Backtranslation – usually more literal, a backtranslation is usually provided to check the accuracy of INFORMATION (not style) of the original translation.  Backtranslations need to be done carefully and should not be relied on to check the overall quality of a translation.

CAT (Computer-Assisted-Translation) – a translator uses a translation memory (TM) in order to ensure consistency in terminology and to speed the translation process by recalling previously translated materials.

Certification – This is an arbitrary term unless accompanied by the type of certification.  The American Translator’s Association certifies individual translators and the US government and states certify translators, interpreters and translation agencies.

Certification of a Translation – this is the certification issued by an agency to attest to the accuracy of a translation and that it has passed the QC measures employed by the agency and the team.

Consecutive Interpretation – Interpretation of an oral presentation in which the speaker stops and allows the interpreter to translate.

Cultural Adaptation – Adaptation of a translation to meet the specific target culture influence.

Escort Interpretation – Interpretations provided for tours or dinners, in which the interpreter eases more casual interaction of the participants.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – a web-based program that allows easy transfer of large files in a secure environment.

Interpretation – oral translation of the spoken word.

Interpreter Booth – this is a booth in which a simultaneous interpreter sits and listens to audio input as they speak in a different language into the headsets of the audience.

Localization – Translation or adaptation of a text to the target market or audience.  This can include taking a US English piece and preparing it for use in the UK (for example).

Minimum Rate – most translators and agencies have a minimum charge for small projects.

Notarization – Done by a notary public, this is the certification of a signature.

Per Word Rate – most translators and agencies charge on a per word basis.

Production Files – these are the source design files for projects that use non-standard applications like MS Word, Excel or PPT.  Design files are usually generated by Quark, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, etc.

Simultaneous Interpretation– Oral translation provided concurrently as a speaker or speakers are talking.  Simultaneous interpreters work in pairs usually with the assistance of interpretation equipment.

Source Language – The original language of a document.

Target Language – the language into which the translator will translate.

Telephone Interpretation – An interpreter listens to a teleconference or video conference and provides consecutive interpretation.

Translation – written translation of the written word.

Translation Memory – this is software that creates glossaries of matching source and target language segments that were translated by translator in a database for future reuse.

Word Count – It is a measure to assess the cost of translation where the translation fee is based on the number of words in the source or target language. The word processing software programs such as Microsoft Word have built-in word count utilities (Tools/Word Count).