CT Client Briefing & Preparation 2

Question 1

A client submits a document with names in multiple scripts (Arabic, Chinese, and Cyrillic). What is the FIRST step a transliterator should take during client briefing?

Accepted Answer

Confirm with the client which target language and transliteration standard applies to each script

Answer

When multiple scripts are present, the transliterator must confirm the target language and applicable standard for each script before proceeding.

Question 2

During a client briefing, a client asks for transliteration of personal names for a U.S. passport application. Which system should be recommended?

Accepted Answer

BGN/PCGN romanization systems as used by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names

Answer

U.S. government documents such as passports use BGN/PCGN romanization systems, which are the standard for U.S. federal agencies.

Question 3

A client is unclear about the difference between transliteration and transcription. How should a transliterator explain the key distinction?

Accepted Answer

Transliteration maps letters/characters to equivalent letters; transcription represents pronunciation phonetically

Answer

Transliteration maps source script characters to target script characters, while transcription represents the spoken sounds phonetically.

Question 4

A client requests that a list of 500 Russian company names be transliterated into English for a legal filing. What preparatory information should the transliterator request FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Whether a specific romanization standard is required by the receiving legal authority

Answer

Legal filings often require adherence to a specific romanization standard mandated by the court or jurisdiction, which must be confirmed before work begins.

Question 5

During briefing, a client mentions their document contains both simplified and traditional Chinese characters. Why is this distinction important for preparation?

Accepted Answer

The distinction affects which romanization system is most appropriate (e.g., Pinyin vs. Wade-Giles vs. Jyutping)

Answer

Simplified Chinese typically uses Pinyin (Mandarin-based), while traditional Chinese may use Wade-Giles, Yale, or Jyutping depending on the dialect and context.

(CT) Certificate of Transliteration Practice Test

(CT) Certificate of Transliteration Practice Test

CT Client Briefing & Preparation 2