Mandarin and Chinese - natural flow is best

Q:  What are some of the basics of  Chinese?

The most popular variations of Mandarin Chinese: Beijing, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The Mandarin Chinese language is evolving more rapidly than any other language on earth. Hong Kong, for example, is currently making a fusion between Cantonese and Mandarin, with a different accent and dialect of Mandarin, a Mandarin that is in dramatic flux. Taiwanese Mandarin has a strong variation in both accent and word usage. And Chinese spoken inside the United States has also become a dialect. The @International Services teams, for example,  are diverse, and very familiar with the impact of these differences and changes.  From the heaviest of technical content to the warmest of multimedia, Mandarin subtitling or web site translation, it is important to find a vendor, such as @International Services, who understands the cultural differences and nuances, who can adapt your Mandarin Chinese translation with a subtle touch to enhance your image in the eyes of your Chinese prospects and employees. Using the newest, most modern Mandarin of today’s quickly changing Chinese terminology, certain teams in China are on the cutting edge of localization, helping you to please the Chinese audience.

English to Mandarin Chinese translations destined for China should be translated by true professionals located inside China itself, with impeccable English and some 20 years experience. Translations should have a look and feel of naturalness, as though originally created in China, without the heaviness, errors or stilted feel often associated with a translation. Multimedia script translations should be properly adapted to the “spoken Chinese word” (as opposed to the “written word”), and adapted to the proper length to drop perfectly into your multimedia project. Mandarin Chinese voice recordings should sound smooth, have credibility, and flow perfectly to the timing of the original English. Voice prompts, software user interfaces and even documentation of all types are professionally translated into Mandarin Chinese, and other Chinese languages.

Spanish Dialects - Further in-depth

Q:  There was a request for more information on Spanish Dialects:

WESTERN HEMISPHERE V. SPAIN
When the term “neutral” is used, this refers to Spanish for North, Central and South America. Spain, on the other hand, has a very distinct writing style, enormously different vocabulary, and a patriotism that is so strong as to affect sales if not approached with text in the proper dialect. The Western Hemisphere, on the other hand, is a bit more accepting and relaxed about dialect differences, as long as there are only very few expressions outside their own dialect. The more expressions outside the reader’s dialect, the more the text appears to have been written for someone else.

REGIONAL PERSONALITY
Mexico and Central America and certain regions of the U.S.A. share a use of terminology, certain verb conjugations, and a general “feel” in their writing. Columbia, Peru, Chile and other South American countries also share their “feel” and vocabulary, at least for business language. Argentina, on the other hand, has its own very strong preferences which differentiate their country from the rest of South America, lean more toward Europe and in some cases are entirely unrelated to all other dialects.

ADAPTATION FOR LOWER READING LEVEL
There is another element worth considering with the Spanish language, and that is “Adaptation for Lower Reading Level”. Spanish speakers who were raised in the United States (and therefore educated in English), or who come from Spanish speaking countries but do not have higher education, have difficulty understanding or identifying with educated Spanish. If a document is ORIGINALLY TRANSLATED into low-level Spanish, then educated Spanish speakers are offended. Therefore, to achieve the dual role of “classy” Spanish, that is equally easy to understand, text is first translated using a high quality translation team, lead by a Certified Public Translator. Then, that translation is reviewed by a professional Adaptor who is responsible for adapting Spanish materials to a lower reading level for many cities and school districts. In this manner, a beautifully - but simply - written document is the result. “Adapted text” is attractive to educated Spanish speakers, but is less confusing to lower educational level.

Spanish Dialects

Q:  What is the basic story of Spanish dialects?

Below are some of the basics on Spanish dialects.  We can share more info if you’d like.

DIALECTS
There are 11 main dialects of Spanish: Neutral Spanish, Neutral Mexican Spanish, Cuban Spanish, Puerto Rican Spanish, Argentine Spanish, Castilian Spanish (Spain), Monterey-Brownsville Spanish, Chilean Spanish, Colombian Spanish, Venezuelan Spanish, Peruvian Spanish. The fact that there are so many dialects has the following impact upon localization:
- Words that are inoffensive in one dialect may offend in another, and
- Use of dialect may increase sales in a particular market.

