Japan

What does it mean when a government agency insists that the translation of a document be “certified”?

What does it mean when a government agency insists that the translation of a document be “certified”? This simply means that the translator or translation company that carries out the work is required to append a statement to the end of the translated document stating that, in their view, the translation represents a complete and …

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The Graduate

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

Is there such a thing as a “qualified” or “certified” translator? 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 …

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Why is there so much bad translation out there?

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.