certified translation services

It seems to many that Certified Translation Services is simply about “certifying” a document.  However, not many would know that there are many ways that a certified translation services provider can “certify” your document after translation. The reason as to why there are many ways to providing certified translation services is due to the fact that different organizations require different kinds of certified translation services to be applied to different kinds of documents.

The simple rule to getting your document certified is to:

1)      Clarify with the person (who had required you to engage a certified translation services provider) and with whom you are handing your documents to.

For example:

a)      If it is an application for admissions to an overseas university that requires you to translate and engage certified translation services for your documents, then you would need to clarify with the admissions officer as to how he or she wants the certified translation services provider to certify your documents.

b)      If you need to submit translations of your personal documents which requires certified translation services to a bank officer for loans purposes, then you would need to clarify with the loans officer of that particular bank as to  how he or she wants the certified translation services provider to certify your documents

2)       Then convey the instruction to the  certified translation services provider

In the first example cited above with regards to University Admissions, different Universities of the same country may enforce different set of rules for accepting certified translated documents that has been done by a certified translation services provider. For example, both New Zealand Universities in Wellington and Auckland requires the translation to be certified by any certified translation services provider. However, the former University requires a copy of the original document with stamp ”Original Sighted” to be included in the certified translation services. 

In the 2^nd example cited above with regards to loans application, different banks require different types of certification to be done by a certified translation services provider. Usually, the Headquarters of the different banks would set realistic rules on a country by country basis as to how they want the certification to be done by a certified translation services provider. After all, they can’t turn away their customers simply because of certified translation services that can’t be done within the specific local country.

There may be many certified translation services providers who may claim to have the ulitimate authority to providing certified translation services within the country they are based and seem to know what you need even before you present your documents. However, a responsible certified translation services provider will listen first to the purpose of the certified translation services and then apply the appropriate certified translation services to your needs. 

The truth is the organization that is supposed to receive your documents with applied certified translation services has the ultimate say and authority over how your translated documents are to be certified. 

In my next article on certified translation services, I hope to provide more examples of certified translation services and share with you the differences between them. Meanwhile, I do hope that the above written article proves to be useful to you to some extent.

Chinese Translation Service

Chinese translation services continue to be in demand although China has reduced their growth target for 2015. At 7%, the world’s second-largest economy is still expected to expand faster than any other country, maintaining the demand for English to Chinese translation services.

Chinese translation service providers have presented new exclusive, diverse brands and quality and value for money luxury products into China for which the Chinese has an acquired passion. That is why foreign exporters are still engaging Chinese translation service providers to market or introduce their luxury products in China.

There a few points to take note in the translated Chinese version which has undergone Chinese translation service. A marketing material needs to undergo proper English to Chinese translation services would take into account existing cultural nuances in China; and to avoid cultural taboos in the translations. For that matter, an established translation company which is an English to Chinese translation service provider is able to translate the original document into appealing Chinese marketing content for new exporters into the Chinese market.

It is also worthwhile to engage a competent Chinese translation services provider who would be able to advise you on any inappropriate literal translations and propose an alternative phrase for the targeted Chinese readers. For example, a competent Chinese translation services provider would advise the client that a scene with a newly wed couple carrying an umbrella between them is inappropriate in China as the word umbrella (傘, sǎn) sounds similar to 散 (sàn) which means to break up.

Another point to take note is that it is alright to let the experienced English to Chinese translation service provider use proverbs and idioms to make impressionable statements in order to better connect to the Chinese target audiences. Proverbs such as “不入虎穴，焉得虎子” (Bù rù hǔ xué，yān dé hǔ zǐ) is sometimes used during Chinese translation service to evoke some response among the audience. It literally says “You can’t get the lion’s cub if you don’t venture into the lion’s cave”. However it simply means “Nothing ventured, Nothing ventured”.

