
Glossary - Translation
Instant Quote - Global offers this feature to allow potential clients to obtain a quick estimate for how much their translation project may cost. By providing basic information such as source language, target language, source word count, specialty area...etc., a potential client can get an instant ballpark estimate. The assumption is that the document has an average level of linguistic difficulty, the project is not a rush job, and a suitable translator is available during that timeframe to work on the assignment. You may follow up with request for a firm quote by providing Global with the actual source document and more detailed requirements.
Localization - Translation seeks to express the same message in another language. In some cases, an accurate linguistic translation is in itself not enough to carry the same meaning, evoke the same feeling, or elicit the same response, due to geographic or cultural differences. Examples are local street names, sports, jokes, personalities, or idioms in the source language. In such cases, localization is required to substitute these references with comparable ones that are more easily understood by the local population.
Professional Editing and Revision - This is an optional service. Under a standard translation project, a professional translator performs the translation and basic proofreading before the work product is delivered to the client. Professional editing and revision is an additional service offered by Global, where a second professional reviews the work of the first translator, and makes suggestions on how to improve the work product for style, cultural nuances, and flair. The final improved version will be delivered to the client. This service is recommended for those projects where the translated work will be published and distributed to the public, or used in major marketing campaigns. In such cases, absolute precision in meaning is paramount, and representation of corporate image is critical. Use of professional editing and revision services will give you added assurance and peace of mind.
Quality Assurance Process (QAP) - Global has a rigorous process for all translation projects to ensure we provide high quality translations and customer satisfaction. The process extends from defining requirements prior to start of project, to post delivery support, with active client communication throughout. Please see quality assurance process for details.
Source Document - This refers to the document submitted for translation. It is based on this document that source language, word count, specialty area, level of difficulty, and other factors that impact the cost and time of the project are determined.
Source Language - This refers to the language in the provided source document. In most cases, this is the document's original language. However, in some cases, what is submitted for translation may be a translated version itself. For example, the user instructions for a Japanese product for export may have first been translated from Japanese to English, and then translation is sought to further translate the text from English to French.
Source Word Count - This refers to the number of words in the source language of the source document. The cost of a translation project is often directly related to the word count of the source document. The translated version in the target language usually differs in word count from the source document. For example, the target document may be one third longer than the source document when translation is done from English to Chinese.
Specialty Area - A good translation depends on the translator's understanding and knowledge of the subject matter. Most professional translators can handle subject matter of a general nature with ease. However, some materials cover information, concepts and terminology that are specific to a specialised field or industry. In these cases, we require translators who possess a certain level of expertise and experience in that specialty area to ensure full comprehension of the materials and proper expression into the target language. Some examples of specialty areas are IT, medical, financial and legal.
Target Language - This refers to the language of the translated document. It is necessary to specify the country or region where your target audience is located, because there are local versions of the language. For example, there are differences of expressions between French used in France versus French in Quebec, Canada; between English in Britain versus English in the United States, Spanish in Spain versus Spanish in South America...etc.
Instant Quote - Global offers this feature to allow potential clients to obtain a quick estimate for how much their translation project may cost. By providing basic information such as source language, target language, source word count, specialty area...etc., a potential client can get an instant ballpark estimate. The assumption is that the document has an average level of linguistic difficulty, the project is not a rush job, and a suitable translator is available during that timeframe to work on the assignment. You may follow up with request for a firm quote by providing Global with the actual source document and more detailed requirements.
Localization - Translation seeks to express the same message in another language. In some cases, an accurate linguistic translation is in itself not enough to carry the same meaning, evoke the same feeling, or elicit the same response, due to geographic or cultural differences. Examples are local street names, sports, jokes, personalities, or idioms in the source language. In such cases, localization is required to substitute these references with comparable ones that are more easily understood by the local population.
Professional Editing and Revision - This is an optional service. Under a standard translation project, a professional translator performs the translation and basic proofreading before the work product is delivered to the client. Professional editing and revision is an additional service offered by Global, where a second professional reviews the work of the first translator, and makes suggestions on how to improve the work product for style, cultural nuances, and flair. The final improved version will be delivered to the client. This service is recommended for those projects where the translated work will be published and distributed to the public, or used in major marketing campaigns. In such cases, absolute precision in meaning is paramount, and representation of corporate image is critical. Use of professional editing and revision services will give you added assurance and peace of mind.
Quality Assurance Process (QAP) - Global has a rigorous process for all translation projects to ensure we provide high quality translations and customer satisfaction. The process extends from defining requirements prior to start of project, to post delivery support, with active client communication throughout. Please see quality assurance process for details.
Source Document - This refers to the document submitted for translation. It is based on this document that source language, word count, specialty area, level of difficulty, and other factors that impact the cost and time of the project are determined.
Source Language - This refers to the language in the provided source document. In most cases, this is the document's original language. However, in some cases, what is submitted for translation may be a translated version itself. For example, the user instructions for a Japanese product for export may have first been translated from Japanese to English, and then translation is sought to further translate the text from English to French.
Source Word Count - This refers to the number of words in the source language of the source document. The cost of a translation project is often directly related to the word count of the source document. The translated version in the target language usually differs in word count from the source document. For example, the target document may be one third longer than the source document when translation is done from English to Chinese.
Specialty Area - A good translation depends on the translator's understanding and knowledge of the subject matter. Most professional translators can handle subject matter of a general nature with ease. However, some materials cover information, concepts and terminology that are specific to a specialised field or industry. In these cases, we require translators who possess a certain level of expertise and experience in that specialty area to ensure full comprehension of the materials and proper expression into the target language. Some examples of specialty areas are IT, medical, financial and legal.
Target Language - This refers to the language of the translated document. It is necessary to specify the country or region where your target audience is located, because there are local versions of the language. For example, there are differences of expressions between French used in France versus French in Quebec, Canada; between English in Britain versus English in the United States, Spanish in Spain versus Spanish in South America...etc.
