Translation Glossary
Translation-related language, made simple!
Below is a short glossary containing some of the specialized translation-related terms and acronyms that you may come across in our site or when communicating with our team.
Apostille
The formal stamp of verification on a public or private document signifying that this document is then approved for legal use in those countries which are signatories to the Hague Convention. For countries that have not ratified the Hague Convention there is a slightly more complex process. Contact us for more information about our legalization services!
CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) tool
These tools are commonly used to manage both the specific terminology linked to the field in question and relevant translation memories. All of our translators use CAT (Computer Aided Translation) and TM (Translation Memory) tools to streamline the translation process and enhance consistency. This is especially important when delivering large projects carried out by a team of translators working at the same time. These tools also enable us to implement version control and management for large, multi-version translation projects, as we are able to track any and all changes that have been implemented in the new version.
Certified translation
A translation certified by the translator as being a true and accurate translation (for legal purposes).
Also known as “whispered interpreting”. Similar to simultaneous interpreting, in that the interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker, but instead of using audio equipment, the interpreter whispers what is being said to the listener.
The classic form of interpreting, with the speech being interpreted into the desired language as soon as the speaker has concluded, or at the end of passages within the speech, i.e. consecutively.
Copywriting refers to the writing of text that will be used in brochures, websites, and publicity copy. Marketing and publicity texts do not always translate well as they are generally written for a specific country and target audience. It is always best to have copy for foreign countries written by experts from those countries.
Desktop publishing ("DTP")
DTP provides significant value to our clients in terms of reduced turn-around time, accuracy-assurance and savings on out-sourcing an otherwise expensive expertise. The Acute Translations DTP process enables us to deliver your translation in the same print-ready standard and format as the original source materials you provide us. Our multilingual DTP experts can use foreign fonts for typesetting, creation of image files, brochures, company reports, and much, much more. Contact us to find out what our DTP teams can do for your international business today!
Draft Translation
On occasion, due to time constraints, clients may request a draft translation. The translator will provide a rough outline of the meaning and contents of a text so that the most salient points can be understood. A draft translation can be less expensive and less time-consuming, but is not appropriate for commercial use.
Editing and proofreading
Translation to EU standards requires that all translations be carried out by competent translators with appropriate expertise in the relevant languages and subject matter, and that these translations be thoroughly reviewed by a second linguist of similar ability. At Acute Translations all translations are edited and proofread according to the above standard, and, in fact, our standard translation fees include translation checking and proofreading by a second linguist. The EU, in conjunction with professional language associations in Europe, has created a trading standard for translation services to ensure transparency such that "translation services" is to mean "translation plus review by a second translator”. For those situations in which accuracy and precision are of paramount importance, see our TEP service.
Free translation
This is sometimes referred to as "machine translation". This is the process by which a software program will translate text from one language to another: Free translation can produce some witty and amusing outcomes, and is widely available on the Web. It is not (and is unlikely to become) more than a rough guide, since the process is basically word-by-word. More generally, a machine translation can however give an idea of what the text is about in terms of subjects included rather than the meaning and can be a worthwhile step, for example, for screening in-bound email in foreign languages, to check which merit further attention or translation.
Globalization
(Also called internationalization) This is the act of (re) designing a product (generally software) website, or web-based service to be offered in many markets or worldwide, beyond the boundaries of a single nation, taking into account the different aspects of doing business in multiple countries, including, but not limited to: language, time zone, measurement standards, cultural differences, etc. If you are taking your product to another country, you need to consider both internationalization and localization.
Glossary
A glossary is a specialized dictionary used by translators working on difficult texts with specific terminology. It includes a term and its definition in the target language. For highly specialized texts, clients are sometimes asked to provide a glossary to ensure that the translation meets their needs.
Hard copy
These are printed versions of a document, such as faxes, letters or brochures. Hard copies are more difficult to work with for both translation agencies and translators, as the agency can not calculate the source word count and the translator cannot write over the source text. We generally ask our clients, if at all possible, to provide us with a file version of the materials to be translated.
The act of conveying speech from one language to another, orally, in real time.
Interpreter
A person who conveys speech from one language to another. At Acute Translations, all our interpreters are highly trained professionals, and not only possess an excellent command of not only two or more languages and of the specific terminology of the sectors in which they specialize, but additionally are highly adept in the vast array of skills required to provide expert interpreting services.
Machine translation
This is sometimes referred to as "free translation". Machine translation is the process by which a software program will translate text from one language to another: Machine translation can produce some witty and amusing outcomes, and is widely available on the Web. It is not (and is unlikely to become) more than a rough guide, since the process is basically word-by-word. More generally a machine translation will give an idea of what the text is about in terms of subjects included rather than the meaning. It can be a worthwhile step, for example, for screening in-bound email in foreign languages, to check which merit further attention or translation
Legalization
Certain authorities and government bodies may require your documents to be legalized, with the placement of an apostille, the formal stamp of verification on a public or private document signifying that this document is then approved for legal use. There are two procedures for legalization, one for Hague Convention signatory countries, and one for countries that have not entered into the Hague Convention. Contact us for more information about legalizing your documents.
Liaison interpretation
Liaison interpreting implies short passages interpreted one after another during round-table negotiations, and involves neither interpreting booth nor portable interpreting equipment. For liaison interpreting, our experienced, qualified interpreters work both into and out of their mother tongue.
