A few years ago over dinner, a friend of mine who, by day, performed project management for a contract research organization (CRO), described to me the painstaking task of reviewing their back translations. She would spend hours culling over the source and back-to-English translations, deciphering the differences, and making decisions regarding severity; all the time wondering how a simple phrase could come out wildly different through a couple of iterations of translation.
My initial reaction was to laugh. Having been in the business since 1999, I’ve come to understand that translation is more than a skill, it’s an art. Each translation contains at the very least a hint of the translator’s tone, writing style, and word preferences. Oftentimes, similar words or synonyms can lead to very different translations. The key is to understand where in the process the translation changed meaning, and to what degree the content may have been compromised.
My friend who tortured herself with these reviews was not bilingual, and thus was missing a very important aspect in the review; the context in which the discrepancy occurred. She knew there was a problem, but not why. This existence of a slight discrepancy doesn’t necessarily make your foreign language document incorrect; it just means that the translation was worded in such a way that allowed for a more open interpretation.
What you need to know regarding back-to-English translations:
· Your source and back-to-English translation will be different; expect to see many varying word choices.
· A translation issue that compromises the quality of the document from the source to the back translation does not necessarily mean that there is an issue in your foreign language document; instead it means you need a linguist to review that section. After all, back translations are performed to highlight potential issues.
· Make sure your agency reconciles the translations using a linguist who did not work on the previous stages of the process and who has a high level of experience with the nuances of both languages. Request a copy of that report.
McElroy’s reconciliation report
In order to better assist our clients who have experienced the scenario outlined above, we can provide a reconciliation report. At McElroy Translation, we automatically reconcile each back translation project to ensure the highest quality.
To reconcile a back-to-English translation, or have a full review of both foreign and back-to-English translation, we send the source file, final translated document, and the back-to-English translation to a third, truly bilingual translator who has spoken both languages for most, if not all, of his or her life. Armed with the ability to compare subtle nuances across all 3 documents, the linguist notes in a report any meaningful discrepancies and where they occur in the documents.
The reconciliation report is sent back to the original, foreign-language translator who makes decisions as to what changes are necessary to maintain the documents’ quality, and which changes are natural and do not jeopardize the documents’ integrity.
Check out our video blog on reconciliation reports to quickly see what one looks like.
Necessary changes are then made, translation memory is updated, and the client receives the foreign language document, the back translation, and upon request, the reconciliation report that explains the different types of discrepancies, where they occurred, and how they were corrected.
Doing business in South Korea now, or planning to in the near future? Consider this…
ü South Korea is one of the top IT developed countries. They have the fastest Internet access
speed in the world — seven times faster than the global average.
ü South Korea is ranked 8th in exporting and 11th in importing worldwide.
ü Major industries include cars, chemicals, electronics, machinery, shipbuilding, steel,
telecommunications, and robotics.
ü Incheon International Airport is the largest and the primary airport in South Korea. From 2006 to
2010, the airport was selected the best airport in the world by the Airports Council International.
ü South Korean society is based on Confucian values; age, rank, and harmony between groups are
very important factors to consider. People can only be considered equals when they are the same
age.
South Korea is a strong economic power with a huge global presence. Koreans in the business sector are often highly educated in Western customs and traditions, but continue to uphold their own nation’s strong conservative and traditional values, so don’t overestimate their tolerance and understanding of Western culture. Though younger generations are much more open to globalization, there are still many social and cultural differences from the United States, which should be considered when doing business in South Korea.
Important tips
· Korean name structures are different from the Western norm. For instance, if a person’s name is Kim Hee Jin, it means Kim is the family name and Hee Jin is the first name. Middle names are not used.
· Women do not change their names when they get married.
· In a business setting, address people by their title along with their last name. For instance, if a person’s last name is Kim and title is manager, you should say “ Kim Manager.”
· Koreans write the year first, and then the month and the day. For instance, January 9, 2012 is written 2012-01-09.
