FAQ

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Human Science's English translation and multilingual translation services.
We answer questions about manual translation, Trados and translation memory, machine translation (MT), supported operating systems, languages, and more.

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

    Localization is the process of adapting a product or manual to a specific market, taking into consideration the different cultures and customs of that market. This is necessary for any product, as each market has its own unique characteristics.
    In order to ensure the best results, it is not enough to simply translate the original text in manuals or software. It is important to make appropriate adjustments based on the target region and language.

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  • Before making a request, I would like to confirm the quality. Is that possible?

    Yes, it is possible.

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  • Do you have any areas of expertise?

    We specialize in translating manuals, technical documents, and educational materials in the fields of IT, manufacturing (automobiles, measuring instruments, semiconductors, and machine tools), and healthcare. Please feel free to contact us for any other translation needs. You can also confirm the translation quality in advance through a free trial translation.
    >>Multilingual Translation Fields

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  • I would like to know the budget, what kind of estimate method would it be?

    If the source is in Japanese, we will count the "number of characters", and if it is in English or other languages, we will count the "number of words". This will determine the translation fee at the time of your estimate request.
    The unit price varies depending on the language, volume, and desired quality level. For more details, please refer to the cost estimate page.
    >>Cost Estimate

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  • What kind of tool is Trados?

    Trados is a translation support tool commonly used in the translation industry. Translations are performed by registering and accumulating translated sentences as pairs with the original text in a database called Translation Memory (TM). By referencing the registered translations in the translation memory when the same or similar original text appears, the speed and accuracy of translation can be improved. In the case of translating manuals or specifications, there are often repeated sentences, so it is possible to improve accuracy, efficiency, and cost reduction.
    >>Cost reduction and efficiency through Trados utilization

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

    It's okay. If there is data for the original text and its corresponding translation, we can create a translation memory (TM). We also offer translation memory (TM) creation services.

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  • Are you interested in machine translation (MT/Machine Translation)? What about the quality and accuracy? Will it ultimately require human intervention?

    It is rare to be able to deliver a quality that satisfies customers with just machine translation. "How to handle before and after processes" is important.
    Even with human intervention, it is possible to obtain sufficient cost merit by setting quality standards.
    We will propose the benefits of cost reduction and shortened delivery time that can only be achieved by introducing machine translation for each project, according to your desired quality and budget.
    >>Cost reduction and shortened delivery time through machine translation (MT · Machine Translation)

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

    Translation quality 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. It depends on the past translation assets, target users, and volume.
    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 contact us.
    >>Cost reduction and deadline reduction through machine translation (MT・Machine Translation)

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  • 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)

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  • Are you able to handle not only PDFs and paper manuals, but also expanding to web and video?

    Yes. Human Science Co., Ltd. has been providing web, video, and educational material creation services since 2000. If you have any concerns such as "I want to make a video of machine operation", "I want to expand my Japanese video overseas", or "I want to digitize paper manuals", please feel free to consult with us.

    >>eLearning, Video, and Multimedia Content English and Multilingual Translation Services

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  • Is it true that there are often issues with garbled characters when using English and multilingual translation services in local areas? Are you okay?

    It's okay. If there is double-byte information (full-width characters) in the data, or if the appropriate font is not used for each language, there may be problems such as garbled characters in overseas environments. At Human Science, we prepare OS environments for each language and work according to the actual language environment used, so we can prevent such troubles in advance.
    >>English and Multilingual Manual DTP Editing

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  • How much language expansion is possible?

    We have a track record of over 40 languages including English, Asian languages, European languages, Nordic languages, and South American languages. If you have any language requests, please don't hesitate to contact us.
    >>English Translation and Multilingual Translation Supported Languages

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  • What do I need to prepare when asking for work?

    In addition to the data to be translated, please also provide a "style guide" and "glossary". If no style guide or glossary is specified, we will use the Human Science standard style guide. It is also possible to create and manage your own style guide and glossary based on the old version.
    >>Creating and Managing Glossaries and Style Guides

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

    Please consult us for such projects. When specification changes occur in products under development, the importance of proper history management, diff management, and file management increases. At Human Science, the production window (project manager) centrally manages translation changes accompanying specification changes. We will propose methods to keep progress and costs under control according to your requests.
    >>Process for Japanese-English (English translation) and multilingual translation

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

    You can also refer to the old version translation while translating. In addition, by creating a translation memory (TM) from the old version data, you can also refer to the registered translation when the same or similar source text appears. When there are a lot of changes and the changes are scattered, using a translation memory (TM) can be more effective.

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  • Is native check (proofreading by a checker whose native language is the target language) available?

    Yes. We also accept requests for native checks only. Our native checkers, who are familiar with various fields, will point out mistakes and issues in language expressions that may not be noticed by Japanese people. This is effective in cases where translation is done by ourselves and only native checks are requested.

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  • This is a company outside of the Kanto region. Is it possible to visit the office?

    Yes. We also travel to Nagoya, Osaka, Shikoku, and Kyushu to make proposals and hold meetings. During the project, we use telephone conferences and web conferencing systems for meetings, and we also visit for reflection meetings after the first draft is completed and after delivery.

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  • Is your security measure sufficient?

    We have signed a confidentiality agreement with our clients and are committed to complying with it.
    We physically restrict access to data and reference materials we have received to authorized personnel only, and we conduct virus checks on emails and data sent from Human Science to ensure 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 provide us with your security standards, we will prepare the specified response and report documents.

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  • Is it possible to take screenshots in 40 languages?

    Yes. At Human Science, we have a variety of languages and OS environments available. We replicate the actual environments used in each language and conduct screen capture.

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  • Is it possible to perform real machine checks and operation checks in English or multilingual environments?

    Yes. At Human Science, we have a variety of language and OS environments available. We can reproduce the actual environment used in each language and perform real machine checks and operation checks. In the case of UI (user interface) translation, we also respond to requests for display checks, operation checks, and bug fixes after system integration.
    >>GUI・UI (User Interface) English and Multilingual Translation

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OS Environment All Languages

Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP(Professional/Home)/Windows 2003

Japanese and English
Asian Languages:
Chinese (Simplified)・Chinese (Traditional)・Korean・Thai・Vietnamese・Turkish
Western Languages:
French, Italian, German, Spanish, Iberian Portuguese, Dutch
Eastern European Languages:
Czech, Polish, Russian, Hungarian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian,
Finnish
Middle East Languages:
Arabic
South American Languages:
Brazilian Portuguese

Mac 10.8/10.7/10.6/10.5/10.4

Japanese and English
Asian Languages:
Chinese (Simplified)・Chinese (Traditional)・Korean・Thai・Turkish
Western Languages:
French, Italian, German, Spanish, Catalan, Iberian Portuguese, Dutch, Greek
Eastern European Languages:
Czech, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Hungarian, Danish, Swedish,
Norwegian, Finnish, Croatian, Romanian, Slovakian
Middle East Languages:
Arabic and Hebrew
North American Languages:
Canadian French
Languages in Central and South America:
Brazilian Portuguese and Latin American Spanish


For those who want to know more about English translation and multilingual translation

Tokyo: 03-5321-3111 Nagoya: 052-269-8016

Reception hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM JST