Frequently Asked Questions

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

Localization (localize) is the process of adapting a product to the different cultures and customs of the market in which it will be launched. This is necessary for products in any field. In manuals and software, it is not enough to simply translate the original text, but 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 kind of translation fields can you handle?

We provide a wide range of services in the IT field, as well as related and peripheral fields such as telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, medicine, medical equipment, automobiles, electronics, machinery, and chemistry. We carefully select the most suitable translators and reviewers based on your request and proceed with the work. Please confirm the translation quality with our "Trial" service, where we translate a small amount free of charge. Please feel free to contact us first, as we may not be able to fully accommodate your needs depending on the field and quantity.
Japanese Translation and Localization Services

I would like to know the budget, but how do you count the amount of translation?

At Human Science, we count based on the volume of the source manuscript (source, original). In other words, 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 in the translation industry in Japan calculates the finished volume (number of characters or number of pages) based on the translation method (policy and specifications), which can result in differences in the finished volume. We strive to use tools such as Trados, which are commonly used in the industry, to provide accurate and clear quantities in advance.

I would like to confirm the quality before the first transaction, is it possible?

Please confirm with a free trial translation. Some translation companies may have a significant difference in quality between trial translations and actual translations, but in our case, we follow the same process as usual and provide a trial translation. So, please rest assured that there will be no "this is not what I expected" later on.

I heard the term "translation memory". Is it something like automatic translation software?

Translation Memory (TM) is a database that stores translated sentences paired with the original text, accumulated by translators. In contrast, machine translation is a computerized process of automatically translating text. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, but at Human Science, we also offer services that make the most of the characteristics of both.

How is translation memory used during translation?

We will explain using the tool "Trados" which is commonly used in the translation industry as an example. In the case of Trados, for each sentence (segment) of the original text, a comparison is made with the translation database stored in the translation memory. If they match completely (or partially), the translation in the translation memory can be used as the translation data as is (or partially). The parts that do not match the data in the translation memory are translated by the translator as usual and the content is registered in the translation memory. The translation content is database-ized in real time, so as you work, efficiency will increase. By using a translation memory, more efficient and accurate translations can be achieved.

If there is no translation memory, can Trados not be used?

It's okay. Even if there is no translation memory, if there is data that corresponds to the original text and the translated text, a translation memory can be created based on it.

I am interested in machine translation (MT/Machine Translation), but what about the quality and accuracy? Will it ultimately require human intervention?

It is rare to be able to deliver quality that satisfies customers with machine translation alone. "How to handle before and after processes" is important.
Even if human intervention is involved, it is possible to obtain sufficient cost merit depending on where the quality standards are set.
We will propose the benefits of cost reduction and shortened delivery time that can only be achieved by introducing machine translation, according to your desired quality and budget.
>>Cost reduction and shortened delivery time through machine translation (MT・Machine Translation)

How much cost can be reduced by introducing machine translation (MT/Machine Translation)?

Translation results may vary depending on the document to be translated, desired translation quality, and past translation assets. However, in one project, we have achieved a 27% cost reduction and a 47% deadline reduction.
However, not all translations are suitable for machine translation. Depending on past translation assets, target users, and volume, there may be suitability or unsuitability.
And without sufficient simulation and verification, the introduction of machine translation cannot be successful.
At Human Science, we also offer consultations on whether or not to introduce machine translation. Please feel free to consult us.
>>Cost reduction and deadline reduction through machine translation (MT・Machine Translation)

Which MT engine does Human Science use?

There are two main types of engines in MT: "rule-based" and "statistical-based", and they are used depending on the document and desired quality.
Human Science will propose the most suitable MT engine from multiple "rule-based" and "statistical-based" engines, taking into account your quality requirements, budget, and workflow.
>>Cost reduction and shortened delivery time through machine translation (MT)

In multilingual translation, I hear that there are many cases where problems such as garbled characters occur locally. Is everything okay?

It's okay. If there is double-byte information (full-width characters) in the data, there may be problems with garbled characters 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 according to the language environment that will actually be used, thus preventing such troubles in advance.
>>Multilingual DTP

How much language expansion is possible?

We have a track record of over 40 languages including Asian languages, European languages, and languages from Northern Europe and South America. If you have any language requests, please contact us.
>>Supported Languages

What do I need to prepare when asking for work?

If you provide us with materials such as "style guides" and "glossaries", we can provide high-quality translations with consistent quality. If you do not have any materials, we can create a custom style guide and glossary for your company based on the old version. Alternatively, we also have a standard, generic style guide available, so it is possible to start translating from scratch and create rules. Please feel free to contact us.
>>Glossaries and Style Guides for Achieving High Quality

Is it okay to have frequent specification changes for products under development?

Please leave it to us. In recent years, agile development and simultaneous shipping have become common. In many translation projects that we handle, we work in this 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 project management. We will propose the most accurate and cost-effective method to prevent duplicate work.

I would like to use the old version of the translation, is it possible?

It is possible. We can reuse the text while comparing the differences, or create a translation memory (TM) from the old version data and work based on that translation memory. If there are a lot of changes and they are scattered, we suggest using the translation memory to proceed with the translation.

Is it possible to request a native check (English proofreading)?

We handle requests such as "We will do the translation ourselves, so we only need a native check."
Our native checkers, who are familiar with various fields such as IT, medical and pharmaceutical, will correct any mistakes or issues in English expressions that Japanese people may not notice, and create documents that can be easily understood by natives. If you are worried about whether your translation will be understood by the other party, please feel free to consult with us.

Is your security measure sufficient?

At our company, we have entered into a confidentiality agreement with our clients and are committed to complying with it.
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 pledge regarding the handling of information.
If you can provide us with your security standards, we will prepare the designated response and report documents.