Japanese translation agency specializing in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean translations
FAQ
- Translation Service
- Translations Into Multiple Languages
- Translation Quality
- Translation Costs
- Turnaround Time
Translation Service
Can I make an inquiry in English?
Yes! Our project managers are fluent in English and are ready to respond to your queries by e-mail or over the phone. At Arc Communications we pride ourselves on the level of communication we have with our clients, which leads to better results.
What are the systems in place and the methods you use when translating?
To avoid translation mistakes, translations are prepared as a collaboration between translator and proof-reader. However for large translations with a quick turn around we may need to use multiple translators. In these situations, our proof-readers ensure that standardized terminology and expressions are used, and work to prevent variations in the types of expressions used.
What nationalities are your translators?
As a general rule, translations are performed by native speakers of the target language. For example, when translating from Japanese to English, by having English native speakers with a comprehensive understanding of Japanese translate, the resulting translation has a certain flair that is most appreciated by those reading the translated text in their native language.
However, we sometimes use a Japanese translator when the text to be translated is highly technical, or deeply based in Japanese culture or traditions, and a highly accurate understanding of the source text is crucial. Also, where sentences are short and ambiguous, in other words, where the translator needs to read ‘between the lines,’ a Japanese translator can prove more suitable. In these situations a native speaker of the target language performs the final check, and ensures a suitably high level of English expression.
What is needed when requesting a translation?
To request a translation you will need to prepare a document that clearly shows what sections require translation.
As for the file format, MS Word files are the easiest to work with, but we also accept materials printed on paper, scanned image files, PDF files etc. if there is no MS Word file available. Please remember that working with electronic file formats where text can be copied and pasted is more efficient, and can help shorten delivery times.
Please also convey as much information as possible regarding the intended purpose and background concerning the document. In particular, informing us of what the translation is going to be used for and who the translation’s target audience is, can help us prepare a translation that better suits your needs.
In addition to this, by providing us with additional resources such as reference materials (related texts, previously translated materials, charts, tables, graphics etc.) and terminology lists (proper names, technical terms, in-house expressions etc,), we can produce a better quality translation in accordance with your wishes.
Translations Into Multiple Languages
I want to translate into a number of different Asian languages (Chinese, Korean, South East Asian languages)…
Rather than translating to Asian languages directly from English it is preferable to first translate from English to Japanese. By doing this, variations in translation can be kept to a minimum, and it becomes easier to find mistranslated sections. While it is easier to translate European and South East Asian languages from English, translation quality for Asian languages such as Korean and Chinese can be guaranteed to a greater extent when translating from Japanese.
When translating into Chinese, is it necessary to prepare both a simplified Chinese and a traditional Chinese translation?
In general, documents meant for mainland China and Singapore should be in simplified Chinese, while for documents targeting Chinese people in Hong Kong or Taiwan, traditional Chinese should be used. However, we also recommend that you check the region of China in which the translation will be used. Besides the difference between simplified and traditional characters, the vocabulary used from region to region also differs slightly. This is something that must be taken into consideration when translating into Chinese.
Translation Quality
Our company uses very specific terminology…
First, we recommend that you prepare a glossary of terms and translation examples. Arc Communications helps clients prepare this while translating files. We also actively maintain such translation glossaries for clients we frequently work with. Better consistency in translation quality can also be achieved by using translation tools such as Trados.
When requesting translations of our company's press releases we have problems with the widely different expressions used due to different translators being used.
Contact us beforehand regarding the frequency and the timing of the translations you require to fix a regular translator. Providing us with feedback makes it possible to meet your required quality standards.
Translation Costs
Available methods of payment
We request that payments are made through overseas remittance to our bank account in Japan. We accept payment in the currency of the client’s request, whether that be Japanese yen, or a foreign currency.
We have a long track record concerning overseas remittance to our Japanese account from our clients abroad. Please rest assured that your transactions will be secure with us.
Billing methods differ depending on the translation company…
At Arc Communications, our billing methods are based on the original document. Conveying what our clients wish to say as clearly and concisely as possible is an area that separates great translators from the average ones. We feel that a translation fee system based on the length of the translation is unsuitable.
Should we secure a budget for expenses not directly related to translation?
Please be aware that due to the nature of differences in languages the length of text in the translated document may differ from that of the original. While we endeavor to preserve the layout of the original document when translating, additional fees may be required for layout work so that the translation displays properly. This includes professional DTP work performed using software such as Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress and Adobe Illustrator, in addition to layout adjustments for Web-based files, and MS Word, Powerpoint and Excel files.
Turnaround Time
Is there a way to shorten turnaround time without affecting quality?
Translations are made up of these three processes:
- (1) Preparation phase (file preparation, relaying information to translators etc.) to ensure a high level of translation quality
- (2) The translation itself
- (3) Quality assurance
Even if you have not yet completely prepared the source document for translation, by approaching us in advance with regards to your translation project, time taken on process (1) can be reduced. For small translations this can be particularly effective in reducing turnaround time.
To reduce turnaround time, we'd like you to translate a document as it is being worked on…
While we do accept such requests please be aware that this process may lead to a longer turnaround time and increased costs and man-hours required. To avoid this, we ask that you consult with us in advance regarding the scope of the project, including any changes that are likely to be made to the final document.
