FAQs

Getting Started

What’s the difference between Translation and Interpreting?

Translation involves written communication; interpretation involves verbal or signed communication.

Can you deal with non-Roman alphabets, right-to-left text, and so-called “double-byte” text?

Of course! We regularly complete translations and complex layouts in Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Laotian, Khmer, Thai, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Farsi, Nepali and Burmese, among others.

What file formats does ASIST accept?

Everything, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, PageMaker, Photoshop, FrameMaker, FreeHand, Acrobat (PDF); Quark Xpress, FileMaker Pro, Corel Draw, most word processing programs, any text-based file such as XML, CSV, HTML… Of course, we can also deliver these and many other formats, according to the requirements of your project, and we’re equally comfortable with Mac and Windows environments.

What about engineering and architectural drawings, programs such as AutoCAD, etc.?

Can do! Often, we provide Microsoft Word documents, with appropriate tags to identify where each element belongs in your AutoCAD document. But if you prefer, we can also place these directly into the original CAD document.

How do I know what dialect of a language should be used for my translated documents?

You don’t have to—we do! Once we’ve determined the countries where your translations must be used, we help you choose the language variety (or “dialect”) that will be appropriate. (Sometimes more than one may be required.) It’s important to always use translators who are native speakers of the target dialect.

Can you assist us in converting videos, or interactive projects, to another language?

Of course! ASIST’s services range from transcription of text files for narration, casting and direction of voice talent in the alternate languages, translations of screen text, subtitling and captions, supervision of editing in order to ensure correct placement, audio production and disc duplication.

What’s up with that spelling? Is ASIST an acronym?

Yes! ASIST stands for “Advanced Solutions for Interpreting Services & Translation”. When ASIST, Inc. started its operations over three decades ago, we were primarily involved in drafting analytical reports on state-of-the-art technologies, derived from foreign technical publications, under the auspices of U.S. Government agencies, so our name originally stood for “Associates in Scientific Information Search & Translation”.

Do you provide interpreting and translation support in ASL (American Sign Language) and Braille?

Yes, we do provide ASL interpreting and Braille translations. ASIST has provided these services for numerous clients all over the US.

Do you provide transcription and time coding services?

Yes, we do. Not only can we provide these services in English, we can also provide them in other languages as well.

Contact us today

Learn why businesses around the world entrust their multi-lingual communications to ASIST.