Q: How do we know if you can help us with our project?
A: Just ask us! If you explain your situation in as much detail as possible, we will assess your project and determine if it is a good fit for our services. In some cases it may not be, but we can certainly refer you to someone else who might be more suitable.

Q: Do we have to send communications in Japanese or Chinese? Somebody over there should be able to read English.
A: Let’s answer that question with a question: “Are you willing to take that risk?”

Q: What about translation software? Can’t we just get a software program to put our words into Japanese, Chinese, and vice-versa?
A: Sure, but just be prepared for a dramatic increase in frustration levels. You can also stick your finger in your eye, but we don’t recommend that either. Although there have been several translation programs produced over the last couple of years, none of them can adequately keep up with the dynamic, human character of language. Language is deeply intertwined with culture, and is constantly changing with daily use. There are a myriad of different colloquial phrases that we use daily without a thought, but that have meanings that differ greatly from the standard dictionary meaning. You can only know the meaning by being culturally adept. And, at this point, the technology for “translation software” has not even begun to approach a level of cultural adeptness that would allow for accurate and appropriate translations. Most of the sentences produced by translation software come out sounding quite ridiculous. It’s good for a laugh, but not when business is on the line.

Q: Is it ever possible to create lasting relationships with Japanese or Chinese without knowing the language?
A: Yes, but it does help to learn at least a few key phrases. Making an effort in this goes a long way to establishing a personal relationship, which is the cornerstone of your business relationship.

Q: Our counterparts have an interpreter and translator service that they use, so why do we have to retain the same services on our side?
A: You need to make sure that there is someone on your side who can understand absolutely everything that is going on in the meeting. You don’t know if your counterparts have told the interpreter what to say and what not to say during the meetings, for example. There could be vital information that you are missing. If you do not have a professional interpreter on your side, you are doing yourself a great disservice. Bringing your own professional service into the equation also increases your credibility from the Japanese point of view, because it shows them that you are serious and aware of the importance of ensuring proper communication.

Q: Do you handle projects for other countries than Japan and China? What about document translation in other languages?
A: Yes, we do handle projects for other countries, but our primary areas of interest and expertise is in Asia. We have excellent relationships with translators and interpreters in all the major languages, so we are well equipped to handle multi-language projects as well.


Q: How do you charge for your services?
A: For Translation, we charge by English word count. Per-word rates will vary according to the nature of the text and required turnaround time. For a translation quote, please submit a Translation Quote Request form from the Contact page.

For Interpreting, we charge by the hour (4 hour minimum per job). Per hour rates will vary according to the nature of the job. For an interpreting quote, please submit an Interpreting Quote Request form from the Contact page.

For Consulting, we charge by the hour. Consulting Retainer Packages are also available, which offer special rates and extra privileges for clients who contract our services on an annual retainer basis. Please contact us for current rates and available packages.