Chinese translation services into English are regularly sought after by Fortune 500 Chinese companies that have branches in non Chinese speaking countries. Exporting Chinese companies engage Chinese translation services providers to assist in the translation of company registration forms, immigration papers, marketing materials, company policies, material safety data sheets and research materials. These translations that are done by Chinese translation services providers have greatly helped the Chinese exporters to sell their products in the global market.

It is not uncommon to engage Chinese translation services providers for translations into non English languages, such as, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Bahasa Malaysia, French, German and vice versa. These Chinese translation services can easily be offered by an established translation company that is based in a country which has Mandarin and English as its official language in schools. Singapore is a hotbed for Chinese translation services as the education system and environment supports the learning of languages such as most Asian languages as well as European languages.

As China plays a significant role in the world economy, it is my hope that this article will encourage more readers to engage with the Chinese in trade or simply understand their culture through translated documentaries by Chinese translation services providers.

Chinese Translation Service Malaysia

Chinese translation services seem to play an important role in global economics. With so much trading between China and the rest of the world, engaging a Chinese translation service provider seemed to be very common these days. Companies seem to be engaging Chinese translation service providers quickly and jumping into the vast Chinese domestic market.

Although, the Chinese translation service providers would be the ones translating, it may be worthwhile to take a moment to understand the issues that exists in a Chinese translation service.

One issue that needs to be looked at is expertise in the subject matter. No one human translator can provide Chinese translation services for all genres of documents. This would require the translator who is providing the Chinese translation services to be a master of all content. However, you can find a large pool of expert translators covering almost every field in an established translation company.

Apart from the number of expert translators providing Chinese translation services, the translation, once done, would require a Chinese translation service provider to have proofreaders and editors on hand to check the translation before delivery.

Another issue is the form of Chinese language used for Chinese translation services. Although, there are many Chinese speakers, written Chinese which is used in Chinese translation services is different from spoken Chinese. Written Chinese definitely adds a professional tone to the document. Examples of written Chinese words that are used in Chinese translation services are倘若 (“tangruo” which means “if”)and 立即 (“liji” which means “immediately”)  as opposed to 要是 (“yaoshi” which also means “if”) and 马上(“mashang” which also means “immediately”)  respectively that are usually used for spoken Chinese.

As a global company grows in exports and imports of goods and services, it may need more than just pure Chinese translation services.  These complimentary services do add value to the usual Chinese translation services. Examples of such related Chinese translation service are interpretation, transcription, dubbing, voiceover, subtitling and desktop publishing. These related Chinese translation services are best carried out by the language experts as the doer needs to understand the texts from the Chinese translation services provider.

An established translation company is most likely be able to offer one stop services which relates to Chinese translation service as it has more volume to justify for the resources. Required resources for related Chinese translation services, such as Simultaneous Interpretation Equipments, sophisticated softwares and full time IT support staff with skills to provide Chinese translation services are just too expensive for an individual to bear. In terms of experience, these Chinese translation services providers who are exposed to different types of Chinese translation services projects are better able to handle all types of translation related tasks as well.

As the economies around the world are intertwined with China and engaging Chinese translation services is inevitable, I hope this article would provide more insights and understanding into Chinese translation services.

Korean Translation Services

Apart from understanding Korean culture and useful Korean words, businesses can be further forged by engaging Korean translation services. Korean business partners often appreciate the kind gesture in providing accompanying interpreters from independent Korean translation services provider. Unfortunately, many do not see it that way. Business deals are sometimes, if not often, jeopardised due to lack of interpretation support which can easily be sourced from a Korean translation services provider. Korean translation services interpreters are therefore recommended if speakers with strong Korean and non Korean accents are present at discussions.

The advantages in engaging Korean translation services are numerous. English to Korean translation services have helped foreign MNCs to localise and integrate into the Korean economy. Likewise, Korean translation services providers who have provided English translations have assisted Korean companies in the exports of goods and services. Other services that have aided companies and individuals alike are related Korean translation services such as simultaneous interpretation, voice over, dubbing, subtitling and transcription services.  Korean translation services and related Korean translation services continues to impact other industries as well. For example, Korean translation services providers have increased the universities and agencies abilities to attract Korean students and tourists respectively.

