Translation-related know-how, examples and latest news.

Improve Translation Quality with International Translation Standards!

November 28, 2014

ISO 17100, Translation

Although a translation is a product, it differs from manufactured goods. As such, it was previously thought that applying standards would not be possible. When you can have multiple translations of a single source document, it is difficult to determine criteria and requirements for quality.

Recently, however, a movement has emerged in the translation industry to try to implement international translation standards. This would result in developing a single set of standards for translation quality, which had previously been difficult to measure. By understanding and applying such international standards, both translation service providers and clients will be able to achieve translations that more accurately align with the purpose of the translation.

What is ISO 17100 "Requirements for Translation Services?" - The Present and Future of Translation Standards

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international body that sets international standards and guidelines. International standards refer to international specifications and norms for things such as product sizes and performance evaluations. Examples include battery sizes (e.g. AA, AAA) and paper sizes (e.g. A3, A4). Such standards help ensure that international trade runs smoothly.


Rising Demand for Chinese Translators and Interpreters - Difficulties and Future Landscape

November 25, 2014

Chinese language, translation

China continues to record robust economic growth, and thus Chinese interpreters and translators are in high demand as bridges connecting China and Japan. According to an estimate, there are more than 50,000 people in China learning Japanese, and attention is now focusing on the future landscape of translators and interpreters bridging both countries. Here, we will examine the key points and future landscape in the field of Chinese interpretation and translation, with a focus on the differences between the Chinese and Japanese languages.

Differences in the Chinese and Japanese Languages - The Same Kanji Character, Yet Very Different Meanings

The meaning of the kanji (Chinese logographic writing system) characters for "letter" in Japanese are pretty straightforward for a Japanese speaker. However, someone from China may view the exact same kanji characters and think restroom. This is because these characters mean toilet paper in Chinese. This shows that there are certain situations where the same kanji characters can have very different meanings in China and Japan. The kanji characters for letter are perhaps one of the best known examples, but the characters that mean "staff" or "worker" in Chinese can be misinterpreted as "spy" by a Japanese speaker, which has become a common joke among those who understand both.


The Qualifications Required of Sports Interpreters and Their Rather Surprising Job Duties

November 21, 2014

Localization, Interpretation

Keisuke Honda is a Japanese footballer who joined A.C. Milan in Italy's famous Serie A soccer league with great fanfare. Many of you probably remember him boldly and confidently answering every question at his introductory press conference in English.

On the other hand, Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata, who now speaks fluent Italian, required his own personal interpreter during his playing days. As many Japanese major league baseball players depend on interpreters, people tend to view interpreters as an essential part of sports today.

Here, we will highlight the qualifications and role of sports interpreters who support athletes in their respective sports.

Interpreters as a Liaison Between Athletes and Coaches

When Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni was appointed to head Japan's national soccer team in 2010 he emphasized dialogue with his players. In this sense, the interpreter must have played a very important role for the team.


Key Points to Remember for Finding the Right Interpreter

November 18, 2014

Interpretation

The global nature of society today means that interpreters are now required in a variety of situations. There are also many methods of interpretation, not just one. Here, we will take a look at the keys to remember from a variety of angles for finding the right interpreter for your needs from among the large pool out there.

Three Classifications of Interpreters

First, let's begin by taking a look at the three different types of interpreters.

1. Languages

Each individual interpreter specializes in a certain language. While there are a large number of interpreters for in-demand languages such as English and Chinese, there are relatively fewer interpreters that specialize in languages with less demand. Therefore, you should begin preparations well in advance when requiring an interpreter for a more exotic language.


How Do You Break Through the Language Barrier when Expanding Overseas?

November 14, 2014

Localization, Language

During this time of globalization, one of the biggest question marks for companies planning to expand overseas is how to overcome the language barrier. What are some of the things you need to be conscious of to run a successful business that transcends language?

Here, we will highlight tips for successful business communication in a foreign language.

The Relationship Between Language Barrier and Company Profits

According to a survey conducted by UK Trade & Investment, companies that utilized the most commonly used and easy to read language, instead of a language that was simply understood by users, racked up more than 6 times the profits of companies that did not. For example, even though many people in Europe can understand English, it would be a major mistake to provide information to them only in English. Using the mother tongue of users from each region leads to higher profits.


Three Keys to Successfully Expanding your Business Overseas

November 11, 2014

Translation company, Localization

According to a survey conducted by consulting firm OC&C Strategy Consultants, retailer income in the U.K. originating from outside the country via Internet is forecast to reach 28 billion pounds by the year 2020. This means that overseas sales will grow at a pace some four times that of domestic sales.

To take advantage of this trend, companies need a localization strategy that will be well accepted by customers overseas. Here, we will take a closer look at the important points to consider when expanding overseas.

Translation of the Language Used for the Website

According to a study by research firm Common Sense Advisory, 72% of people surveyed said they would purchase products with information in their own language over a foreign language. The percentage of people who felt language was more important than price was 56%. In this manner, language plays an important role when we purchase a product or use a service.

Additionally, there are times when words from the same language can have a different meaning depending on the country. For example, the word "jam" used in Japan is derived from the British English "jam," while in the United States people usually say "jelly."


Five Tips for Reducing Translation Costs when Localizing your Website

November 7, 2014

Translation company, localization, translation charges

Globalization has led to a growing number of Japanese companies expanding abroad, and website localization has become an indispensable means powering this expansion. However, large costs are typically involved with localizing a websites that need updating on a daily basis. Here, we will take a closer look at ways to minimize these costs.

1. Finding the Right Translation Company

Selecting the right translation company is extremely important if you need high quality translations but want to keep costs down.

We recommend selecting a cooperative and creative translation company that can think up various ways to save on translation costs, instead of thinking only about efficiency.

November 2014

Japanese Translation Agency Arc Communications

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