NEUTRAL OR “GENERIC” SPANISH
There is (almost) a “neutral” Spanish. “Neutral” means that:
- The words are understood by all dialects
- The words do not offend other dialects

UNDERSTOOD BY ALL
It is possible to become quite “neutral” during translation. A few great translators have worked in or with so many countries that they acquire an understanding of vocabulary differences. Or, most reliably, a translation can be created by a specialist in “neutral” and then undergo Dialect Review to identify expressions or word usage which do not apply to other dialects. Removal of dialect expressions produces that which is commonly know as a “neutral translation.” If the material being translated is for general information, rather than advertising, and will cross several dialect frontiers, then “Neutral Spanish” is probably exactly what is needed.

But there are limitations to “neutral-ness”. In South America, most of Mexico and other countries, a “checking account” is called “cuenta corriente”. However, in many parts of the U.S., some parts of Mexico, and one or two other areas, “checking account” is “cuenta de cheques”. The “cheques-users” often do not even recognize the meaning of the expression “cuenta corriente”. Thus, although “cuenta corriente” is beyond any doubt the correct financial term, use of this expression alienates a segment of the population through confusion. Confusion - or vocabulary intimidation - will often affect sales.

Internationalizing Technology

Q:  What are the basics of the System Localizer by @International Services?

There are 117 linguistic rules and 14 best practices of programming that cause the need to change a computer application, software or product to work well in another language, or to create a personalization of any language.

The System Localizer builds a bridge over those 117 rules and 14 practices.  It builds the bridge in such a way that a developer can create an application in their own native language, in their choice of programming language, and their choice of platform, with the full range of freedom to create that product without worrying about possible translated or personalized versions, and without limiting the architecture to a “localization for dummies” design.

Internationalizing Software

The basis behind the System Localizer is to internationalize the software, not just localize language-by-language.  Once an application has been internationalized, it can be translated into up to 200 languages and dialects, plus almost infinite personalizations of each language, without changing the product code, and without limiting the user experience.

The following pages relay the features enabled by the GlobalConcat System Localizer.    All comes back to the basic facts:  once the rules of language have been bridged and the programming practices are addressed, then new languages and new personalizations are quick, comparatively easy and manageable.

Enhancing Content Management Software

Content management software handles certain aspects of localization, but fall short on the linguistic attributes.  Content management software providers are largely non-linguistic, with foremost aims in localization to automate translation, causing an absence of cultural relevance and meaning.  Early in the localization process, developers need a solution that includes the missing linguistic component to properly design localized software and systems.  The System Localizer compliments content management software, and is, in itself, a content manager for software presentation data.

Translation and Technology Backview

Q:  Some languages seem so illogical can cause trouble with technology.

Over the centuries, spoken and written languages have randomly evolved out of the human imagination.  In fact, human language has continued to transform to include the ideas and emotions of millions of people.  For computer programmers, this morphing of human spoken and written language is considered illogical chaos.  Computer applications and software are built upon the concept of logic, organization, true assumptions and process management.

This battle between unsystematic human language and controlled computer programming causes companies to either decide not to translate and personalize their applications, due to high cost and lack of time, or to de-humanize the application as much as possible, in order to cut back on the cost and time consumption for new languages and personalized versions.

All over the world, marketing professionals and technical staff regularly conduct product development and strategic meetings.  The marketing professionals envision global sales, and new personalizations for their clients and users.  Meanwhile, the technical staff foresees global headaches and a waste of precious development time and resources.

The limits to developer time and money generally win, with a compromise being reached to generally ignore most potential global sales, or decrease the user experience in order to avoid programming issues related to language localization and personalization.

This compromise decreases sales.

Alternatively, localization is commonly outsourced to specialized companies that perform the code localization tasks normally performed by the original developers. After several months or a year, the new translated version arrives, by which time the original master version of the software has grown and expanded, therefore no longer compatible with the translated version.

Until the GlobalConcat System Localizer, that makes even the most complex localization of machines controllable and the results grammatically perfect.  Is worth looking into, if you have systems like IVR, Kiosks, etc.

Guidelines for successful voice translation

Q:  What are the first steps for a well controlled voice project?

The first steps involve the translation of the script:

1. Determine the Audience: Decide who is your target audience - your employees? general public? television?

2. Determine the Dialect: Make a list of the geographical locations of the people who will receive the translation. If they speak Spanish, for example, are they only in Texas or Miami, or are they all over Latin America, or in Spain?

