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Translations (including certified translations)
Translation involves communicating the content – the message – of a source text through the medium of another language. It is a process that goes beyond the provision of equivalent words and phrases; a good translation communicates ideas, in a manner appropriate to the function of the text, to its target group and to the cultural context. A persuasive advert, a captivating speech or a clear instruction manual; a precisely phrased legal document or an accurate and unambiguous patient information leaflet: each requires a different approach – a ‘language’ all of its own. For this reason, Wilkens c.s. places great emphasis on selecting just the right translator for the right job: a translator with the specialist knowledge and skills required for your text.
We translate to and from all the languages of the EU, as well as to and from Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew, and the languages of Eastern Europe. Translations into oriental languages, such as Japanese and Chinese, can be provided through our network of translation vendors.
We can also provide certified translations including legalization.
For technical and medical/pharmaceutical documentation, Wilkens c.s. has long made use of
computer-assisted translation tools like SDL Trados.
We can deliver documents in any required format (MS Office, FrameMaker, HTML, XML, etc.).
The benefits of using these resources accumulate as the number of translations they can look back at grows. Regular customers will see this reflected in the prices they pay over a longer period.
Revision
Sometimes, revision can be an alternative to translation. The client submits a text written in English or any other target language. Our experts then edit the text in line with the client’s instructions, which may involve removing grammatical and spelling errors only, or comprehensive stylistic revision.
Copywriting (including medical and technical writing in Dutch and English)
An advertising slogan, an interview for a company journal, a speech, a technical manual or a patient information leaflet: working in close consultation with the client, Wilkens c.s. produces effective copy in English, Dutch and other languages. We are able to provide machinery manuals and software help texts originated in English - with accompanying translations where required - through an alliance with one of the leading names in Scotland’s "Silicon Glen".
Proofreading (checking typeset text for publication)
Before the presses roll, it pays to have printers’ proofs thoroughly checked. For the typesetting process is liable to introduce errors not present in the original copy. Wilkens c.s.’ proofreading service provides you with the reassurance that the text on the printed page will be just as it should be.
Project coordination (coordinating various multilingual projects for clients from the medical and other sectors)
The logistics of multilingual projects are often highly complex. If, for example, author’s amendments are made during the course of a project, translators need to be carefully instructed and the resulting translations individually checked to ensure that they accurately reflect the finalized version of the source text. Our expertise in this field is enhanced by an intimate familiarity with European marketing authorization procedures for medicinal products. Wilkens c.s. works closely with a regulatory affairs expert to ensure that all linguistic and administrative aspects are addressed.
Summarization (written or spoken)
A full and exact translation is all very well, but in practice it is not always needed. A coherent summary of a document’s content may meet our clients' needs far better. One of our linguists can go through a text for you, then either write up a précis or call you to explain the content over the phone. An invaluable service where time is at a premium.
Translator secondment
Under certain circumstances, translation work really has to be done on a client’s own premises. Where a document is so confidential, for example, that copies can't be released. Or where the work has to be done using a company’s own highly specialized software. In situations such as these, Wilkens c.s. can arrange for one or more translators to come in to your offices to do the work.
Interpreting (consecutive or simultaneous)
Interpreting is translation of the spoken word. Wilkens c.s. provides three basic types of interpreting service:
a) Liaison interpreting: the interpreter acts as a medium between two speakers, immediately explaining Mr A’s words to Ms B and vice versa. Liaison interpreters are used mainly for negotiations, police interviews, business delegations and so forth.
b) Consecutive interpreting: the interpreter listens to a presentation or verbal contribution, then explains what has been said on the basis of notes taken during the talk. This type of interpreting is suitable for committee meetings or small gatherings.
c) Simultaneous or conference interpreting: the interpreter translates a speaker’s words while the speech is in progress. Simultaneous interpreting normally involves the use of special booths, where the interpreters sit in teams of two, each pair handling a particular language combination. Microphones and headsets relay the interpreters’ words to listening delegates. If the gathering is small enough, however, a chuchotage orwhispering interpreter can be engaged. Provided no more than three people are involved, the whispering interpreter unobtrusively explains what is being said without any technical aids. For a larger number of listeners, a mobile microphone and earpiece system can be used. No special equipment is required for liaison interpreting or consecutive interpreting.
Desktop publishing
Wilkens c.s. can integrate translations directly into DTP documents using software packages such as QuarkXPress and FrameMaker. Even the most exotic languages can be supplied in PDF format or vectorized EPS format.
Databasepublishing
A strategic alliance enables Wilkens c.s. to undertake complex multilingual graphical or digital productions involving the reuse and replacement of data. This service is of interest primarily to clients who regularly need to update text or indexes in manuals, catalogues, databases designed for printing on demand, CD-ROMs and websites.
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