Frequently asked questions

The Graduate

Is there such a thing as a “qualified” or “certified” translator? (J)

Frequently asked questions, Quality assurance /

There are a number of industry organizations and academic institutions that offer certification and qualifications in translation and interpreting. However, there is no real standardization nationally or internationally regarding testing criteria, and no compelling evidence that the holders of these degrees or certificates are any more competent or capable than their “unqualified” colleagues in the […]

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Why is there so much bad translation out there? (J)

Frequently asked questions, Quality assurance /

In Europe it is axiomatic that a translator should only translate into his or her own native language—the rationale being that non-native speakers of the target language lack the ability to write as clearly and fluently as a native speakers can. Thus, only a native German speaker will be assigned English-to-German translation work. In Japan, however, this basic tenet goes largely ignored.

Why is there so much bad translation out there? (J) 続きを読む »

Translation and interpreting—what’s the difference? (J)

Frequently asked questions, Industry trends, Interpreting, Translation /

A translator works on a written document, reading the content in the source language (e.g. Japanese) and producing the equivalent document in the target language (e.g. English). An interpreter acts as a verbal intermediary between two or more people whose native languages are different.

Translation and interpreting—what’s the difference? (J) 続きを読む »