Transcription services have, and likely always will, play a vital role in governance. In the past, social justice causes, civil rights movements, the global economy, and the State of the Nation addresses have been transcribed to share the message to the masses. Speeches have impacted society and influenced political and constitutional changes. Additionally, transcription in the digital age allows for a larger reach and a greater platform to incite change and introduce ideas to the population.
Understanding the historical influence of transcription and the impact it can have, it certainly makes sense to enlist the help of professional transcription service providers to ensure that the work is done correctly. International Language Consultancy (ILC) provides professional translation, editing, and transcription services to both the public and private sectors. We are a team of highly qualified language experts and translators. If you would like to learn more about us, what we do, and how transcription is valuable to businesses, organisations, and governments alike, we encourage you to read on and find out more.
The Benefits Of Transcribing In Governance
ILC provides accurate transcription services to esteemed NGOs, law firms, and banks, amongst many other clients. A few of these include Nedbank, FNB, the South African Civil Aviation Authority, police services, and the Human Sciences Research Council. This should give you an idea of how transcription is used and valued in influential and consequential jobs. The banks hold massive sway over the economy, the government supervises the population, and NGOs are often heavily involved in social justice issues.
When the stakes are high, the transcription of speeches, meetings, and public statements is critical and holds weight. When you invest in professional transcription services like ours, you can effectively communicate a message to employees, bridge the gap to investors, and reach a larger audience. Let’s have a look at how transcription services can influence pertinent social issues and governing processes.
Social Justice Issues
Transcription services have been valued historically and used in powerful ways here in South Africa. Notably, one of the most famous speeches ever made in a court of law was given by Nelson Mandela and was subsequently transcribed. He made the opening statement for the Rivonia Trial defence case in 1964, which was a trial in pre-democratic South Africa, and the attention of the nation was focused firmly on Nelson Mandela’s words. As a speech alone, it was politically monumental, but the transcription meant that it could be recorded for the masses.
The impact of the words and the presence of a transcriber allowed his speech to be circulated through the press, garnering attention from all corners of the nation and the world. Now that his words had been put to paper, it opened the doors for translation, allowing those of all backgrounds and languages to feel the impact of the speech. Let’s look at another historical speech that used transcription to record the pertinent content and critical political discourse.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech is easily one of the most famous and rousing orations ever made. The Civil Rights Movement, which encouraged a new form of governance, required the direction and guidance of great individuals. The reason transcription played a role in the speech, like Nelson Mandela’s, was that it allowed the speech to be spread through the press, giving everyone a chance to connect with the words and ideas presented.
Both speeches have indicated that whether you are in government, or actively working to change regulations, transcription has an impact on the effectiveness of the spoken word. Without transcription services, speeches like those might not have garnered the attention they so rightly deserved. Of course, transcription was only a small aspect of these events, but it goes to show that it can make a major difference in circulation to a wider audience.
State Of The Nation Addresses
Present governments use transcription services to communicate their message to the population. For example, when we look at the many State of The Nation Addresses that took place during COVID lockdowns in South Africa, transcription was necessary to ensure that these lockdown rules were spread, reported on, and followed. The transcription and audio of these addresses allowed for them to be more widely accessible both locally and internationally. Those in leadership positions can be held to their transcribed and recorded words. This allows communication to be effective, accurate and well-recorded. Additionally, it leaves less room for misinformation and misunderstanding.
The Impact Of Transcription On Economies
Transcription services better enable communication between countries, meaning they can trade goods and forge deals in ways that would have been challenging otherwise. While one could argue that translation services are more crucial for this type of interaction, transcription lays the groundwork that translation builds upon. Without professional language experts, dealings between economies would be substantially more complex, and considerably less successful. When thinking about transcription services, this may not be the first thing that comes to mind but is certainly an impactful and critical part of international dealings.
