What is the difference between translation and interpretation?
Translation deals with written content, we would translate your text from English into a foreign language. Interpretation deals with spoken content, communicating what a speaker of a different language says to an English speaker.
Do you handle highly confidential work?
Yes, at GBTS, we deal with all of our client’s documents as if they were confidential, but we will gladly sign a Confidentiality Agreement if necessary. Please be aware that we will keep copies of your source files and translations for a period of 1 year, and add content to your database to use as reference for future projects, unless you specify otherwise.
How do you calculate the cost of translations?
We have a minimum charge for projects that are 300 words or less. Any project larger than that is quoted based on the following:
- what the target language will be
- if the translation is technical, medical, legal, etc.
- the length of the source language material
- The turnaround time necessary for delivery
- format of the files being translated
What languages do you work in?
- Americas: French for Canada, Portuguese for Brazil, Spanish for Latin America.
- Asia and Middle East: Arabic, Bahasa Indonesian, Bengali, Farsi, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Marathi, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Tamil, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese.
- Europe: Albanian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French for France, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Moldavian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese for Portugal, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish for Spain, Swedish, Ukrainian.
Can you translate technical files?
Yes, we work on all types of translations, including, but not limited to, legal, medical, personal, technical, and financial.
Can you handle large and/or repetitive files?
Indeed we can. If you have an editable file, ie, MSWord, we will calculate word count and repetitions and include that in our quote. Any repeated sentence will only incur proofreading charges, and only the first instance it appears will incur translation charges. Large files will also need a deposit or down payment before they are started. Any project over 20,000 words will require a deposit/down payment.
How long will it take to translate my files?
We translate at a rate of about 1500-2000 words per work-day for translations. But, we can work around tight deadlines when necessary.
Is there an extra charge for rush jobs?
Yes, there is an extra 20% charge for rush jobs, based on total cost of the project.
What formats do you work in?
We work on all Microsoft Office formats, and any MSWord formatted files do not incur any formatting fee, no matter what language they are being translated into. We can also work directly from PDF files, but we will have to convert them into editable files first. We also work in Quark, InDesign, Publisher, Pagemaker, and many others. These all have additional formatting costs, but will be included in your quote.
Who works on my projects?
All our translators are specialized in the area specific to your project. They are mother tongue translators certified by the American Translators Association (ATA), or have Translation Degrees and/or Certificates from the country they reside in.
How do I deliver files to you and how do I get them back?
You can send us files via email, via your secure ftp site, or by mail. Larger files can be sent using yousendit.com.
What is the difference between translation and localization?
Translation is the process of converting text from one language to another. Our process involves a translator, who does the initial work, and then a separate proofreader, who reviews the translation for accuracy and consistency, making sure that the content and grammatical rules all follow the style of the target language. Localization is the process of adapting the original content to the geographical and linguistic needs of the destination. This process takes into account technical standards, stylistic requirements, conversion of text, and adaptation of graphics so they match needs of the target audience.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept Checks, Money Orders, and PayPal at this time.
How long does it take to receive a quote?
Most quotes are prepared and sent on the day they are received, as long as we have all the information necessary from you.
What is machine translation?
Machine translation is an automated method of translating a file from one language to another. These are readily available on the Internet and provide you a general idea of what your document says, but they are neither reliable nor accurate, and would be OK to use only for personal communication or to get an idea of what the content says.
Are your translations done by humans or by machines?
All our translations are done by professional and experienced human translators. We use state of the art software to aid in the translation process, ie. dictionaries, databases, terminology banks, but all the work is done by, first, a translator, and second, a proofreader.
Why couldn’t just anyone translate my materials?
The same way that owning a computer does not make you an IT expert, knowing a language does not mean that someone is qualified to be a translator. Translators are educated and highly trained in the source and target languages. They also have years of translation experience, and are good writers.
Where are you translators located?
The bulk of our translators are located in the United States and Canada, but we work with professional translators all over the world who are native speakers of their target languages.
What is the difference between Latin American Spanish and European Spanish?
Latin American Spanish is the most common of the two, and it is spoken in all of Mexico, Central and South America, and the United States. European Spanish is spoken primarily in Spain.
What is the difference between Canadian French and European French?
Canadian French is spoken in Canada, while European French is spoken in France. There are subtle differences in grammar and terminology, so you have to know who your target audience is.
What is the difference between Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese?
Brazilian Portuguese is by far the most widely used, and as its name implies, it is used in Brazil. European Portuguese is used mainly in Portugal.
What is the difference between Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese?
Traditional Chinese is the older and more intricate form of written Chinese. It is used in Taiwan (think “T” for Traditional and Taiwan) and Hong Kong, and some overseas Chinese communities. Simplified Chinese does not use the intricacies that make Traditional Chinese a more difficult language. Developed in mainland China over half a century ago, it is the official written language of mainland China and Singapore.
Do you offer translation and/or sub-titling of videos?
Yes, we are partnered with a state of the art recording studio and professional voice talent. We offer voice-overs, dubbing, translation, and sub-titling with as much, or as little, help with the production as you need.
What is the process for a video translation or sub-titling?
Video translation/sub-titling begins with the translation of the script. If you have the original English script, we start with that. If you don’t, we provide a transcription of the script first, then continue with translation. While the project is being translated, you are sent samples of the voice talent so you can make your selection.
Once the translation is done, it is sent back to you for approval and editing. When you are done with this step, we begin the recording process, or the sub-titling process, using a director who is a speaker of the target language to help the studio with all the work. After the recording has been completed, we continue with either synchronization of dubbing, or timing of sub-titles so they match your movie. You are sent a draft copy with frame timer so you can suggest edits, and then those are implemented and your movie is saved and sent back to you.
Any other questions? Contact GBTS today —
Oscar Andrino, Managing Partner
oscar@gbtranslationservices.com
503.926.8307 Direct
Email GBTS
Global Business Translation Services, LLC