· Local time is fourteen hours ahead of U.S. EST.
· It is inappropriate to write a person’s name or sign a contract in red; only the names of the deceased are written in red.
· Koreans believe the number 4 is bad luck because the Chinese characters for both “4” and “dead” are pronounced the same way.
· People of opposite genders do not embrace when greeting; a handshake and slight bow are common ways to greet one another.
Appointments
· Appointments are necessary when planning a meeting; be prompt, but be patient if your Korean counterpart is late. Punctuality is also expected for social events.
· Koreans have a preference for one-on-one meetings over group meetings.
· Rank and status are very important factors in Korea; in group meetings, seniors will enter the meeting room first, followed by colleagues in order of rank and job title.
· The best time for a business meeting is between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. or between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Be aware of Korea’s summer vacation days from July to August and all public holidays.
Negotiations
· Usually tea, coffee, water, or other refreshments will be provided at a scheduled meeting at your Korean counterpart’s office.
· Gift-giving is acceptable. Gifts with your company logo are welcome.
· Send your English proposals or presentation materials in advance. Koreans prefer to have accurate statistical results with visible graphs or charts.
· English is the most widely used foreign language; younger generations will conduct business meetings in English.
· Koreans prefer to do business with individuals of equal business status or higher. If you are sending someone within your organization to meet with a Korean project manager, make sure that person is a project manager or higher; to meet a VP, send a VP or your CEO.
· Business decisions often take longer to make than in the United States. Korean systems are based on hierarchy, so it takes time to get a final decision from executive levels.
· Look for signs, such as silence, that your counterpart does not understand what you are saying. Do not expect them to tell you directly, but instead take the initiative to rephrase what it is you are trying to say.
Entertaining
· Many business relationships are built during dinner and drinks at restaurants or bars. After dinner, people often go to a karaoke place.
· Hosts or elders usually pay for meals.
· If you are invited to a Korean’s house, you should come bearing fruits, flowers, cakes, juices, or wines.
· Koreans never wear shoes inside houses or temples, so take off your shoes at the entryway.
· Koreans always use chopsticks and spoons for meals and eat desserts or fruits with forks. Most Korean dishes are served with a bowl of rice.
For translations of business documents into South Korean, contact McElroy Translation. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you and your company achieve success in your international business ventures.
Morrison, Terri, and Wayne A. Conaway (2006). Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, 2nd edition. Massachusetts: Adams.
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/01/23/the-world%E2%80%99s-fastest-internet-access%E2%80%94who%E2%80%99s-got-it/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/feb2008/gb20080227_985704.htm?campaign_id=rss_topDiscussed
Currently doing business in Italy, or plan to in the near future? Consider this…
ü Italy is the world’s 10th largest economy, yet it has the third largest bond market!
ü Italy's major industries include tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing,
textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, and ceramics.
ü With almost 40 million visitors and more hotel rooms than any other nation in Europe, Italy is the
fourth most visited country in the world.
ü New York City is farther south than Rome, with the same latitude as Naples. However, it only snows
briefly once every several years in Rome and Naples, while in New York it frequently snows in the
winter.
Long a world-renowned destination for tourists, Italy also holds abundant opportunities for business travelers. However, it also has many social and workplace customs that are quite different than what you find in the United States. By highlighting some of these key differences, let's look at ways to prepare you for your next Italian business trip.
Important tips
- Do not give gifts that are obviously a vehicle for you company’s logo. Instead, items such as liquor, delicacies, or crafts from your country are appreciated. It also doesn’t hurt to bring flowers or chocolates to your Italian associate’s secretary/assistant!
- Italians consider wine as a food to be sipped, not as a form of relaxation. Drinking too much in public can be considered rude.
- Everyone tends to speak at once at Italian gatherings. It is possible to conduct a more orderly meeting, but do not be offended if you are interrupted.
