Type of WhizWordz Translation Services in Singapore
“Translation” by definition, refers to the process of translating words or text from one language into another[1]. Although simple in definition, the translation process itself can be complex in terms of conveying the intended tone, meaning and context of the original text.
The importance of conveying the correct tone, meaning and context is even more evident with the growth of technology and globalization. Not only do we have more forms of written, audio and verbal communication with the advent of platforms such as YouTube, apps, podcasts, and more, we also interact with a wider variety of people with different social and cultural backgrounds from around the world compared to before[2]. Where we once used to only understand and speak our native tongue, many have become adept at several languages to communicate better at work, enjoy foreign entertainment and for personal purposes such as applying for a driving license overseas[3].
In line with these developments, the translation industry has also evolved throughout the years to better meet everchanging needs. From basic translation of written word, it has expanded to include transcreation, interpretation, subtitling or captioning, typesetting and others. With so many types of services to choose from, how does you choose the right service to get the most out of the translation?
Be it for professional or personal reasons, there is a plethora of translation services out there. Before requesting WhizWordz translation services, consider what is the purpose of your translation, for whom is it intended, where and how it will be used so you can find the right service to match your requirements.
Basic Language Translation Service and Business Services in Singapore
Starting from the essentials, all translation agencies in Singapore will provide the basic translation service of directly converting your text into a target language of your choice. As a translation company in Singapore, WhizWordz provides over 40 language pairs, inclusive of European and Latin American languages. This service usually produces a literal translation and is recommended for source texts that are factual, direct and/or informative. On top of that, this will usually include vetting and proofreading before the translated copy is provided to you for your review.
However, if you wish to do your own translation or have had your source text translated by elsewhere, what you may require are basic services to enhance your translation work instead. This may be in the form of copyediting where the translated work is reviewed for errors, refined in terms of structure and has excessive use of words or phrases removed, vetting – having your translated work examined for suggested corrections or improvements and/or proofreading – having your translated work marked for corrections in the document itself.
Personally, such enhancements are applicable if you’re producing your own written work such as a book or when translating personal documents for use in a foreign country. For example, translation of your academic certificates, COVID vaccination reports or licenses. Professionally, this is applicable when translating corporate documents like information brochures, infographics, financial or even medical reports where it is important to ensure the correct translation of certain terms used in specific industries such as medical or legal jargon.
Translation Services for Business/Legal/Professional Purposes
Taking it a step further, sometimes you might even need your translation to be endorsed if the document is intended for legal or professional use. In such cases, you can consider getting a certified translation instead. This means that in addition to translating your document, the translation agency will also acknowledge and certify that the translated document is accurate and true to the source copy by stamping and signing off on your document and providing a letter of certification.
For individuals, this is usually required when submitting personal identification documents to government bodies and can be accompanied by notarization. As for companies, certified translations can be helpful for business transactions or when dealing with external agencies such as the local authorities as well. For more on certified translation, you can read here.
Other types of services useful for business purposes would also be transcription – converting verbal or audio speech into text format, on the spot interpretation for business meeting or events and subtitling – providing captions for videos.
Transcribing may be used to convert recordings of meetings, court proceedings and other such audio that may be important to your business or personal legal transactions. Likewise, interpretation can be crucial in managing international conversations where it can make or break your business deal. A trustworthy and skilled interpreter is key to ensuring the proper tone and message gets across to your business partners.
Additional Business Services Provided by WhizWordz
Lastly, there are also translation services that are meant to help your original source text sound and look better. These following services typically enhance your translation by using terms more relatable to the target audience, provide better phrasing to appeal better or arranging the text in a way that makes sense – especially in cases where the translated text consists of symbols or are non-alphabetic such as languages like Arabic, Tamil, Burmese and so on.
To get the meaning of a source text across more effectively, localized translation is used to reach out to the target audience better. For instance, when translating a text to Mandarin, there is a colloquial difference between traditional and simplified Chinese characters. When translating for the Taiwanese, they commonly use traditional Chinese characters whereas the Chinese in Mainland China uses simplified Chinese.
At a loss for words? Sometimes, it is not easy to find the words to make what you want to say sound more appealing or convincing to your intended audience. In this case, turning to services like transcreation and copywriting can assist to enhance a basic source text by using a play of words or creative phrasing while maintaining the essence of your original message in your marketing collaterals.
Now that your message sounds good, you have to make sure it can be understood.
When conveying your message in multiple languages especially in countries with a mishmash of cultures, it is imperative that the translation is readable. Typesetting ensures that the font and placing of characters are properly arranged to make sense.
WhizWordz - Translation Company in Singapore
Translation services are very wide and varied and can provide many benefits. They are versatile and can be used interchangeably across a vast range of industries and cover all types of communication. At the end of the day, translation can be a major tool in your communication with others and it is up to you to pick the type of service that best achieves the results you want.
It all starts with knowing what you want and how to accomplish what you desire.
Do check out with our business representatives for a non-obligation quotation for any business services provided above.
[1] (2021). Retrieved from Oxford Languages: https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/
[2] Ulatus. (2016, April 15). The Evolution of Translation. Retrieved from Ulatus: https://www.ulatus.com/translation-blog/the-evolution-of-translation/
[3] Postan, L. (2020, January 13). Globalization and Translation. Retrieved from Blend Express: https://www.getblend.com/blog/globalization-translation/
