32-bit Windows
Windows (Office XP), Windows Vista and Windows 7 – Download Input Method Editors to use with Office XP
Mac OS X – Mac OS X Language Support Updates: Software Download
PDF http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/

PDF is a common generic format commonly used to view different languages.

Can you translate any document?

We have over 15 years experience in translating all kinds of documents from simple letters, legal documents, technical manuals, glossy magazines, company brochures and websites in any language in any software.

I know someone who speaks Spanish. What if I get them to translate for me?

Getting the language translation right is a difficult business and best left in the hands of specialists and professionals. A good quality language translation with correct terminology will make you and your business look professional. In some cases, such as machine operating instructions or medical dosages, accuracy can even be a matter of life and death.

What about online language translation services, why not use them?

While these websites can allow you to gain the basic translation of a short sentence they are completely inadequate for a professional translation. Often they do not even recognise basic words. This is also known as Machine translation refers to automated translation performed with a software program without the assistance of a human translator. For a quality translation, you need the services of professionals like Santranslation.

I've got a brochure that needs to be translated. Will I have to get it re-designed?

As well as our experienced language translators, we also work with other professionals, XML/HTML specialists, publishers, illustrators, technical authors and graphic designers who will ensure that the document you send us comes back in exactly the same layout and format as the original, if that’s what’s required.

Do we need different language translation for Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese websites?

This is a very common misunderstanding. There are many spoken dialects of Chinese, Mandarin being the official language of mainland china, and Cantonese being the language of the Canton provinces including Hong Kong and Macau. Although these two dialects are different, the written language for the different Chinese dialects is basically the same. There are however two different styles of writing Chinese characters, called traditional (as used in Hong Kong) and simplified (as used in mainland China). Simplified characters have less strokes and are easier to write. In general a web-site translation written in either style is readable by all Chinese people - however those in the mainland will in general prefer simplified,and those in Hong Kong and Taiwan will use the traditional style.

Does your translation company use machine translation?

Santranslation only works with professional human translators, who provide concise, expert and specialized translation services. We do not use machine translation.

Some of our translators use translation tools or translation memory software for example Dejavu or Trados to ensure consistency of terminology. How do you charge for translation work?

We charge a per-word rate usually per thousand words for translation work, which varies depending on what languages you would like translated. Total cost is based on the final target word count for European languages and on the English word count for non-European.

How long does it take to receive my quote?

Most quotes are answered on the day on which they are received.

I had a document translated by someone else. Can you check to see if it was done correctly?

Yes. This type of work is considered as proofreading and checking and is available at a charge.

Can you translate my website?

We certainly can and have a wealth of experience translating websites, either using code (HTML, php etc) or using Word so the web developer has more control. We always like to get involved in the process of translating your website as early as possible in order to save you time, money and to avoid duplication. We ideally recommend all relevant text requiring translation to be supplied in Word or in the programme it was created in.

How do I know that your translators will understand my business?

We have a large database of professional linguists who has detailed knowledge of your business sector. Every business sector is different and each has its own specific attributes. Rest assured that to translate your material we will only select the right first and second translators to undertake the full translating, and proofing process.

Why should I use Santranslation and what are the benefits?

We enjoy a high retention rate with our clients as we store all their translation memory which can be used for future translation projects providing continuity and accuracy with terminology. Any future memory matches and duplication is charged at half price providing the client with a cost effective solution to their translation requirements.