FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if you're trustworthy?

To tell a professional translation firm from a not-so-professional one, you may wish to consider the following criteria:

• Trial Translation: (more)
  It's a cliché but facts really speak louder than words. You may request a trial translation of a few paragraphs (normally about 300 words) of your document. Many translation firms are ready to offer this service as a proof of their strengths at a nominal fee or, in case your project is big enough, free of charge.
   
• Management's Portfolio: (more)
  Most professional translation firms are happy to publish their core members' CVs (and even photos) on their brochures and/or websites. The more information they are willing to disclose, the more commitment they tend to show. When you entrust your document to an unknown translator or a "briefcase company", chances are that you get good, fair or lousy translation. If you can't afford to try your luck, always go to those who take pride in telling more about themselves.
   
• Years of Establishment: (more)
  Dedicated translators consider their profession a lifetime commitment rather than a short-term means of living. They tend to stay in practice even though there are lucrative returns in other professions. So, look for firms of which the core members are stable and widely recognized.
   
• Track Record: (more)
  A translation firm with a proven track record is a firm which has survived real challenges in different genres. Normally you can get some idea from its client list or project list.
   
• Industry Recognition: (more)
  There are many definitive accreditations to be earned from prestigious translation bodies in the PRC, US, UK, Australia and so on. Accredited translators / translation firms are bound by a code of practice that protects the clients' interests. They are also the ones you should go to for certified translations.
   

In all, the more a translation firm meets the above criteria, the more it is likely to be trustworthy.
 

What is your background in language?

We are a Hong Kong-based language service provider accredited by language / translation authorities in America, Britain, Australia as well as China. Our firm was founded in 2000 by Mr. Peter Fan, who has 24 years' ongoing experience in translation (click to know more about our strengths and our qualifications ).
 

How many linguists / translators do you have?

We have over 24 full-time translators and editors working closely in our Hong Kong and Guangzhou (Canton) offices, supported by an extensive network of freelance copywriters, interpreters and translators in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and some English-speaking countries.
 

What kind of language services do you provide?

We specialize in translation, editing, copywriting, transcription, interpretation and most other language solutions. Tailor-made services can be provided to cater for specific needs.
 

What kind of documents do you specialize in?

We translate a wide variety of documents ranging from IPOs and other corporate finance projects, legal documents, government papers, business materials for internal and external uses, and many more. We excel in handling large-sized projects. Please visit our winning list of clients from different industries or simply contact us to know more about how we can help.
 

What is your daily output?

We have 24+ full-time linguists at your service from Mondays to Saturdays. Depending on the nature and technicality of documents, we can translate about 60,000 to 80,000 words round the clock. This output can always be enhanced with the support of our part-time linguists and freelancers upon request.
 

Will my assignments be contracted out?

No, not if you insist. We are neither operating as an intermediary nor earning our living on the difference between the amounts we charge clients and we pay freelancers. We have over 24 full-time linguists to handle most of your assignments in-house. However, under certain circumstances, we may need the support of our regular freelancers, mostly when there are unexpected deadline crashes or we need to draw on the expertise of our freelancers.
 

Is confidentiality guaranteed for my documents?

Yes. We do handle confidential and/or price-sensitive materials every day. All full-time staff and freelance linguists have signed a binding agreement with us on confidentiality, as we have done the same with our clients. On top of guarantee on paper, we have a Chinese wall system in place - a series of segregation measures that forbid translators in different projects to know what others are doing. In extreme cases where strict confidentiality is needed, our translators can work at clients' designated locations with all external communication cut off for a period of time.
 

How much do you charge for your services?

Translation, editing and copywriting are normally charged per word or per page, depending on the complexity and turnaround time of the source text or subject matter. Transcription and interpretation are priced on per-minute and on per-day bases respectively. Please call our marketing department at (852) 2531 3168 or send us an email at marketing@yaoshun.com.hk for a quotation.
 

Do you offer express services?

Yes, we operate round the clock from Mondays to Fridays (i.e. 24 X 5) and, where necessary, on Saturdays and public holidays. This is one of the safest ways to shorten turnaround time without compromising quality, consistency and accuracy.
 

Do you use translation software?

No. All translation assignments are done by human translators only. But we have a translation memory and a self-built glossary to enhance accuracy and consistency.
 

What is the difference between translation software and translation memory?

Considerably different. Translation software translates automatically without human effort. Unfortunately this often leads to inorganic and wrong translation. We never do that. A translation memory does not translate. Rather it simply digs out identical or similar phrases from existing or previous documents, so as to help a human translator to produce a more consistent and speedy translation.
 

Can you produce different versions of translations targeting mainland China, Hong Kong and even Taiwan?

Be rest assured --- we are experienced in producing different versions of translations targeting every major Chinese community, particularly mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Actually our core members are three of the very few Hong Kong translators with dual memberships in Hong Kong Translation Society and the Translators' Association of China.

Up to the time of writing (January 2009), there has been no mutual recognition system in translation between Hong Kong and Taiwan. So our translation targeting the Taiwan market is edited by a network of native linguists before submission.
 

Do you certify translations?

Yes. We are accredited translators of America and Australia. We offer certified translations from English into Chinese in the U.S., and from English into Chinese and vice versa in Australia.
 

Who needs certified translations?

It depends, as different countries have different requirements in certified translations. Most of our clients looking for certified translations are emigration applicants and legal professionals. We have one of the few Hong Kong-based translators who are qualified to certify English and Chinese translations (dual directions) for Australian authorities.
 

Does a charge apply to a certified translation?

Yes, a certification charge applies. Please contact our marketing department at (852) 2531 3168 or marketing@yaoshun.com.hk for details.