CCCS, Inc.™ management ensures that all translation projects go through high quality standards at all stages of the process which include:
1-Specification: The process by which, the requester and CCCS, Inc.™ Translation Services Department decides and agrees on key areas of the project that must be clearly defined before the translation begins. This involves active participation from both parts. This approach guarantees an objective evaluation of translation quality, transparency and mutual control during the project. The specification process is a key element on the success of the translation project, ensuring low costs and saving time.
2- Translation assignment: Based on the requirements and specifications made in step 1, the Translation Services Department assigns the project to the best translator for the purpose. The Translator must have knowledge, experience and skills in the subject assigned. This helps us to achieve a perfect balance between the requirements of the finished product and the ability of the translator to fulfill those requirements.
3- Editing: The editing is assigned to an independent translator to compare the completed translation against the source text for the purpose of validating the accuracy of the translation. The editor will propose changes if needed and the translator will accept or reject the changes. The result is a final, clean translation.
4- Proofreading: This is a monolingual task with the purpose of verifying that the translation has no typographical or formatting errors and reads well in the source language.
5 -Final Compilation: This task is performed by CCCS, Inc.™ Translation Services Department. The final evaluation ensures that every step was performed adhering to the outlined standards. The project is then sent to the requester to discuss the success of the project.
Here is an example of how the process works. We had a special request from a local government agency to translate a breast cancer document into Haitian Creole. After the document was translated it was then given to a group of Haitian Creole speakers to analyze its content. When the document was presented to the group, the overwhelming consensus was that the word cancer would be inappropriate to use, and that it would be better to use a translation that means “bad disease.” This feedback was taken into account and the changes were made. As a result the community embraced the document. Rather than transliterating medical documents it is important to take into account the meanings of the terms used and also the culture that supports the language. That is why it is important to translate the meanings or ideas of the content and how they relate to their culture(s), instead of individual words on their own.
How do you provide translation localization services?
Our translations can be tailored to meet the needs of a specific sub-culture or language group. In order for us to do so, we need to first be made aware of the target population, the country and the region. After that a team of translators will meet in order to discuss how the translation will be done. Once a document has been translated then it will be sent to a group of individuals that belong to the target population who will review the document and then provide the team of translators with feedback. After which the team of translators will discuss the feedback and look for ways to incorporate it into the document.
What is the difference between translation and proofreading?
Translation is the written conversion of a source language message into a target language. It is generally performed by one translator working alone.
Proofreading is the verification of accurate translation. It is generally performed by a proofreader working either independently or in collaboration with the translator. Proofreaders point out inaccuracies and may make adjustments to the translation or may suggest that the translator make those adjustments.
How do you select your translators?
All of our translators for languages of greater diffusion have been selected from a pool of interpreters that are all ATA certified. For languages of lesser diffusion, these translators are also selected from ATA members, all of which have received the appropriate training.
How do you assure on-going quality?
One of the best ways to assure quality is to have consistency. For this reason for many years now we have worked continuously with a group of translators that are highly skilled and that have consistently received positive feedback. Another tool that we use is peer review feedback. We ask fellow translators to review the received work to make sure that the translator or translators have kept the integrity of the original document and that the translated version has a natural flow, just like the original. Also, we have our own quality assurance program that is described above to make sure that only the highest quality translations meet our final approval, which includes adhering to the standards outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Health, when applicable.
Can you work on different graphic platforms?
Yes, we use many different platforms to meet our customer’s needs. Our department uses a variety of different programs that make compatibility easy, so that no matter what the graphic platform you use, we are able to adjust to your requirements.
What is your turn around time?
Our turnaround time depends greatly on the nature of the request, the language and the urgency. As a general rule though, a simple document can be translated at roughly a 1000 words a day, assuming that it is into a language of greater diffusion.
Who should I contact for translation services?
If you would like more information regarding our translation services, or would like to request a quote, please contact Linda Demmons at:
T: 781.729.3736 x112 or 1.888.678.2227 (out of state)
F: 781.729.1217
E: info@embracingculture.com