Translation

Translation is much more than looking up words in a bilingual dictionary, or plugging text into an online translation engine that will return a rough and unreliable transposition of words from one language to another.

In fact, translation is an art that we have mastered. It requires specialized skills, deep and varied experience, and extensive knowledge of the client’s field.

Our clients can confidently use our translations in any North American market. Every word is tailored to its target market, whether it be Quebec, the rest of Canada, or the United States.

We bill for translation on a sliding scale, to encourage our clients to order larger volumes of work. Our rates include translation, word processing and final delivery. Updates and corrections made by the client after delivery are subject to an additional fee.

Computer assisted translation

When a document includes significant numbers of repeated passages, as is often the case in technical material, it can be very advantageous to use a computer-assisted translation (CAT) system, also known as translation memory software.

CAT should not be confused with machine translation, which of course also uses computers, but without human intervention. While machine translation is very fast, the results are usually poor because the systems are unable to grasp linguistic subtleties and context. As a result, these translations fall far short of acceptable standards of quality and precision. This is especially true of the free translation engines found on many websites.

A translation memory is a database that stores translations as a skilled human translator works. Translations are retrieved from the memory whenever they can help the translator avoid retranslating a repeated passage. This kind of software helps translators save time and improve the quality and consistency of their work. The result: a corresponding increase in client satisfaction.

When we use CAT, we adjust our fees based on the percentage of text matched by the translation memory.

Page layout and desktop publishing

Some clients need their translated documents to be laid out precisely the same way as the original, or need print-ready documents. We can provide this service, including complex tables and diagrams, digitization of illustrations, graphic design and logos. These services are billed at an hourly rate.

Word processing

Word processing is included in our basic translation fee. We also provide additional word processing services to clients who require them, for an affordable hourly rate.

Copy editing

Clients occasionally ask us to revise existing translations. This service is billed by the hour.

Proofreading

We are pleased to serve clients who need proofreading services, whether we did the original translation or not. This service is billed by the hour.

Translation software