Translation Services

sballa
 March 26, 2009, 12:08 AM posted in General Discussion

Hi all.  I have a bunch of documents in Chinese that I need to get translated into English.  These are for a work-related research project, so I am looking for high-quality, professional translations.  I've never prowled the market for this kind of thing before, so does anyone out there have any insight into what to look for, not look for, pricing, and anything else that might be relevant?

Thanks!

Steve

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pearltowerpete
 March 26, 2009, 01:19 AM

Hi Steve,

Many translation agencies have a graduate student with "good English" do a first translation. Then an English-speaking foreigner polishes this up. Nine times out of ten, the foreigner does not read Chinese.

Rates can vary but you're probably looking at 0.3 RMB/character - 1 RMB per character. For anything above .7 you should be getting an experienced, English-native translator. This is a rough range for translators based in China. Translators based in the West can ask for USD0.20 per word. Not fair, as it's all done through email, but that's generally how it goes.

Find an agency or translator with some expertise/experience in the field you are researching. There is a lot of specialized knowledge and vocabulary. Someone who is a whiz at medical reports may do a lousy job on government documents.

Send me a personal message with the volume and nature of the documents and I will do my best to put you in touch with someone who can do a good job.

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beijingstrong
 April 02, 2009, 10:06 AM

Hi, Steve

I have just read this comment. Am I late for joining in your translation program?

You can give me a copy of your file, and I can translate it into English with high quality. That is my offer you should consider. It takes you no money to try it.

MSN: beijingstrong@hotmail.com

BeijingStrong
2009.04.02