Understanding Language Services

Most  translation companies around the world, including Verbo Translations, offer much more than just translation. Usually, the field of expertise covers a wide range of language-related services. Learn the differences and find the service you really need!

Translation

Translation means communicating the meaning of a source text into the target language. Translation relates to written texts from various domains: technical, business, and literary.

Interpreting

Interpreting, or language interpretation, means facilitating oral or sign-language communication, usually at the time of speaking. It can be done either simultaneously, where interpreters sit in booths and listeners have their headphones on, or consecutively – the interpreter renders a larger chunk of speech after it has been delivered in the source language.

Proofreading

As one of the sub-categories of editing, proofreading relates to reading the text in order to detect and correct typographical errors, such as spelling mistakes. Proofreading also includes correcting the format and checking numerical values.

Editing

Editing is a broader service including stylistic and content editing. Editors check facts in the text against other sources, or improve general readability of the text. Editing is usually done by native speakers.

Transcription

Transcription means the process of representing the speech in written form. Transcription specialists listen to tapes or recordings and write down the text.

Subtitling

Subtitling means providing textual versions of dialogs and conversations, in films or television programs. They are usually displayed at the bottom of the screen, at the same time as the original text is being spoken.

Desktop Publishing

Desktop publishing means the creation of documents using computer software. It includes all sorts of documents, from local newsletters, to books, magazines and newspapers.

Localization

This more general term relates to a whole process of product translation and cultural adaptation. Localization includes translation, but also adaptation for different markets, depending on comprehensive studies of the target culture.

Competing for translations
In the last 10 years that we’ve been in business, we’ve had lots of opportunities to think our competition strategy over and over again. We have realized that there are four different ways in which we can compete with other translation agencies. The same applies to freelance translators, of course!
1. Cost
The easiest way to compete, or to win over your competition, is to offer lower prices. The current translation market relies hugely on this competition strategy.
2. Quality
Yet price is not always the overarching principle. It is a good practice for all translators and agencies to offer higher quality instead of lower price.
3. Flexibility
If you are not the cheapest one, you can still outdo your competition by being extra-flexible, accessible, and easy to contact. Your ability to adapt to clients’ needs may be crucial!
4. Speed
Translating fast is another way of gaining more and more clients. Some companies out there need texts translated ultrafast, and they won’t be bothered with costs. They just need their texts right away!
At Verbo Translations, we’re trying to compete at all these four levels. It depends on our clients and our resources.