3. Prepare Glossary: Look at your text, and try to determine if there are many “industry specific” words. For example, does your document say something common like “wrench” or more specific like “crimp”? Make a little list of these words, and see how long that list is. If there are tons, that means you need a specialist translator, such as “Technical” or “Medical” or “Technology”. And, if you have pre-existing translations for these words, please include when your order the job. These words are called a Glossary. Most translators work in some 50 industries, so Glossaries are highly recommended if you have preferred translations of your own.

4. Select Category: You may wish to try the Directory of Translators, for an outstanding translator, quality guaranteed.  Follow the language and category that links to your language, and click on the link in the language of your choice, corresponding to the type of translation you decided upon in #3 above. Send an email to the translator, specifying the type of translation you think it is, and attach the documents, or at least a good excerpt of the documents. If you project is a future project, do some “guessing” as to its future content.

5. Request Cost: Exchange emails requesting a cost estimate, including your deadline. The translators on on the Directory of Translators site are excellent and reliable.

DVD and Voice Talents

Q:  What advice do you have for DVD voicing?

DVDs is an excellent medium for voice-overs, both lip sync and narration.  DVDs is also a great medium for subtitling.  Or, a combination of the two.  DVDs come in a variety of authoring styles, from simple straight video chapters, to broken peacemeal training courses that are comprised of high numbers of mini-audio pieces, silences, screen test voice prompts, and the voice recordings may include both narration and perhaps  with some lip sync pieces.  The effect of voice on DVD is powerful, and brings  great life to a media piece.  When translating the foreign voice versions of such peacemeal products, our recommendation is to be sure to use true professionals, highly experienced in excellently timed voiceovers.  Lip sync talents, even when used for narration in this circumstance, are excellent for this.  Not using such professionals may result eventually in a good DVD, but the time consumption will drag far far far beyond that by a true pro.  And the end result will usually not be comparable.  A true pro will breeze into the studio, and breeze out, saving a ton of money in the process, and rendering great recordings.  Thus, when seeking talent prices, try hard to remember that value of talent is not just the sound of the voice, it is the speed and impeccable results that you get from the great ones on the first “take”, not the 4th or 5th take.  The more complex the DVD, the faster and more professional the talent should be to save time, money and assure an outstanding, impressive final product.  Some of the greatest lip sync talents sound almost like “normal human beings” rather than beautiful narration voice talents.  Yet, of course, they sound “better than normal”.  Such “normal” voiceover approaches bring a humanity, a credibility and truthfulness to a recording that a beautiful narrator does not bring.

Voice Talent Categories

Q:  Please clarify the price differential between talents.

1)  Economy:
The “economy price” usually means using talent with home studio.  These talents are professional, and you will receive a good recording.  However, the selection of talents with home studios is limited, thus the choice of voice talent performance is limited.  Moreover, “home studio talents” perform multiple functions:  talent, audio engineer, editor and director. Therefore, recordings by home studio talents will not be as impactful as audio studio recordings.

2)  High quality:
High quality recordings include not only talent, but also audio engineer and generally a director/producer.  These recordings have more impact than home studios, because the talent can concentrate 100% on performance.  The professionals in the studio work together harmoniously to increase the impact of the performance, and accomplish your goal.

3)  Celebrity performance:
There are two types of “celebrities” :  national commercial talent and movie/television talent.  These are the talents that have recognizable voices.  “National commercial talent” do not have name recognition, but bring a familiar sound, a feeling of trust and confidence that what that talent says must be true.  The movie/television talents are usually known more for their face and their on-screen presence, and these talents also bring the power of trust and name recognition.  Movie/television talent have a powerful impact on sales.

The talent that is right for your project will vary with the amount of impact you desire to make.  If you have a training program for internal use only, or a project wish a short shelf life, the economy talent approach may be just right for your project. However, if you wish to make sales, or to sincerely boost morale, or increase the productivity of your sales staff, then #2 and #3 ave much more impact.  This is true for all languages.    There is definitely more quality control assurance with a studio recording with a producer/director present to supervise and 3 people (talent, engineer and director) to assure that you receive exactly what you need for your project.

Stages of a video translation

Q:  What are the basic components to the translation side of a video translation?

There are 7 basic steps on the translation side of video translation:

I. TRANSLATION:
Translation estimates are formulated according to a combination of the number of foreign words expected in the translation, plus the number of hours expected to manipulate the translation for the purpose.  The number of translated words is usually 15% greater than the original language.  If the script is highly technical or medical, such as a video selling chemicals, or medicine to doctors, or sales of complex engineering materials, there may be an additional increase in cost of translation, varying with the need – or lack of need – to include doctors, engineers, chemists, and other specialists to review the script.

