FAQ

What is localization (to localize)? Is it the same as translation?

Localization is the process of adapting a product to the different cultures and customs of the markets in which it will be launched. This is necessary for products in any field. For things like manuals and software, simply translating the original text is not enough; it is also important to consider the usage environment, culture, and customs. At Human Science, which has extensive experience in manual creation and system development, we offer advanced localization services.

What fields of translation can you handle?

We specialize in IT but also cover a wide range of related and peripheral fields (such as communications, pharmaceuticals, medicine, medical devices, automobiles, electronics, machinery, chemistry, and more). We select the most suitable translators and reviewers based on your requests and then proceed with the work. You're welcome to confirm the quality of our translations with a short "trial" translation, free of charge. Depending on the business field and quantity of work, we cannot promise that our support will suffice, but please don't hesitate to contact us first.
Japanese Translation and Localization Services

For the sake of billing estimates, how do you count the volume of a translation?

At Human Science, we count based on the volume of the provided draft (source text, original). More specifically, for languages such as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, we count by "number of characters", while for English and other languages, we count by "number of words". This is because the traditional method used by the Japanese translation industry, wherein costs were calculated based on the volume of finished text (number of characters or number of pages), the translation method (policy and specifications) could result in wide variation in the finished volume. We use common translation tools such as Trados to provide accurate and clear quantities in advance.

Can I check the quality before the initial transaction?

You are welcome to confirm the translation quality with a free trial translation. Some translation companies may show a significant dip in quality from the trial to the actual translation work, but in our case, we follow the same process as usual when handling a trial translation. So, rest assured that there will be no unwelcome surprises later on.

I heard the term "translation memory". Is it a sort of automatic translation software?

Translation memory (TM) is a database that stores the sentences translated by translators, each paired with its original text. In contrast, machine translation is a computerized process that automatically translates text. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, but at Human Science, we offer services that maximize the benefits of both.

How is a translation memory used during translation?

Let us explain using Trados, a tool commonly used in the translation industry, as an example. With Trados, for each sentence (segment) of the source text, a comparison is made against the translation database stored in the translation memory. If the text matches completely (or partially), the translation in the translation memory can be used as is (or in part). The parts that do not match the data in the translation memory are translated by the translator as usual, and that content is subsequently registered in the translation memory. The translated content is saved by the database in real time, so as the work progresses, the efficiency will increase. By using a translation memory, more efficient and accurate translations can be achieved.

If no translation memory exists, can Trados not be used?

Don't worry; Trados can still be used. Even if there is no translation memory, as long as there is data that corresponds to the original text and the translated text, a translation memory can be created based on it.

How are the quality and accuracy of machine translation (MT)? Does it ultimately require a human to redo it?

There are very few cases where the quality of machine translation alone can meet the standards of our customers. The processes that come before and after translation are important.
Even with human intervention, satisfactory cost benefits can still be achieved, depending on where the quality standards are set.
We will explain the benefits that can be obtained through the introduction of machine translation, such as lower costs and shorter delivery times, according to quality and budget you desire.
>>Lower costs and shorter delivery times through machine translation (MT)

How much cost reduction can be achieved by introducing machine translation (MT)?

The translation quality may vary depending on the document to be translated, the desired translation quality, and the status of past translation assets, but for certain projects, we have achieved up to 27% cost reduction and 47% deadline reduction.
However, machine translation is not suitable for all translation work. It depends on past translation assets, target users, and volume.
And, without designing an MT workflow that has been sufficiently simulated and verified, successfully introducing machine translation is not possible.
At Human Science, we accept consultations regarding whether or not to introduce machine translation. Please feel free to discuss it with us.
>>Lower costs and shorter delivery times through machine translation (MT)

Which MT engine does Human Science use?

There are two main types of MT engines, "rules-based" and "statistics-based", and which to use depends on the document and desired quality.
Human Science will propose the most suitable MT engine from multiple rules-based and statistics-based engines, taking into account your quality requirements, budget, and workflow.
>>Lower costs and shorter delivery times through machine translation (MT)

I've heard that multilingual translation often has a problem with corrupted text. Is this an issue?

We've got it handled. If the data contains double-byte information (full-width characters), problems like garbled characters can occur in overseas environments. Therefore, in multilingual translation, it is important to not only provide accurate translations, but also to check the data in the actual environment where it will be used. At Human Science, we prepare OS environments for each language and work within the language environment that will actually be used, thereby preventing such issues in advance.
>>Multilingual DTP

How much multilingual development is possible?

We have professional experience translating in over 50 languages including Asian languages, European languages, and languages from the Nordics and South America. If you have any language requests, please contact us.
>>Supported languages

What should I prepare when asking for work?

If you provide us with materials such as a style guide and glossary, we can provide high-quality translations with consistent quality. If you do not have such materials, we can create a custom style guide and glossary for your company based on old documents. Alternatively, we have prepared a standard, generic style guide, so rules can be made from scratch while starting the translation. Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries.
>>Glossaries and Style Guides for Achieving High Quality

Our product is under development, so is it okay to drastically change the specifications?

Yes, leave it to us. In recent years, agile development and simultaneous shipping have become common. Many translation projects that we handle progress according to this work flow. In cases where there are many changes during translation, differential management and file management are important. At Human Science, we fully recognize the importance of such project management. We will propose the most accurate and cost-effective methods to prevent duplicate work.

Is it possible to retain the old version of a translation?

Yes, it is. We can reuse the old text while adjusting the translation to reflect any changes in the new document, or create a translation memory (TM) from an old version's data and work based on that translation memory. If the document contains a lot of changes scattered throughout, we suggest using a translation memory to proceed with the translation.

Can I request a native check (English proofreading)?

If you want to do the translation yourself and only need a native check, we can handle such requests.
Our native checkers, who are familiar with various fields such as IT, medical, and pharmaceuticals, will correct any mistakes or issues in the English expressions that Japanese people may not notice, and create documents that can be easily understood by native English speakers. If you are worried about whether your translation will be understood by your audience, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Are your security measures sufficient?

Human Science enters into confidentiality agreements with our clients, and we are committed to complying with them.
We physically limit access to data and reference materials that we have received, and we also conduct virus checks on emails and data sent from Human Science to ensure that there are no security issues.
In addition, both internal and external production staff are required to submit a written pledge regarding the handling of information.
If you tell us your security standards, we will prepare the designated responses and reports.