- Corporations have a horizontal chain of authority, called a cordata, which can be confusing to North Americans. This parallel channel is based on levels of personal, reciprocal concern, and should never be taken lightly.
Appointments
- Be prompt and expect business to be conducted with pressure and efficiency, especially in the industrial north. High-ranking businesspeople may be late, but typically people are quite punctual.
- Italians prefer to deal with people they know, even if they are only mildly acquainted. Find a way to be introduced to your prospect, be it at an event or through a mutual acquaintance.
- When making an appointment, it is best to write an e-mail request in Italian, and then follow up with a phone call. Your will receive a response much more quickly if the request is in their native language.
- The best time for a business meeting is between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. or after 3 p.m. Be aware of summer vacation periods and public holidays; most firms are closed during the month of August.
Negotiations
- Understanding the chain of command within the business is crucial to success. Decisions are made only by the highest level of authority, but it may not be clear who that is by title alone. When looking for someone to facilitate business, use a contact who is knowledgeable about the internal company structure.
- Refrain from showing a sense of urgency in the negotiation process; this is thought to weaken your bargaining power.
- As a bargaining tactic, your Italian counterpart may make dramatic changes to the contract at the 11th hour.
- Business cards are to be exchanged at business functions only; not social events. You will find that the more important the person is, the less information he or she will have on a card.
Entertaining
- Hospitality is important in the business culture; turning down an invitation to dine is considered rude.
- Do not extend an invitation to your Italian host without some help. Business dinners should include a small number of people, and you will likely not know the intricacies of who should and should not be invited. Your client’s secretary/assistant should be able to help you with this, as well as choosing a location.
- Picking up the check is considered a sign of prestige. At times, Italians will go so far as to provide the waitstaff with a generous tip prior to dinner, to ensure that you do not get the bill. Female executives may find it extremely difficult to pay.
- Keep the receipt for the restaurant bill; “tax police” occasionally check restaurant bills outside for adherence to tax laws.
For your business document translation needs in Italy, contact McElroy Translation. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you and your company become successful in your international business ventures.
Morrison, Terri, and Wayne A. Conaway (2006). Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, 2nd edition. Massachusetts: Adams Media Corporation.
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2011/11/italy-has-worlds-10th-biggest-economy-but-third-largest-bond-market.html
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/potpourri/fun-facts.asp
Have you ever received quotes for a project from multiple language vendors, only to discover that the word counts were different? Or perhaps you handle your own word counts, yet they never seem to match up with what is charged on the final document. Understanding word counts for translation projects can actually be difficult if you don’t know how your vendor collects them.
Are word counts collected from the source file or the translated file? There are a number of ways a translation company can charge based on word counts: by number of words in the source file, number of words in the final file, or number of words in the English files, be it source or final.
What are the expansion rates per language? When a translation vendor charges based on the word count of the final file, quotes must take into consideration expansion rates of that language. For example, when translating into German, your English document expands to include a larger of number words. Translation companies will charge anywhere from 20 to 35% more on the quote in consideration of that expansion. For example, if your source file contains 500 English words, and your vendor charges based on final file, they will quote you for 600 words.
How do repetitive segments affect word counts? All words will still be counted, but you should receive a quote breakdown of how many segments are new, fuzzy, or repetitive, along with pricing for each. If you are getting quotes from multiple vendors and know translation memory will be used on your project, be sure to get this breakdown up front from each of them.
How do non-editable files, such as PDFs, affect word counts? If your PDFs were created from the original files, text can still be easily analyzed, providing a highly accurate word count with less than a 1% discrepancy. If your PDFs were scanned, your vendor will use optical character recognition (OCR) to assess the file. This can increase the discrepancy rate due to errors in character recognition, depending on the quality of the PDF.
How are word counts extracted from other DTP formats, such as FrameMaker and InDesign? Your translation vendor will run an analysis on those files using computer-automated translation (CAT) tools, which will produce a quick, highly accurate word count. If they contain graphics that are uneditable, those words will not be included in a word count unless they are manually added.