Despite the presence of good English schools in Korea, reasonably good Korean translation services providers are hard to come by. A competent Korean translation services provider would have to be proficient in both languages. Poor English translations provided by inexperienced Korean translation services providers tend to show poor sentence structure, poor word choice, and misuse of grammar. Mistranslations can happen for the reverse of English to Korean translation services as well if the translator is not proficient in English. For example, the English translation of Korean translation services may omit or add unnecessary articles to sentences. Sometimes, the Korean translation services provider may use the wrong expression for the specific social setting.

It is interesting to note that Korean translation Services are often provided by an established translation company that has more resources and volume on a continuous basis. This is due to the fact that most Korean translation Services projects require several translators, proofreaders and editors to provide a decent translation. Even a small document provided by a Korean translation Services provider needs a proofreader and editor. For Korean translation Services jobs that carry mostly technical contents, an established translation company with a larger pool of translators should be approached as it has a higher chance of having the right translator(s) who is/are competent in the required specialised field.

Regardless of Korea‘s economic performance, Korean translation services are required in every aspect of cross border communication. English translations are derived from Korean translation services for legal contracts, HR manuals, product catalogues, brochures, medical reports, certificates, etc. English to Korean translation services are much needed for imports into Korea as well.

Although Korea seems to be a country with strong attachment to its Korean culture and language, it is my hope that this article would encourage more interaction and trade between Korea and the rest of the world through Korean translation services.

English to Myanmar translation

Despite ethnic and sectarian tensions, the demand for English to Myanmar translation is steadily increasing. This demand for English to Myanmar translation may be partially fueled from overseas businesses responding to the government’s effort in liberalizing telecommunication and banking licenses. Another reason for the increase in foreign investor presence which in turn has increased the demand for English to Myanmar translation is the estimated growth rate of 7.8% declared by Asian Development Bank.

Service providers for English to Myanmar translation or vice versa is still hard to come by. The desire to cling to Myanmar culture and language is still very strong in Myanmar. Hence, extensive writings in English or English to Myanmar translations are still not widespread, as Western influences that can creep into the English to Myanmar translation are not encouraged by the government and locals. If there’s any English to Myanmar translation at all, they are modified and adapted into the English to Myanmar translation with new and direct Myanmar language being used.

Apart from a strong Myanmar identity, there is a lack of reasonably good education facilities to create a large pool of talents for English to Myanmar translation. Since 1960s, all classes, except for the especially few English classes, are conducted in Myanmar language. Only the foreign children or those from the elite class, who are not necessarily interested in being an English to Myanmar translation provider, can afford to attend Yangon International School. Even though private schools have sprung up since 1990s, the fees are too expensive and are charged in US dollars.

There are also very few English materials that are made available or popular in Myanmar to generate interest in English to Myanmar translation. Locals in Myanmar attempting English to Myanmar translation and who wish to import English technical books or magazines, may find some of them stolen from postal services and displayed in second hand bookstores. There are good resource centres for translators who wish to practice English to Myanmar translation, though. These can be found in the libraries of the US or British Embassies.

Steadily, English to Myanmar translation is set to grow further as the younger generation of 51.4 million Myanmar people turn away from smoking, alcohol consumption and betal-quid chewing to smartphones, TVs or lifestyle that would be the envy of others. The import of these lifestyle goods would then require English to Myanmar translation to better ensure enjoyable experience of using or consuming the goods. Hence, as the population becomes more affluent so would their curiosity develop an interest in foreign languages and perhaps English. And then, English to Myanmar translation would perhaps be a thing of the norm in Myanmar and other countries.

English to Spanish Translation

English to Spanish translation or vice versa remains in high demand despite the economic woes experienced in Spanish speaking countries. Why? Services in English to Spanish translation or vice versa continue to be driven by needs from overseas buyers to engage in these countries.

Apart from the present exporters to these countries who continue to use English to Spanish translation, purchasers of Spanish products also require English to Spanish translation.

