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Literal Chinese to English translation - by Literal English to Chinese translation is meant word-by-word English to Chinese translation. This is the type of English to Chinese translation that can be done by MT. It is mostly incorrect and while it can give a clue on the overall meaning, it might well be misleading. Never accept a Literal English to Chinese translation for a paid job. You can get it for free all over the net. (Type “free Chinese to English translation” in a search engine)
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“For information” Chinese to English translation. This type of English to Chinese translation is a completely accurate English to Chinese translation, but relatively sloppy in several regards. It is a cheap solution, which fits perfectly the standard of internal communications. Remember that for many a translator, this is the default English to Chinese translation level if nothing else is specified. To be considered when speed is a prevalent concern. NEVER use “for information” English to Chinese translation in ad English to Chinese translation.
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“For publication” Chinese to English translation. High quality English to Chinese translation to be expected. Accurate and written in the requested language level. Excellent spelling and grammar. Text is proofread and typeset. This is an high quality solution but expensive and relatively slow. Do you really need this quality standard? If so, avoid low prices. Remember that while “expensive” is not always a synonym for “great job”, “cheap” is all too often one for “poor job”. A translator is a skilled technician and his pay is rightfully higher than that of a Mc Donald’s waiter. If he doesn’t charge a good price, chances are he will do a sloppy job, because he can not afford to spend the needed time.
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Technical Chinese to English translation. The style is function of the end reader. As a rule, always figure out who is going to read the text and adapt the vocabulary accordingly. Most software user’s manuals are way too technical for the average reader to understand. The purpose is to help the end user to use the product, not to show him he is a dummy ’cause he doesn’t get what is meant by “set the radio button for active sensing of TCP/IP network connections”. A technical English to Chinese translation should always start with an evaluation of the end user and his average understanding on the subject. A English to Chinese translation too complex for the end user is worthless. Exactness of the English to Chinese translation is key, because the people reading it need to be able to USE the materials.
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Software Localization. This is one of the most specialized technical Chinese to English translation. Beyond technical accuracy, one must take ownership and responsibility for the success of the software in the target language.
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