• How do you ensure the confidentiality of documents?
STC treats all material with the highest degree of confidentiality. All of our linguists are bound by a work agreement stipulating confidentiality.
Upon request, we are also happy to sign a Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement with our clients.
• How can you receive and deliver documents?
We prefer to receive projects via e-mail, FTP or CD/DVD, but we can also receive hard copy documents by fax, mail, courier, or overnight service. We can also deliver translations by any of these methods.
• What types of document formats can you translate?
We can work with most document formats, i.e.:-
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- QuarkXPress
- Adobe InDesign
- HTML, XML, ASP, PHP, CFM
• Can machine translation replace a translator?
Not entirely. A computer cannot understand the intricacies of language and effectively convey a particular message the way a human translator can. Idioms and parts of speech, for example, cannot be recognized and correctly translated by a computer.
Also, words can have multiple meanings—and therefore translations—that are context specific, which a computer cannot recognize. There is therefore a very high risk of terminological and grammatical inaccuracy.
• Why is it important to proofread materials after they have been translated?
Proofreading ensures accuracy and is important for ensuring the quality of the end product. This process is especially recommended for any document intended for the general public, i.e. adverts, manuals, contracts, etc.
STC treats all material with the highest degree of confidentiality. All of our linguists are bound by a work agreement stipulating confidentiality.
Upon request, we are also happy to sign a Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement with our clients.
• How can you receive and deliver documents?
We prefer to receive projects via e-mail, FTP or CD/DVD, but we can also receive hard copy documents by fax, mail, courier, or overnight service. We can also deliver translations by any of these methods.
• What types of document formats can you translate?
We can work with most document formats, i.e.:-
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- QuarkXPress
- Adobe InDesign
- HTML, XML, ASP, PHP, CFM
• Can machine translation replace a translator?
Not entirely. A computer cannot understand the intricacies of language and effectively convey a particular message the way a human translator can. Idioms and parts of speech, for example, cannot be recognized and correctly translated by a computer.
Also, words can have multiple meanings—and therefore translations—that are context specific, which a computer cannot recognize. There is therefore a very high risk of terminological and grammatical inaccuracy.
• Why is it important to proofread materials after they have been translated?
Proofreading ensures accuracy and is important for ensuring the quality of the end product. This process is especially recommended for any document intended for the general public, i.e. adverts, manuals, contracts, etc.
• What should I consider before hiring a translation service?
- Credentials: Translators and communications specialists should be ‘mother-tongue’ foreign language speakers and should have the appropriate industry accreditation and/or have a relevant degree from their native country in translation, linguistics, or a related field of communications;
- Experience: Consider how long the translator has been active in the industry and whether or not they have been involved in similar projects and have experience in dealing with similar project specifications;
- Deliverables: Consider the range of services that the translator or agency is willing to provide, both during the translation process and after the materials have been delivered.
• How long will the translation take?
The time needed to return a translation depends on a number of factors: the complexity of the text, the language combination and when it is received. Translations in less common languages may take longer to return due to the reduced availability of translators. However, as a rough guide, it would be reasonable to expect a translator to return 2,000 words per working day, more if the text is straightforward or repetitive. The easiest way to find out is to contact us and we will be able to give you a better idea of when you can expect your translation back. But please bear in mind, a text that took weeks to write is unlikely to be returned in matter of days.
• What is meant by source and target text?
The source text is the language from which you are translating. The target text is the language into which you are translating. There is often a difference between the word count of the source and target texts. At STC we base our cost estimates on “source” words.
- Credentials: Translators and communications specialists should be ‘mother-tongue’ foreign language speakers and should have the appropriate industry accreditation and/or have a relevant degree from their native country in translation, linguistics, or a related field of communications;
- Experience: Consider how long the translator has been active in the industry and whether or not they have been involved in similar projects and have experience in dealing with similar project specifications;
- Deliverables: Consider the range of services that the translator or agency is willing to provide, both during the translation process and after the materials have been delivered.
• How long will the translation take?
The time needed to return a translation depends on a number of factors: the complexity of the text, the language combination and when it is received. Translations in less common languages may take longer to return due to the reduced availability of translators. However, as a rough guide, it would be reasonable to expect a translator to return 2,000 words per working day, more if the text is straightforward or repetitive. The easiest way to find out is to contact us and we will be able to give you a better idea of when you can expect your translation back. But please bear in mind, a text that took weeks to write is unlikely to be returned in matter of days.
• What is meant by source and target text?
The source text is the language from which you are translating. The target text is the language into which you are translating. There is often a difference between the word count of the source and target texts. At STC we base our cost estimates on “source” words.
