語学体験レッスン

 

 

Frequently asked Qestions

What is the difference between translation and interpretation?

Translation involves the transferal of the meaning of a written document into another language via writing. A translator is able to make use of reference materials, such as dictionaries and glossaries, during the translation process. For example, a user manual may be translated from Japanese or English into a variety of foreign languages.

Interpretation is the facilitation of verbal communication between individuals who do not speak the same language. The immediate nature of interpretation prohibits the use of reference materials. For example, in a trial involving an English-speaking defendant in Japan, any statements by the Japanese judge or attorneys will be communicated in English to the defendant, and any statements made by the defendant in English will be repeated in Japanese for the court.

What is the difference between translation and transcription?

Transcription involves transferring recorded language into a written transcript. Using a recording of an English-language interview as an example, while listening to the recording, a transcriber produces a written transcript of the interview in English. A translator then translates the English transcript into Japanese.

What languages and dialects do you translate?

We have been providing language services in more than 50 languages and dialects. Please see our language listing for more details. If you don’t see the desired language(s) on the list, please let us know. We are convinced that we can locate qualified linguists through our networks.

How do I proceed if I need a document translated?

First, obtain a price estimate by e-mailing, faxing, or mailing us a copy of the document to be translated. If the document is large, please send us between five to ten representative pages. After you approve the estimate, send us the complete document and any previous translations or background materials you may have that will be helpful to our linguists. We’ll get started promptly and, if necessary, will contact you occasionally with a status report or questions. When the translation and quality review process are complete, we’ll send the translation to you via your preferred method and will call or e-mail you to confirm your receipt and satisfaction.

What is your standard turnaround time for translations?

The turnaround time for translations depends on several factors, but we believe that we are among the fastest in the industry. Your estimate will include our lowest price for the services and turnaround time you require. The number of words that can be translated, edited, proofread, and formatted varies depending on the language, subject matter, and other requirements. The best quality and terminology consistency is achieved using one translator and one editor; however, we understand that deadlines may require alternative solutions.

Can I request an urgent translation?

For documents and other materials that do not require a highly polished text, please contact us as soon as possible.

How will the translation be delivered?

We generally send a computer file via e-mail, but if necessary, we can also send files in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF formats. In the case of large documents, we can also provide translations on CD-Rs.

Can you provide certified translations?

Unfortunately we are not able to provide certified translations. Therefore, we cannot undertake translation of documents requiring certifications, such as: Family registers, resident's cards, or documents relating to legal complaints or petitions.

I would like to request an estimate for a translation. What should I do?

Please contact us by e-mail or telephone. You will be asked to send us the text. After receiving it, we will deliver an estimate promptly.

In what form should I send the text?

A computer file is the best format. If you are sending a hard copy, please post it if possible, because faxes are sometimes difficult to read.

How are the estimates calculated?

Estimates are calculated based on the number of words or characters in the translated text. For translation from Japanese into another language, 23 lines are counted as one page (A4 size page), and the number of pages is multiplied by the unit price per page. For translation from English or another language into Japanese, 400 characters are counted as one page. The number of pages is multiplied by the unit price per page. For more details, please see our Translation and Interpretation Tariff.

I asked for one simultaneous interpreter, but I got an estimate for two. Why is that so?

After your requirements have been evaluated, we may determine that two interpreters are necessary in order to provide the appropriate level of quality. Interpretation is mentally and physically challenging, requiring immediate, accurate conversion of spoken words into another language without the help of reference materials. To achieve accuracy, intense concentration is absolutely necessary. Because this activity is so demanding, simultaneous interpreters take turns, generally in 20-minute increments.

How is the charge for interpretation?

Interpretation services are generally charged on a half-day or full-day basis. A half-day consists of up to 4 hours, while anything over 4 hours is charged at the full-day (8 hours) rate. Please note that due to the demanding nature of interpretation, interpreters require regular periods of rest, as well as meal breaks,. We also bill travel time and other necessary expenses.

What is your cancellation policy for interpretation?

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the type and length of the assignment and is always written in our estimate letter.

What type of equipment is needed for interpretation?

That depends on the type of assignment. For one-on-one meetings, no special equipment is required. If you have only one participant at a seminar who does not speak English or Japanese, we may recommend whisper interpretation, which also does not require specialized equipment. However, for events involving more than two or three foreign participants, we may recommend the use of a portable microphone so that all of the participants are able to hear the interpreter. For seminars with a number of non-English or non-Japanese speaking participants, you will need a microphone for the speakers and the interpreters. An international conference has the most specialized equipment requirements, such as soundproof booths for the interpreters, headsets with channels so that the participants can listen to the language of their choice, microphones, etc.

When I asked for interpreters, I was requested to provide the documents to be used at the meeting. Why do they need such documents?

Despite the fact that interpreters are language professionals, they do not have the level of field-specific knowledge that speakers and participants in each conference have. Moreover, compared to interpreting in an unknown situation without any information, a much higher level of performance can be achieved when information on the topic and flow of discussion has been provided in advance.

What is your payment policy?

For small projects and first-time clients, we generally require payment in advance. Depending on the complexity and nature of the project, a down payment might be required. For clients who have established contracts with us, we will bill small projects upon completion. Long-term projects may be billed weekly or monthly. Our invoice terms are net 30, unless stated otherwise in the contract.

I still don't see the answers to my specific questions. What do I do?

If you can't find the answers to some of your questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We will be very happy to help you. Just call us and speak to an ICC adviser or email us at info@icc-net.jp, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible