What is multilingual localization?
We answer your questions so that you can make informed decisions.

Localization is tuning a product to a local culture. No matter the field or product, it will always be necessary to adjust the product for markets with different cultures and practices. This means that simply translating the text of a manual or software won’t be enough. Since Human Science began as a Manual Production and Software Development company, we have vast experience in Manual Production and Software Development. We believe this is one of our greatest strengths when it comes to localization and multi-lingual translation.

We service a wide range of fields, including IT, internet, communications, pharmaceutical, medical, medical devices, automotive, electric, machinery, science, and other fields which require a high degree of specialization. We will tailor our services to meet your needs, and select the most fitting translators per your request. If you know what field or industry you require a translation for, we can provide a “trial” translation so that you can ascertain the quality of our services. Since quality is our utmost priority, if you require a large volume translation which we feel our translators would not be able to adequately handle, we will let you know beforehand. We are dedicated to providing top-quality services in a wide range of fields, so please do not hesitate to ask us about what we would be able to do for you.

At Human Science, we base our count off of the original text from which we translate. For Japanese and other Asian languages we calculate by “character count” and for English and other languages we calculate by “word count.” While there are companies who will charge based on the finished translation (by word or page count) we feel that since the final translation will change in size and content depending on the nature and direction of the translation itself, it is not a calculation method we should utilize. We use industry standard tools and software such as Trados and Microsoft Word when calculating our word counts, and can assure an accurate and reliable count prior to beginning of the project.

You can confirm our translation quality with a free trial. While there are companies where the quality of their trial translations and the quality of their standard translations may differ, at Human Science we use the same method for translations at all times. There will be no “It wasn’t supposed to be like this” after the fact, so please rest assured.

Translation Memory (TM) is a tool that pairs a translation with the original text and amasses it in a database. Translation Memory is, therefore, is different from what would be an automated or machine translation.

While there are many translation tools available, for the purposes of this explanation we will be using the industry standard “Trados” software as an example. In Trados, each sentence is compared with translation data within the translation memory, and if there is a complete (or partial) match, you are able to use that data in the text translation. For parts that do not match the data within the translation memory, the translator would translate the text as they normally do, and then register the content in the translation memory. Simply put, translation memory supports the translator, and its functions allow for more efficient and accurate translations which can also help maintain consistency with any past products or manuals.

Yes, even if there is no Translation Memory available, we can also create a Translation Memory from any matching original and translated documents that you may have.

If 2-byte characters (for instance, Japanese or Chinese characters and ALPHABET) are found remaining in the data, characters can become garbled when operating in an overseas environment. At Human Science, we have set up OS environments for each country and language, and because we operate and test within the appropriate environment, are able to prevent any problems from occurring before they happen. When translating into multiple languages, it is important to not only accurately translate the material, but to test it in its intended operating environment.

Starting with Asian and European languages, we also work in North American and South American languages, with a total of over 30 unique languages we can localize for. If there is a particular language your require, please let us know!

If there is a “Style Guide” or “Glossary” which you would be able to provide, we would be able to conduct a high-quality translation that is consistent with past documents or other materials at your company. If you do not have such materials, we would also be able to create a Style Guide specifically for your company based on older versions which you may have. We can also conduct translations with our own Style Guide at Human Science, so please feel free to inquire about what we can do.

For a project where adjustments and changes in the translation will be continually occurring, update and file management becomes an important factor. By congregating task to reduce redundant work we are able to reduce operational costs. At Human Science, we pride ourselves on being able to match your required schedule while proposing a plan that will keep costs at a minimum.

We are able to utilize and compare the differences between the older texts, as well as create a Translation Memory (TM) from the older data and use that TM during the project. If a lot of changes have been made in the past, if the changes are in various parts all throughout the material, we recommend using a TM for the project.

For those who will be doing their own translation in-house, but would like to have their translations proofread by native speakers, we are also able to provide those services. Human Science can take whatever project you have, make sure it is translated and localized properly by native speakers, and hand back the proofread version. For specializations in the IT, medical, and pharmaceutical fields, we can check nuances and expressions that would normally go unnoticed by non-native speakers, and make sure the document is presented in a way that can be understood smoothly by a native reader. For those who have translated their own documents but are worried if they will be understood properly, please contact us, we are here to help.

Yes, because we have operating systems in various language environments available to us, we are able to operate and capture screenshots in any language necessary. Additionally, we are also able to run testing in each environment.