常见问题

Q1. What is the difference between translation and interpretation?
Translation and interpretation are two very different skills. 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.

Q2. What’s the difference between Simultaneous Interpretation and Consecutive Interpretation?
The main differences between Simultaneous Interpreting and Consecutive Interpreting lie in two aspects, i.e. whether a specialist equipment is required, whether the interpreting is real-time.

Simultaneous interpreters provide high-end interpreting services for international conferences. One person speaks and many listen through headphones at the same time. Simultaneous interpreters sit in a sound-proof booth and interpret in real-time.

For consecutive interpreting, the speaker delivers a few sentences and then pauses whilst consecutive interpreter repeats what has just been said in the target language. The interpreter may interpret for the whole group or, as is becoming increasingly common, sit next to an individual and whisper what has just been said.

Q3. How do you ensure confidentiality of my information?
All information is held strictly confidential, whether related to translation or interpreting projects. ACTC translators, interpreters abide by the Translators' Professional Code of Ethics set by professional translator associations around the world.

We have signed a strict Non Disclosure Agreement with all of our translators, interpreters and other staff as well. These ensure full confidentiality and non-disclosure of all information. ACTC is also willing to sign an NDA with client if needed.

Q4. Will I need a certified translation? Can ACTC certify the translation?
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. Please note that sometimes a notarized translation may require by xxx (some government officials) instead of a certified translation. Therefore, please clarify with the government officials before assign the translation job.

Q5. What is a notarized translation and when is it required? Can ACTC notarize the translation?
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. Please note that ACTC does not provide notarized translation but we can certify our translation for you, then you can further on to ask a notary public (eg. embassy officials) to notarize our certified translation and fulfill the government officials’ (receivers’) requirements.

Q6. I have a document that I translated myself and I would like ACTC to certify it for me. Can you do this, and how much will it cost?
To certify a document is to vouch for its contents. We cannot certify translations performed by non-ACTC translators and personnel without reviewing the translation against the original document. The cost will depend on the accuracy of the translation. If it is accurate, the cost will be equivalent to the charge for simple proofreading; however, if it needs significant editing, the cost could be the same as doing the entire translation. Certification carries no extra cost when the translation is done by ACTC.

Q7.Does ACTC use native speakers or computer software programs to perform its translations?
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. However, we are assisted by some useful Memory Tools to ensure the consistency of content.

Q8.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?
ACTC can convert the text into picture files which can be viewed and printed using readily available software such as Adobe Acrobat. Most of our customers prefer that ACTC typeset the translations into these and other Asian languages with different alphabets.

Q9.Can ACTC do technical translations?
Yes. A substantial part of our translation business is of a highly technical nature. ACTC's technical translation specialists are degreed professionals who 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 glossary to support our translators and clients.

Q10.How do you know that a translator is good?
First and foremost, good translators have a solid command of grammar and syntax in both the source and target languages. Good translators only translate materials into their native language - very few people are gifted enough to handle bi directional projects. Good translators have a knack for balancing the content of the source document with the cultural and language-specific norms of the target language, and have the experience to know when to favor one concern over the other.

Translation is a very delicate process that requires a tremendous amount of care and attention to detail. Many people are under the assumption that fluency in a given language is sufficient to qualify one for the translation profession. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Good translations read as if they were authored in the target language. Anything less is generally a sign that the translator has missed the mark.

Q11.What are the different languages in Chinese market? What decision should I make?
Due to local variances, the Chinese market is diversified into different local markets, each with its own characteristics. Therefore, you should choose suitable Chinese language based on your actual needs and the product-orientated target market.