Types of Services
Document translation
Translation is much more than just a simple conversion of words and phrases from one language into another. It should rather be an effective means of full-fledged cross-cultural communication. With this approach in mind, PTSI recruits only the finest translators with a fluent native command of the language into which they are translating. However, the quest for the finest does not end there: the translator selected for the assignment must also be thoroughly versed in the terminology of the document subject matter in order to do a truly professional and reliable job.
Document editing
Once the document has been translated into the target language, a second linguist reviews the work for content, language, grammar and style. Only after the document has been checked in every respect will it be returned to the client.
Editing is a compulsory element of the translation process performed by PTSI. However, if you need only editing and/or proofreading services for a document which has previously been translated by another agency or individual, send it along to us and we'll take care of it.
Backtranslation
In the event that you would like to double-check if the translation of your document is true to your original, you may request a backtranslation. A backtranslation involves the independent rendering of your translated document back to the language in which it was originally written. The resulting translation should reproduce as closely as possible your original (source) document.
Website Translation
Whether your foreign language customers visit only a few pages of your e-commerce site or peruse it in detail from top to bottom, it is important that they enjoy a truly professional experience in the genuine web-related idiomatic expressions of their native tongue. PTSI can help you put your best foot forward in foreign language markets by providing website translations that will impress and attract foreign customers.
Software Localization
Adapt your software professionally to a non-native environment that fully respects the culture of your potential customer. Rest assured that your software will reach its full potential in foreign markets and that issues such as terminology, weights and measures, time zones, idiomatic expressions, currencies, international postal codes, cultural values, local customs, names and titles (among others) are fully adapted in your software by a native professional who is thoroughly familiar with the specific culture, and its language and customs. Software development is a costly process and the final product should be nothing less than fully professional in its localization.
Translation Process
Translations:
- A native speaker performs the translation.
- Another native speaker edits the translator's work to ensure fluency, accuracy, cultural sensitivity and coherence of terminology and style – multiple editors are used on large projects.
- A translation coordinator (project manager) ensures that translation is delivered on schedule and coordinates activities of translators and editors on large projects.
- Professional translation
Professional translation is also known as "human translation". The process involves an actual bilingual person or group of bilingual persons qualified to translate material from one language into another. Some translators are proficient in CAT (Computer-Aided Translation) tools, such as Wordfast, Trados, SDL Trados, etc. Many translators use multilingual word processors and their own translating experience. Professional translators are native speakers of the language they translate into and are expected to approach perfection. PTSI employs the professional translation method. Translation tools are used solely for repetitive and automated tasks such as the standardization of terminology and never replace a human team at PTSI. - Computer-aided translation (CAT)
Computer-Aided Translation or CAT is sometimes referred to as “interactive translation”. It is used by professional translators perfectly fluent in the languages they use for translation. CAT tools combine terminology management and translation memory to achieve a high level of efficiency and accuracy in translation, particularly where documents of substantial size are involved. PTSI's translators may use CAT tools for portions of projects, such as to automate translation of repeated terminology, but only as a complement to their personal translation skills. - Machine translation
Machine translation is otherwise referred to as “automatic translation”. This is machine software which translates text rendered in one natural language into another natural language, taking into account the grammatical structure of each language and using rules to transfer grammatical structure of the source language into the target language. Machine translation cannot replace a human translator for demanding applications such as legal, technical or literary work, and in many cases produces an unrefined and incoherent product. PTSI avoids machine translation and relies on the skill-sets of its human translation and editing resources. - Localization
Localization is the process of translating a piece of software or a website from one natural language to another. For instance, in France people do not use the same version of Windows that is used in America. They use a localized version with help, menu commands and installation instructions in the native language. Very often cultural aspects and information must be translated as well as the language.
Web Translations:
- Translators and editors are chosen based on previous experience in website translation, the specific field of the translation, and with web-related file formats, such as HTML.
- An experienced HTML programmer is available to finalize all changes to the HTML files and to ensure that the translated material is being rendered correctly on the website.
- An editor rechecks the final product in a testing environment to ensure professionalism before the changes are posted live.
- Clients have the option of receiving the translated material in hard copy or soft copy format and can make changes to, and post, their HTML files themselves or engage PTSI to assign its own HTML programmers to post the changes to the website.
Subject Areas
The depth of our translation expertise ranges from the basic birth certificate and academic transcript to the technical operating manual and scientific research paper. The list below includes only some of the areas in which our language experts have performed translation work.
Accounting – Financial
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Education
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Medicine – Medical Technology
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The above is by no means an exhaustive list of the subjects within the competence of our translators. Therefore, if you need a translation for a subject not listed above, please contact us and we will assign the job to a linguist specializing in the subject matter of your document