Translation

[lv426]

Hi guys, I have a bit of a problem. I have 4,000 words I need translating into Japanese. This is for a documentary that I made from my final year project at Uni, and as such is made up from conversations.
Is there an easy and cheep way I could try and get these translated? I started trying to translate it myself, but it takes ages and my Japanese is no where good enough. I know this is asking a lot…

I don’t think automatic web translators are going to work i.e. www.altavista.com, as they usually just output gibberish. Thanks.

[Emoni]

Translation of that much is EXTREMELY time consuming and a lot of work. I think you're going to have to explain a lot more before people jump in offering two days of their life at least to translate it.

Also, wrong forum.

[lv426]

Basically I made a 45 minute documentary, which is made up largely from interviews, although there is a certain amount of voice over as well. I have transcribed the whole thing, and broken it up into short sentences, based on how people spoke e.g. pauses and so on.
The problem is that it’s based on speech; my experience has mainly been based on formal structures. My skills are no where near advanced enough, what I have done so far sounds bad or just wrong. Many sentences I have taken from the dictionary and modified for my use, so they don’t really fit with the context of what being said.

[Emoni]

I'm sorry but that still is pretty limited information there.

However, from the sound of it, it is looking like you are asking for free online what a translation company would normally handle...

[lv426]

Ok, so that’s going to be quite expensive isn’t it. I have only seen one and they quoted just under £100 to translate 500 words, are there any cheaper translation services out there?

[Emoni]

Honestly, if this is for a university project what I recommend is that you post at your university (assuming you gave yourself a reasonable amount of time still) for someone who the ability to speak and write fluently in English and Japanese. After that, then you explain the job and work out a price with them. You're asking a LOT with a 45 minute documentary here, but someone who is skilled enough would do it I'm sure if you offer a reasonable price.

Translation is a very difficult and well trained skill, and that is why you are finding the prices so high.

[lv426]

I think your right, as a student money is something that I dont have. I have quite a few Japanese friends that could ask, however all of them have just graduated and so are under alot of strain at the moment to find jobs. But maybe I can work something out, it might be a good idea to split it up. Maybe ask each person if they wouldnt mind helping translate 500 or so words, something along that line anyway. Thanks for the advice.

[Emoni]

You're going to need to do proof checking as well, so be aware of that if you split the work. You can end up with some very odd results if you have it pieced together incorrectly.

Depending on how major this (and it sounds like it), I suggest you get cracking on your own Japanese level so you can at least read it yourself while looking up words to make sure things are generally getting put down right.

Good luck. You have one hell of a project ahead.