Literal translation
This is a translation which reproduces the construction and component words and phrases of the source text almost exactly. Literal translations are usually to be avoided as they do not flow well, given that they do not respect the underlying grammatical and lexical structure of the new language. Usually a translation reflecting natural usage of the target language conveys the sense and meaning more successfully.
Localization
The process of adapting a product (in the context of translation usually software) or a website to a specific locale, i.e. to the language, cultural norms, standards, laws and requirements of the target market. Localization is more than translation because it involves cultural adaptation and requires knowledge of the local culture. Localization may also require changes to the software product itself, above and beyond language translation.
Native language
(Also known as mother tongue) The language spoken since early childhood. Normally a translator will be most skilled translating into their native language as this is usually the language they know best. At Acute Translations, our translators work only into their native languages.
Project Manager
At Acute Translations, this is the person in charge of managing your translation project. The project manager is responsible for liaising between client and translator(s), coordinating the translation work, supervising proofreaders, typesetters and other DTP experts, maintaining any terminology database used and ensuring consistency of style and terminology.
Proofreading
Proofreading refers to the revision, checking and editing of a translated text. After a translation is complete usually a second translator will read through the document and compare it against the original. In addition to checking the quality of the translation they also check for spelling, grammar and syntax, so as to guarantee the highest quality and accuracy. Our expert team of in-house linguists and proof-readers ensures the utmost in quality control at all stages of the documentation process. All translation are thoroughly checked for accuracy, grammar, style and register, and all our DTP output is rigorously proof-read to ensure that the layout and feel of the source template is faithfully reproduced in the new version.
Secure server
secure server refers to the possibility of exchanging data between two computers using an encrypted connection. Acute Translations uses secure servers for two different services – one for guaranteeing credit card transactions, and another for exchanging confidential documents. Both servers use 128-bit encryption, which is the maximum degree of security possible at the present time.
SEO copywriting
(Search Engine Optimization copywriting) The technique of writing the content of a website so that it includes targeted keyword phrases in certain frequencies and densities, in order to gain visibility with those words on search engines, such as Google, in order to increase visitors to the website. Thus the content written must serve two purposes – it must be readable and informative for visitors to the website, but it must also contain strategically placed keywords that will allow it to gain increased ranking (where the page is placed following a Google search) as well. This is very useful for website owners wishing to increase the number of visitors to their websites. Contact us for more details about SEO Copywriting, in the language of your choice, for your international business!
This is the interpreting mode that is most frequently requested: the interpreter sits in an interpreting booth, hears what the speaker is saying in the source language via headphones, and simultaneously reformulates what is said into the target language, using a microphone to communicate with listeners.
Source language
This is the original language of the document to be translated. If you have a document in Spanish, which you need translated into Greek, Spanish is the source language.
Source materials
These are the original language versions of the letters, documents, files, brochures, etc that are to be translated.
Sworn translation
A translation can be sworn before a notary public to be a correct translation. The notary checks the identity of the person swearing the translation. In some countries, translators can qualify as court-authorised translators or sworn translators who are entitled to validate translations for legal use.
Standard page
A standard page is a unit of measurement for translation services by some companies and agencies: it is deemed to be 300 words in English in 10 / 12 point font size. This method is not a very accurate method of measurement, as documents in the form of letters, information tables or those containing graphics, not to mention the font size, can all create sometime significant variation from the perceived norm. At Acute Translations we do not use this method: rather, we calculate the exact number of words in your document, so that a clear and precise quote can be presented to the client, prior to beginning the project.
Target language
This is the language into which your documents will be translated. If you have a document in Spanish, which you need translated into Greek, Greek is the target language. With over 5000 translators working into over 200 languages, we certainly have the combination you need! Contact us today!
Technical translation
These require specialized translators due to the use of particular vocabulary used in certain sectors. Topics such as medicine, finance, law, engineering, software, manuals, etc would all be considered to be technical.
Transcription
Transcription is the meticulous recording in writing of any oral speech, interview, conversation or discourse, in the same language in which it was originally spoken. Once an oral language source (generally tapes, videos, or, increasingly, digital MP3 files) has been transcribed, you may also select to have it translated as well.
Translation
Translation is the rendering of the meaning of a text in one language, or source language, into another language, via the creation of an equivalent text, also called a translation, that communicates the original message in the second, or target, language.
Translation Memory
Once a particular phrase has been translated, it is retained in the Translation Memory, special software created specifically to increase translator efficiency, consistency and precision. If that phrase in that same language pair occurs again, the computer will instantly flag the previously used terminology. The translator then decides if it is appropriate. Thus this is quite different from a machine translation; it is essentially a “database” of previously translated terms which the computer “remembers” and calls up if those exact terms should appear again, but in the end it is the human translator, not the computer, who makes the final decision.
Translator
A person who conveys written text from one or more languages into another language, usually into their mother tongue (or sometimes their language of habitual use). At Acute Translations, our translators are highly skilled linguists who are able to express the meaning, tone, nuance and style of one language in a second language, selecting exactly the right words and idioms to achieve this with the highest levels of accuracy and precision.
Also know as “chuchotage”. Similar to simultaneous interpreting in that the interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker but instead of using audio equipment, the interpreter whispers what is being said to listener.
Word count
This simply refers to how many words are in the original, source language version of your document. Your translation will be priced based on word count.