FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Choice Translating provides translation, brand name analysis and localization services in every language and dialect. Our on-site interpreters speak the most-requested languages below, while our clients can access 176 languages through our on-demand telephone interpreting services.
Below is where you can find answers to common questions asked by our clients. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, click the search button, or contact us via email at moreinfo@choicetranslating.com. Thank you!
General
- What does Choice Translating's tagline, "Because meaning turns on a word" mean?
- What is the difference between translating and interpreting?
- What about confidentiality issues with translated or interpreted information?
Translating Services
- Will I need a certified translation? Can Choice Translating certify the translation, and if so, how much will it cost?
- What is a notarized translation and when is it required?
- Does Choice Translating use native speakers or computer software programs to perform its translations?
- If I have something translated into Chinese, Japanese or Korean, will I be able to view and print the text when I receive it from you?
- Can Choice Translating do technical translations?
- I have heard that it's important to use "certified" translators. Are your translators certified?
Interpreting Services
- When do I need an interpreter?
- Are Choice Translating's interpreters covered by liability insurance?
Software & Systems
Fees & Prices
General
Q: What does Choice Translating's tagline, "Because meaning turns on a word" mean?
A: Meaning does turn on a word. Choosing the most appropriate word every time is what makes the difference between effective communication and failed communication. Imagine the potential damage caused by having incorrect or imprecise language in a legal contract, especially where the obligations of the parties to the contract are defined.
Imagine if General Electric's wonderful tagline "We bring good things to life" were translated as "We transport good stuff into the world." Obviously this would not carry as much marketing power as the original, and would not even accurately convey what GE does.
Q: What is the difference between translating and interpreting?
A: Translation is the reproduction in one or more languages of something written in a different language. Interpretation is the verbal conveying, in one or more languages, of the meaning of words spoken in a different language. Basically, if written, it is translation. If spoken, it is interpretation.
Q: What about confidentiality issues with translated or interpreted information?
A: All information is held strictly confidential, whether related to translation or interpreting projects.
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Translating Services
Q: Will I need a certified translation? Can Choice Translating certify the translation, and if so, how much will it cost?
A: Yes we do provide certified translations. When a document is being used for immigration, admission to institutions of higher learning, or for some legal or "official" purpose, a certified translation is appropriate. This procedure entails the placement of a printed statement following the translation, certifying that the translation is complete and accurate, to the best of our knowledge. This certification contains the signature of the Department Director or other authorized staff. This procedure ensures that the document in question will be accepted as a valid translation for legal purposes. There is no additional charge for this service.
Q: What is a notarized translation and when is it required?
A: A notarized translation includes a certification of translation which has been signed by the Department Director or other authorized staff member, in front of a Notary Public, who has witnessed the signature and notarized the document to that effect, and has affixed the raised Notary seal. Notarized translations are sometimes required for immigration and legal purposes. Choice Translating charges $3 per notarized signature.
Q: Does Choice Translating use native speakers or computer software programs to perform its translations?
A: We use professional translators who are native speakers of the target language, and who are proficient in both the target and the source languages. Machines cannot be relied on to render accurate translations.
We cannot recommend any translation software. Some off-the-shelf translation products can create "gist" translations of simple correspondence, but never use a product like this to translate any document into a foreign language. If the document represents you and/or your company, have it professionally translated.
Q: If I have something translated into Chinese, Japanese or Korean, will I be able to view and print the text when I receive it from you?
A: Choice Translating can convert the text into picture files which can be viewed and printed using readily available software such as Adobe Acrobat. However, without language-specific software, it will be hard or impossible for you to open the translation files and manipulate the text. Most of our customers prefer that Choice Translating typeset the translations into these and other Asian languages with different alphabets.
Q: Can Choice Translating do technical translations?
A: Yes. A substantial part of our translation business is of a highly technical nature. Choice Translating's technical translation specialists are degreed professionals, and have experience working in their fields of expertise. Good technical translators maintain a library of industry-specific magazines, news clippings and other current reference materials to keep up with new technology and terminology. As technical specialists, we maintain a library of materials to support our translators and clients.
Q: I have heard that it's important to use "certified" translators. Are your translators certified?
A: There are a number of private agencies in the United States that offer their certification to translators if they are able to pass the agency's examination and are willing to pay the certification fee. The most prominent of these agencies is the American Translators Association. Although the majority of Choice Translating's translators are certified by one or more of these agencies, we do not look upon certification as a necessity, and certainly do not consider it a guarantee of quality. In fact, most of these certification exams test for minimum competency levels only.
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Interpreting Services
Q: When do I need an interpreter?
A: If you work on the phone or in person with people who are not proficient in English, it may be appropriate to use a professional interpreter. Hospitals are required to provide interpreters for non-English speaking patients in order to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Law firms, police departments and courts use interpreters in order to communicate effectively with non-English speaking individuals and to accurately assess facts. Many types of businesses use interpreters to help them do business in non-English speaking communities inside and outside the United States.
Q: Are Choice Translating's interpreters covered by liability insurance?
A: Yes. All Choice Translating interpreters are covered under our liability insurance policy when they are on assignments for Choice Translating. Most freelance interpreters do not have their own liability insurance.
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Software & Systems
Q: What type of computer systems and software do you support?
A: Choice Translating supports PC and Macintosh platforms, most operating systems and desktop publishing software, including all foreign language versions of Windows and Microsoft Office. If you have technical questions about our ability to handle your project, please contact us to discuss the details.
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Fees & Prices
Q: Why is there a minimum charge for translations?
A: Minimum charges are necessary in order to carry out our mandatory quality control procedures without losing money on extremely small projects. Small translation projects are not economically feasible for translators and agencies when priced using the formulas for larger jobs. Choice Translating's minimum charge is $150.
Q: How can I pay for your services?
A: Choice Translating accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. 30 day terms are extended to corporate customers with approved credit.
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