The 2015 forecasted depreciation in currencies makes Spanish speaking companies and their goods and services more attractive to buyers. These importers also need English to Spanish translation to do their due diligence and usual enquiries, etc. Hence, the demand for English to Spanish translation or vice versa is on the increase.

While English to Spanish translation or vice versa aid in the export of tangible goods, it also helps overseas investors to choose the companies they want to invest. Persons seeking to acquire shares in a Spanish company would require English to Spanish translation or vice versa to transact.  There are also other areas that need English to Spanish translation or vice versa. An investor would need English to Spanish translation or the reverse to research a company’s viability. Additional positive data may also surface from the details during the English to Spanish translation and reverse. Professional English to Spanish translation providers can highlight the performance of targeted companies to foreigners with reasonable accuracies.

Engaging a professional English to Spanish translation provider is therefore the key to successful business decision making. Most foreign investors or purchasers would prefer to hire an English to Spanish translation provider in their home country.  For important business decisions, an established English to Spanish translation company is often chosen for various reasons.

The reasons could be availability of larger pool of competent Spanish translators who can provide good quality English to Spanish translation and the reverse of English to Spanish translation. The larger pool of English to Spanish translation and vice versa usually consists of a team of translators, proofreaders, editors in various specialized fields. An established English to Spanish translation and vice versa company can also handle huge English to Spanish translation and vice versa projects better. The quality of English to Spanish translation and vice versa are also maintained at a higher standard in established English to Spanish translation and vice versa company as MNCs who have engaged them do demand such high standards as clients.

Apart from a higher quality of English to Spanish translation and vice versa, the translations are also delivered in a quicker turnaround time in established English to Spanish translation and vice versa company. Apart from English to Spanish Translation, these established English to Spanish Translation companies also provide English to Spanish Translation related support services.  The support services include transcription with English to Spanish Translation, English to Spanish Translation with dubbing and voice over, etc.

 Despite the fall in oil prices and commodities which has contributed to the fall in currencies, Spanish speaking economies still present many opportunities. These economies will experience recoveries and emerge as vibrant economies. Therefore, it is with this article that I hope new investors would invest in these countries and also engage in English to Spanish Translation or vice versa.

Simultaneous Interpretation Malaysia

Most times we think of Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia as the only Interpretation, as we don’t see any other forms of interpretation other than Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia on TV.

Understandably, the scenes for Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia can be quite dramatic with all the SI equipments, interpreters’ booths and high profile diplomats. Thus, leaving a lasting misperception that Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia is the only type of interpretation that happens.

In Malaysia, 3 types of interpretations are commonly found. They are Whispering Interpretation, Consecutive Interpretation and Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia.

Incidentally, Whispering Interpretation is sometimes called “chuchotage” or “liaison” interpretation. In Whispering Interpretation, the interpreter whispers into the ears of one or two recipients, while the speaker continues to speak.

Let’s not mistake Whispering Interpretation for the true Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia which requires SI Equipments. Whispering Interpretation or “Chuchotage” is different from Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia in that it is chosen for small events where the interpreter does not have to compete with surrounding sounds.

Since Whispering Interpretation does not require equipments as in Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia, the interpreter can continue interpreting while his recipients move from one location to another to. Some may say that Whispering Interpretation is similar to Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia. However, Whispering Interpretation can also be delivered in alternating sentences, while the speaker waits, for example in Question and Answers sessions, interviews, etc. In this case, it is no longer similar to a Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia.

One thing is for sure, this form of interpretation has an advantage over Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia in that no installation and dismantling of equipments are required. Thus, it carries the least cost and is suitable for audits, small meetings, court interpretation, etc.

In Consecutive Interpretation, the interpreter and the speaker do take turns to speak. The consecutive interpreter would have to remember and then interpret the speaker’s message. Similar to Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia, the interpreter may take notes to help him in the interpretation that follows after. It is possible to have a consecutive interpretation event that is of similar size to the Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia if a PA system is available to the recipient crowd. However, the amount of time needed for the event is at least twice that of Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia.

