JNF Associates - Translation Services

Tips about Translations


The following information is provided in order to assist you in selecting the proper service for your project and also to facilitate the most cost effective completion of the project.
	Translation vs. Interpretation Translation is the process of converting a written document from one language into another language, and interpretation is the process of converting an oral presentation from one language into another language. In addition, translation is normally a "one way" process -- converting written information from one language into another, but interpretation usually involves a "two way" process -- acting as a "middle man" between speakers who do not share a common language.
	Special Terminology In every profession or area of business, there is a set of special terminology, but in addition to this, within an organization, there also is often another unique set of special terminology (e.g., abbreviations, acronyms, 'coined' words) that is known only to the personnel of that organization. Therefore, whenever possible, it is advisable to provide a list of this organization specific terminology which might appear in the source document(s) and the English equivalent(s) (or at least an explanation) that are utilized by the company in its own English language documentation. By providing this list of unique terminology, post-translation edits (and the associated costs) can be avoided.
	Organizational Titles The same types of variations that can be found in the titles of personnel positions and organizational units that are utilized in U.S. companies also exists in Japanese companies. In addition, because of the societal and organizational differences, determining the most appropriate English translation of a title can be difficult. Therefore, whenever possible, it is advisable to provide a list of the preferred English titles (i.e., those that are utilized by the company in its own English language documentation) of any personnel positions or organizational units that might appear in the source document(s). By providing this list of titles, post-translation edits (and the associated costs) can be avoided.
	Personal Names While many Japanese personal names (both given names and family names) have common pronunciations, there are also many personal names, especially given names, that have several possible, and some times unique, pronunciaitons. Therefore, whenever possible, it is advisable to provide a list of the preferred pronunciation(s) for key personnel whose name(s) might appear in the source document(s). By providing this list of personal names, post-translation edits (and the associated costs) can be avoided.
	Geographical Place Names While most major Japanese geographical places have common pronunciations, there are also places (especially, smaller locales and smaller units of major metropolitan areas) that have several possible pronunciations that are determined by local usage. Therefore, whenever possible, it is advisable to provide a list of the preferred pronunciation(s) for key places which might appear in the source document(s). By providing this list of place names, post-translation edits (and the associated costs) can be avoided.