A translation of an official document is ‘certified’ when it is done by a certified translator (a certified member of a provincial or federal organization that regulates translation practices). A certified translator must provide a hard copy of their translation and affix their seal and declaration (in the form of a header/footer or separate attached letter).

The governing body in charge of immigration procedures in Canada.

Consecutive interpretation is when the interpreter listens to the source language speech and provides the spoken interpretation in the target language directly after each statement.

Stands for ‘desktop publishing’ and is also referred to as ‘typesetting’. This corresponds to the formatting of a document into a graphic design program. Usually used for marketing material, for example: brochures, business cards and other promotional documents.

A review of translated text for typos, spelling, grammar, tone and formatting. We strive to meet the specific requirements of every client in regards to style and accuracy.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. The organization that administers documents related to vehicles and driving in British Columbia: drivers’ licenses, drivers’ records, vehicle registration, vehicle claims, etc.

The cultural and linguistic conversion of a product or service so it can easily be sold or employed anywhere in the world.

Spoken translation, on-site translation, conference translation or simultaneous translation are terms often used when referring to interpretation. Interpretation is a spoken translation between two languages in conversations between two or more people.

Localization involves more than just translating the words in a document. In simple terms it means that during the translation and DTP process, local linguistic and formatting styles, and local conventions must be observed.

A certified translation is notarized when it is signed and stamped by a notary public in the presence of the certified translator. An Affidavit (see above) may also be required. Notarization is sometimes necessary for immigration or legal purposes.

Simultaneous interpretation is when the interpreter listens to the source language speech and provides the spoken interpretation at the same time, or ‘live’. This requires the use of simultaneous interpretation equipment (headsets, microphones, booths, etc).

The language of the original text.

The last stage before we submit the completed translation to the client; a final review for inconsistencies, formatting and typos.

The language into which the original text is translated.

Languages don’t always have the same grammatical structure and morphology as other languages. Sometimes it can take many more words or phrases to express the same meaning in the target language. This is typical in English to Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese. The text expansion rate for these language pairs varies from 10 to 20%.

Transcription services involve listening to recorded speech, either from an audio or a video file, and providing the text, word for word, in written form.

The time between project confirmation by the client and delivery of the final translation.

The number of words in a document used to calculate the price of the translation.