Sometimes a mixture of Whispering and Consecutive Interpretation is applied, especially in small settings, where the interpreter has to interpret continuously in a lower voice (as in Whispering Interpretation) as well as wait for the speaker before interpreting (as in Consecutive Interpretation). The most important thing is that the interpreter has to focus on the client’s needs and be ready to adapt to those needs.

For Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia, the interpreter sits in the sound-proof booth and interprets into a microphone to deliver the message to the participants. Usually, 2 interpreters for each language pair would be needed if there are more than 4 hours of continuous and intense Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia. Other equipments such as headsets, Infrared receivers, control consoles and transmitters are used for clarity of messages in Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia. Events such as huge conferences are conducted with Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia when vast amount of information has to be clearly received by the participants in the shortest possible time.

Regardless of whether it is Whispering, Consecutive or Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia, interpretation is in fact a very specialized form of translation service. Interpreters who are trained and experienced in Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia, and who are experts in the content of the event can deliver a better performance.

Project Consultants from established global translation companies do provide prep work for Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia in the form of analysis of content, debriefing, etc with interpreters before they go for the Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia.

Very often, due to the larger pool of translators available in established global translation companies, translators who are experts in the interpretation content are also engaged to translate available materials and debrief interpreters before the Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia.

As established global translation companies need to match the standards from clients of other global companies, project consultants for Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia generally make the effort to go through key issues with clients before the start of the Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia.

Ultimately, what is most important is that the interpreter understands clearly the client’s needs and knows who he or she is representing while delivering the Simultaneous Interpretation in Malaysia.

Translation Services in Malaysia

Despite the depreciation of the Ringgit, the demand for translation services in Malaysia is still in high demand.

In the past, translation services in Malaysia were requested for imports or exports of goods only. Nowadays, translation services in Malaysia are required for just about any business or social activity.  Foreign expertise, goods or services engaged by local companies would no doubt need translation services in Malaysia. As the rest of the world look towards Asia as possible investment destinations, so would the investors here require translation services in Malaysia.

Most individuals or companies would agree that translation services in Malaysia have contributed to the local economy. Some would even go so far as to mention that translation services in Malaysia have made great impact on their lives.

However, few would actually take the time to understand the types of available translation services in Malaysia or related translation services in Malaysia. Some providers of translation services in Malaysia specializes in one or few language pairs while other providers can provide a fuller range of translation services in Malaysia.

If the company is an established international company that has a network of global offices, it is more likely to be able to offer more related translation services in Malaysia.

The list of related translation services in Malaysia that are usually available in such established translation company are as follows:

1) Translation

2) Interpretation

3) Website Localization

4) Multilanguage Typesetting & DTP

5) Dubbing & Voice Over & Subtitling & Transcription

As more businesses are conducted via the internet, international translation companies have also expanded their list of related translation services in Malaysia to include:

1) Content writing

2) Copywriting

3) SEO writing

4) SEO with full IT support

Not only would the range of related translation services in Malaysia be extensive, it will also be of higher quality as a larger pool of translator, proofreaders and editors will be on hand to deliver the translation services in Malaysia. In international translation companies, translations are normally proofread by an independent translator before the translation services in Malaysia are delivered.

The number of language pairs offered by an established international provider for translation services in Malaysia is more as well. It is common for customers to be able to request for combinations of language pairs other than that of English from a global provider of translation services in Malaysia. These days, the language pairs done by an international translation company for translation services in Malaysia include, among many others:

a)    Mandarin to Japanese

b)    Mandarin to Malay

c)    Japanese to Malay

d)    Malay to Jawi

e)    Korean to Malay

f)     French to Malay

g)    German to Malay

h)    Arabic to Malay

i)      Turkish to Malay

Though it may be true that different providers of translation services in Malaysia may have specialized fields, strengths and weaknesses, the most important criteria a provider for translation services in Malaysia must meet, is perhaps, to provide what the customer really needs.