Translation FAQ's

How much will my translation cost?
There are several factors that determine translation charges, with the most important factors being the language(s) required (exotic languages tend to be more expensive than major languages), the length of the documents, and the complexity of the text. Translation companies will usually charge a premium for rush turnaround as well. In addition, services such as extensive formatting, desktop publishing or editing usually incur additional charges, either at hourly or flat rates.

What is the difference between a translation and an interpretation?
Although translation and interpretation share the common goal of taking information that is available in one language and converting it to another, they are in fact two separate processes. Translation is written - it involves taking a written text (such as a book or an article) and translating it in writing into the target language. Interpretation is oral - it refers to listening to something spoken (a speech or phone conversation) and interpreting it orally into the target language.

Interpreters need good listening, speaking and inter-personal skills, and their writing ability is not used. Translators, on the other hand, need good writing skills. Bilingualism does not guarantee fluid writing skills, nor does it guarantee a talent for translating.

What is a certified translation?
In the United States, a certified translation consists of a Certificate of Accuracy attached to the original translation, signed by the translator and notarized by a Notary Public. In most cases, Targem Translations provides certified translations of documents at no extra charge.

Does my translation need to be certified?
Not all translations need to be certified. If your translation will be presented to official authorities, such as a court, custom officer, the IRS, an attorney, university, foreign consulate, or government agency, it will probably need to be certified. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, court rulings, and wills are examples of documents that may need a certified translation.

Translation and Interpretation Terms

Back translation
A literal translation of a translation. A back translation helps a translation consultant determine whether the original meaning has been preserved in the target language.

Computer-aided translation (CAT)
Translation with the aid of computer programs, such as translation memory, terminology management and localization tools, designed to reduce the translator's workload and increase consistency of style and terminology. Computer-aided translation is not to be confused with machine translation.

Machine translation (MT)
1. Translation produced by a computer program;

2. Use of a translation program to translate text without human input in the actual translation process. The quality of machine-translated text, in terms of terminology, meaning and grammar, varies depending on the nature and complexity of the source text, but is never good enough for publication without extensive editing.

Source language
The language in which the text to be translated is written.

Target language
The language into which a text is to be translated.

Target audience
The group of people for which a text is translated, for example subject experts, novices, prospective customers. It is important to specify the target readership when commissioning a translation so that the translator can choose an appropriate style and vocabulary.

Translation memory (TM)
Computer-aided translation program that stores translated sentences (translation units or segments) with their respective source segments in a database (usually called the "memory"). For each new segment to be translated, the program scans the database for a previous source segment that matches the new segment exactly or approximately (fuzzy match) and, if found, suggest the corresponding target segment as a possible translation. The translator can then accept, modify or reject the suggested translation.

Transliteration
Transforming text from one script to another, usually based on phonetic equivalences. For example, Hebrew text might be transliterated into the Latin script so that it can be pronounced by English speakers.