When getting word counts on foreign language documents that will be translated into English, are Roman numerals and English text in the source counted? Yes, when a foreign language document is being translated into English, everything that is contained in the final English translation is counted. If the English words or numbers are not included, the context will change and the integrity of the documented will be compromised.
So how does McElroy do it? We would love to tell you! Email us at info@mcelroytranslation.com or give as a call at 1-800-531-9977, and we can provide more details specific to your translation project.
So you want to do business in Russia? Consider this...
- When managing Russian employees, maintain clear, concise communication. Do not make suggestions, but be authoritative. They respect leadership.
- Russians are innovators, capable of finding creative solutions to problems when there is a shortage in funds or equipment.
- Connections and influence are very important in Russia; little is done without using “blat.” Blat is an exchange of favors; when you do something for someone, they will be expected to do something for you in exchange.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia languished through several years of chaos and unrest. It has now emerged as an economic and political powerhouse, a powerhouse full of opportunity for foreign investors and companies.
However, do not attempt to do business in Russia unprepared. Socially, culturally, and economically, there are many crucial differences between the U.S. and Russia. If you ignore them, you do so at your peril...
Important tips
- Date and Time
- Dates are displayed as Date/Month/Year: 4.12.11 is December 4, 2011.
- Russians use military time: When suggesting a 6:00 p.m. meeting, you should say “at eighteen o’clock” rather than “at six o’clock.”
- Moscow is eight hours ahead of U.S. EST. Russia spans eleven time zones overall.
- Russians show their affection in public only when greeting one another. Friends and family embrace and kiss on the cheeks; strangers shake hands and exchange names.
- Russian middle names are derived from the father’s first name: Fyodor Nikolaievich Medvedev’s first name is Fyodor and his middle name means “son of Nikolai.”
- Women add “a” to the end of their last name: Mr. Medvedev’s wife is Mrs. Medvedeva.
- Some gestures that are positive in an American context can be considered rude in Russia: The American sign for “okay” is derogatory in Russia; whistling during a concert means you do not like the performance.
- Use credit and debit cards cautiously in Russia; there are many underemployed computer experts, some of whom engage in criminal activity such as capturing credit card numbers.
Appointments
- When meeting with prospective clients in Russia, expect to be on time, but expect them to run fifteen to thirty minutes late. Patience is more highly considered than punctuality.
- Meetings often last longer than originally scheduled, so be flexible.
- Getting an appointment is challenging, so don’t cancel.
- Avoid the first week of May when setting up business meetings, as many public holidays fall then.
Negotiations
- Russians respect hierarchy: a senior level executive will negotiate on a company’s behalf and will expect to conduct negotiations with an equally senior level executive from the company they are doing business with.
- Russians view compromise as a weakness and might expect more concessions from the other side.
- Before conducting a negotiation, team members should be in agreement on all processes and deals that will be offered. Unity is highly valued when conducting business with Russians.
- Russians will not renegotiate once a formal agreement has been signed.
- Russians may request that funds be paid in cash directly to them or to their foreign bank account; you can suggest different options.
Entertaining
- When conducting a meeting with Russians, be sure to have an abundant supply of sodas, tea, coffee, and snacks at the table. You will find the same at their table if they are the hosts.
- Russians are confident in their ability to drink heavily and still make clear decisions; they may prefer to conduct business while you are intoxicated.
- It is considered poor manners to wear your heavy coat and boots into a public building such as a theater. Make sure to check them at the garderob (cloakroom).
- If you loiter with your hands in your pockets in a public building, people will perceive you to be uncultured.
For your business document translation needs in Russia, contact McElroy Translation. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you and your company become successful in your international business ventures.
Morrison, Terri, and Wayne A. Conaway (2006). Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, 2nd edition. Massachusetts: Adams Media Corporation.