II. ADAPTATION TO TIMING:
Translated script will be adapted/synced to original timing, and to the “spoken word” (versus “written word”) if needed.  Additionally, the script will be adapted to assure that the talent speaks all “point words” (action words) to coincide with actions on-screen in the original.  Adaptation types include “narration” and “lip sync”. “Narration” is words spoken in narrative style, and “lip sync” adapts the script to mouth movements of the on-screen speakers.

III. VOICE TALENT CASTING:
All voice talents are full time professionals, most inside their native country. All have significant experience in corporate recording, advertising, and generally also in “lip sync” voice dialog replacement.  All talents are good. Some are great.  Some have recognizable voices that increase the impact of your production, although the listener does not know the name. Celebrity talents are available. The cost for voice talent may vary if client requests a specific talent.

IV.  AUDIO STUDIO:
All audio studios are fully digital, using some of the best equipment and microphones in their region.   Each recording that is made in an audio studio includes an experienced audio engineer, and generally also includes a professional Vocal Director (not a “script checker”).  Some studios have ISDN, a few have phone patch hybrid.  However, all clients can participate in their own sessions anywhere in the world via the web, using the Global Director Center.

V.  VOCAL DIRECTION  AND QUALITY ASSURANCE:
The Vocal Director directs the talent in studio, and accepts full responsibility for assuring top talent performance, plus guarantees flawless final product.

VI. DELIVERY:
Perfectly-timed .mp3 or .wav files synced to original timing.  Audio files are delivered via FTP for download.

VII.  PRODUCT CHECK:
Once client has integrated the recordings, it is usual to produce digital movies either for the web or for download from FTP.  Translators will review these results and give approval for release.

Video script translation quality

Q:  Our client wants to translate.  Is this the best approach?

It’s a tough call.  The person whom the client uses as translator makes a big difference.  Let’s see if I can explain the various possibilities, because the video producer/director is the one who must deal with the effects when they occur. The best scenario (and the most rare) is that the client’s translation is perfect, and that it fits the timing of the video perfectly.  This “best scenario” happens about 3% of the time.  So, let’s consider the more probable.  About 30% of the time, the client’s translation is fine.  Ask your client nicely how much translation their translators do for their company, and for what purpose.  For example, is this the first or second time they use these people, and what have they done in the past - the corporate website and brochure, or just an employee procedures manual?    Basically, gently discover if the client’s translators have been translating high-profile image pieces for the company, or just an occasional letter or document.  If the translators have been doing high-profile work and if their work has already been accepted by the client’s target market, then you’re on a roll, and the only thing that could go wrong would be that their tranlsation is a bit too heavy, being the “written word” not the “spoken word” as required for media scripts, and it may be a bit too long and require shortening in order for the foreign voice talent’s recording to fit in the timing of the original language.  So now, to the “not so good” results…  57% of the the time when the translation provided by the client it has problems, possibly serious problems.  And these problems will upchuck all over the producer/director unless that producer/director is ready for this scenario.  Forewarned is forearmed.  Of the 57% of scripts that have translation trouble, over half of these will have grammar, stylistic and word-choice problems - including mis-translations and outright errors.  But the script is savable, and needs to be saved.  So,  the producer/director must inform the client that the script needs help (requiring tact - a director’s specialty!) but the producer/director is thereafter often held responsible for providing the grammar corrections and fixing  faulty translations in languages the producer/director does not speak.  Certain companies  can really help here, such as @International Services  (http://www.internationalservices.com).  Such a company can review and repair the script quite quickly. ——-  And now we come to 25% of the cases - the directors nightmare…   Unacceptable, possibly horrifyingly bad translations.  1 out of ever 4 scripts is a disaster.  And the producer/director almost never has any idea of this until the voice talent begins to complain - loudly.  By then, it is the recording session, and the time to peacefully broach the subject of a lousy translation to the client has long past,  the deadline is  down to  the wire, and scrambling begins.  The good news is that if a director/producers simply understands the above scenarios, and sets the stage with the client, so that the client’s script will be “grammar checked” significantly before recording (perhaps by @International Services), then problems can be discovered long in advance of the recording session, and quietly faced together, without the hair-raising rush of “What do we do now?”