Your guide to translation, interpreting and localisation terms, explained simply by Wolfestone.
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A form of authentication issued for official documents, confirming that a signature, seal or stamp is genuine.
Apostilles are often required for legal or government use abroad.
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An accessibility service that provides spoken descriptions of visual elements in films, videos and live events, ensuring content is inclusive for blind or sight loss audiences.
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Audio Introduction, similar to audio description, is a spoken narration that describes visual elements for films, videos and live events.
However, audio introductions are provided before the content. Audio introduction does not occur during the content.
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The live interpretation of spoken English into British Sign Language, making events, meetings and broadcasts accessible to BSL users.
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A process where translated text is translated back into the source language by a different linguist.
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Software that supports translators by storing phrases, suggesting matches and improving consistency across projects.
CAT tools help speed up delivery and reduce costs without replacing human expertise.
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A translation that comes with a signed statement confirming its accuracy and completeness.
An interpreting method where the speaker pauses to allow the interpreter to convey the message.
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The process of adapting the design and layout of documents after translation.
DTP ensures that brochures, manuals and marketing materials look professional in every language.
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A customised list of approved terms created for a client’s projects.
It ensures consistent use of brand language, technical terminology and tone across all translations.
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The spoken or signed transfer of meaning from one language to another, delivered in real time. Interpreting is essential for meetings, conferences, medical appointments and legal proceedings.
It is important to note that interpreting involves spoken or signed language, while translation involves written text.
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The international standard for quality management systems.
It specifies requirements for translator qualifications, review processes and project management, ensuring high-quality results.
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The international standard for information security.
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A structured process used to evaluate and improve the quality of translations.
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A person skilled in foreign languages and linguistics.
In the case of Wolfestone and the language services industry, the term 'linguists' is often used to describe translators, interpreters, etc.
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The process of carefully testing, reviewing and approving professional linguists before they work on client projects.
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A rigorous translation process used in life sciences and clinical research to ensure questionnaires, surveys and patient-facing materials are accurate.
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The process of adapting content for a specific market or culture.
Localisation covers not only language but also tone, imagery and context to ensure your content resonates with its audience.
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The use of artificial intelligence to translate text automatically.
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MTPE is a service where human translators review and refine machine-translated content.
MTPE is often also referred to as expert-in-the-loop, or human-in-the-loop, translation.
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Wolfestone’s quality assurance process, where every translation undergoes checks by multiple linguists and project managers before delivery.
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A professional translator who works into their mother tongue.
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A translation certified in front of a notary public, often required for legal proceedings or official documents submitted to courts or authorities.
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The process where a professional linguist reviews and edits machine-translated content to ensure accuracy, clarity and compliance with industry standards.
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A quality service where a linguist checks translated or original text for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting.
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An interpreting method where the interpreter translates the speaker’s words in real time without pauses.
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The process of displaying translated text on screen to accompany spoken dialogue in videos or films.
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A translation carried out by a linguist officially authorised to provide sworn translations in a particular country.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
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The process of creating and maintaining approved word lists and glossaries for a client’s projects.
It protects brand voice across multiple translations.
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Software that streamlines the entire translation process, from assigning tasks to storing translation memories and managing deadlines.
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A creative translation/adaptation of content, particularly marketing and advertising, where the message is re-imagined to preserve its impact, emotion, and intent in another language.
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The process of converting spoken language into written text.
Transcription services can include time-stamping, speaker identification and formatting.
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A database that stores translated phrases and sentences for reuse.
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An audio recording of a translated script, usually for videos, eLearning or multimedia content.
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