Frequently asked questions

The slogan “Communication without limits”, which our agency has been using for many years now, represents the overcoming of language barriers (by using translating and interpreting), but also that it is necessary to know how to communicate in usual business relationships too, whether we speak the same language or a different language. In the service sector, which translation falls under, proper communication between the client and the service provider is irreplaceable. Communication between the client and the provider of translation services, represented by the project manager, should primarily take place in such a way that both parties understand the assignment of the given translation in the same way, especially in terms of its intended use. Service parameters are derived from this, particularly the stylistic and terminological requirements and the types of proofreading carried out.

All of ZELENKA’s vendors are required to comply with the provisions defined in the Non-Disclosure Agreement. These documents clearly define what can be considered a trade secret and what is to be treated as confidential information, as well as the terms of its secrecy and the sanctions for violating these terms. For professional translators, you might assume that adhering to these rules is a matter of course. All the same, however, before beginning their first translation with ZELENKA, each translator has to sign these papers and follow them without deviation.

Typically, one translator can manage to translate approximately 1,200 – 1,500 words per business day (under certain circumstances even more). If two translators are assigned to a translation, then that figure is somewhere between 2,400 and 3,000 words. For larger projects it is possible to put together a team of four translators and four proofreaders. In such cases it is possible to produce between 5,000 and 6,000 words per business day, which is roughly the equivalent of 20-25 standard pages. The usefulness of this option depends on if it is possible to effectively divide the text into smaller parts. The goal of this is to produce a translation with consistent terminology and style so that the reader will not be able to tell that it was prepared by more than one translator. Along with the time it takes for the translator(s) to complete their work, additional time must be added for the tasks of the project manager, the proofreader and the graphic designer.

CAT is an acronym for computer-assisted translation using specialized software. It is not a mechanical translation, but rather a human translation supported by a generated translation memory. The most popular programs that we use for this purpose include SDL Trados, Transit, SDLX, Wordfast and Across. The major benefits of using CAT tools are:

• terminological consistency (using the same terms throughout the document)
• lower translation costs (repeated sentences need only be translated once)
• the possibility for creating a translation memory and a terminology list
• support for different file types
• increased translation quality

You can read more about CAT tools on the TECHNOLOGY page.

A translation memory is automatically generated during translation by using so-called CAT tools (CAT = computer-assisted translation). It basically creates a database of already-translated sentences. During the next translation, when there is a solid match between the source text and this memory, the source is automatically translated according to the earlier translation. This is not a mechanical translation and still requires the translator’s discretion regarding context. The result is an automatic insertion of previously translated text. In order to use such a database, it must first be created using high-quality source and target text. The effectiveness of any subsequent use of a translation memory depends on the amount of recurrent and matching text.

Any word from the source text can be considered a source word. If the text is in an editable form (e.g. MS Word), then you can quickly and easily determine the number of words. The price is more precise, constant and known prior to commencing work on the translation. We believe that this method is the most beneficial for our clients.

One standard page is defined in the Czech Republic as 1,800 characters, including one space after each word. The price is usually calculated based on the number of translated pages, not source pages. This means that the price at the start of translation can only be estimated.

A certified translation can only be performed by a translator who has been authorized by the competent regional court. Completed translations are inextricably joined with the original (the source text) or a notarial copy of the original along with a stamp and the endorsement of a court interpreter (translator). If a client wishes to keep the original document intact, he/she must first go to a notary or visit a designated authority and have a (notarized) certified copy of the document made. According to Czech law, notaries will only make certified copies of documents in languages that they are registered to deal with.

Language proofreading
In language proofreading, which is a fundamental part of executed translations, the proofreader determines whether the translation fulfils its purpose. Depending on the client’s requirements, he compares the initial and target text, checks uniformity of terminology and the adequacy of the language register and style. The overall quality of text, grammar, intelligibility, thoroughness of translation and adherence to the graphical layout are checked and minor errors and typographical errors are removed.

Editing (specialized)
In a specialized edit, a specialist editor carries out a single-language check of the translated text in terms of the use of specialized terms and the purpose of the translation. It is important for the client to point out special terminology or to give a terminological list or agreed on reference texts, explain unknown abbreviations, point out any potential non-translation of certain words and phrases, etc.

Editing (stylistic)
Stylistic editing modifies the selection of words, order and their mutual dependency in a sentence, and thus fundamentally improving the intelligibility and readability of the text for the given purpose. The proofreader stylistically modifies the text for the intended purpose, adapts and unifies the style of expression in such a way that the wording for example is best suited for readers in the target country or region or for specialists in a certain field.

Pre-print proofreading
Final proofreading prior to printing or publication on a website, during which the proofreader removes typographical errors after technical preparation for printing, e.g. improperly inserted pictures, wrapping of text, bad word breaks at the end of lines, and incorrectly used characters or accents.

Each client can have their own specific rules for the use of certain selected terms or phrases in the source text as well as in the translation of corporate materials. This may include job titles, department names, company documents, technologies, materials, processes, etc. This glossary can be created manually in the source language first and then, if necessary, in other languages. If a language agency has such a glossary at its disposal, then it is more capable of meeting the client's terminological requirements.

This is a list of expert (specialized) terms for a given industry or a particular company. It can be monolingual (and even explanatory), or multilingual. A terminology list can partially be prepared automatically and then manually edited and even supplemented with translations of the terms in other language(s). Translation software can then provide translations of these terms in the document to be translated, just like a translation memory does with whole sentences.

A style guide, or style manual, is a guide that defines the use of special rules in generated business documents. It is usually created for use by the company and its contractors and clients. Such guides can come in many forms, depending on the aims and needs of the organization. They deal with both the content and the aesthetic aspects of documents. Typically, the corporate identity manual (CIM) usually functions as the corporate style guide. The main goal here is to ensure a uniform visual style (corporate design). Together with corporate communications, culture and products or services, the corporate design comprises the entire corporate identity.

The EN 15038 standard defines the standards that are essential for providing translation services at a high level of quality. Above all, it determines the requirements in the area of personnel and technical resources, quality management, project management, general contractual conditions and procedures in providing translation services. Last year it was adopted by 29 European countries. It was introduced in the Czech Republic in November 2006, and took effect in December 2006. Under our conditions it essentially replaces the German DIN 2345 standards, which until now were the only specific standards for the field of translation services. ZELENKA has been conforming to this standard since 2007.

Any organization wanting to meet the requirements of this standard must pay particular attention to:

ensuring the competence of translators, instructors and proofreaders,

the standardized management of translation projects,

systematic assessments of translation quality,

identifying and meeting client requirements.

ZELENKA has been conforming to this standard since 2007.