So, with all that in mind, why not invest in transcription and translation service providers that are already trusted by major South African brands like Nedbank and FNB? This guarantees you are connecting with those who have an understanding of economic and financial industries. Over the years, our language experts have worked with content from almost every industry, and this experience has helped them to pick up skills and gain crucial insight into the functioning of various sectors. All in all, this means you can rest assured that our skilled transcribers are more than capable of getting the job done right.
What We Do At International Language Consultancy
ILC offers reliable, timely, and specialised language services. We work closely with local and international clients to deliver the most efficient and accurate results. With over ten years of experience in the industry, we have plenty of knowledge to draw from and have worked with a plethora of clients from a range of backgrounds.
We also offer a competitive edge as we provide translation, transcription, and editing services in a variety of major languages – this includes international, South African, and African Languages. Not only are our language experts highly qualified with ample work experience, but all translations and documents undergo thorough quality control. This ensures we provide high-quality, consistent work while managing remarkably quick turnaround times.
Our Services Include:
- writing
- translation
- transcription
- localisation
- editing and proofreading
- typesetting, layout, and formatting
- graphic design
More On Our Transcription Services
Our transcribers have an incredibly high accuracy rate and are trained extensively. We constantly communicate with our clients to deliver on expectations and due dates, as we understand the importance of effective communication. You can rest assured knowing all audio and written files are strictly confidential. All of our transcribers have signed NDAs, along with the proofreaders and editors who carry out the quality control on these projects.
We offer the following transcription services:
- Transcriptions of focus groups and interviews
- Transcribing recordings of labour-related discussions for CCMA and court purposes
- Disciplinary hearings
- Forensic and police investigation transcripts
- Transcribing meeting recordings
- Marketing, often involving video and podcasts
- Educational content, involving video transcripts
- Dictations
- Transcription of podcasts
What Does The Process Look Like?
The quality control process involves independent quality-checking practices and vetting from multiple transcribers. Additionally, we use the highest quality equipment and software to assist in our work. Our transcription services make use of professional transcription kits to ensure precise and timely delivery of our services.
- When an audio or video file is sent to the transcription manager from the client, we make note of the quality of the audio and the total duration.
- A customised quote is provided once we have assessed the file. If you are happy with the cost and rate, we can move along with the project.
- We then request information that may include timestamps, predetermined templates, speaker names, and industry terminology. The more information we have about the file, the higher the accuracy rate will be.
- Once all of the requested files have been transcribed, they are proofread by a manager to ensure all expectations and specifications have been met.
- We send the document back to the client for approval and any issues, questions, or changes will be addressed as soon as possible.
- All file transfers and interactions take place on the platform of your choice, including Dropbox, WeTransfer, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and email; whatever is easiest for you, as we pride ourselves on our versatility.
The Technology And Software We Use
We use only the most recent and effective equipment and software. This includes the use of:
- ExpressScribe
- Foot pedals
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Mediahuman for audio conversion
- Grammarly Pro
- Word/Track changes For Proofreading
- Google Drive
- Dropbox Pro
- Paymo Project Management App
The technology we use also adheres to all confidential and POPI Act requirements. International Language Consultancy will not only transcribe your audio, but we can help you capture the audio content with high-grade recording equipment available for rental.
How Much Does The Service Cost?
Our transcription services are priced between R0.50 to R5.00 per word, or roughly R800 to R1500 per audio hour. In comparison, some freelancers charge between R50-R150 per audio minute, so the difference is significant. ILC offers industry-leading rates and services, and we guarantee you will receive quality transcription services without spending an arm and a leg.
When you choose companies that have invested in qualifications, technology, and training, you can expect to receive top-notch results. To add to this, if you decide on ILC, you walk away with a certificate of accuracy that can be used for litigation purposes. For costs of recording rental equipment, note taking, compiling reports, and precise transcription services, be sure to contact us.
Get In Touch
Transcription services have been used in roles of governance to mark, create, and ensure the written history and direction of leadership’s intentions. From presidents to business owners, ensuring you are meeting the public with quality and accurate transcriptions of information is imperative to the role. International Language Consultancy can help make this easier than ever with our experience, qualifications, and industry-leading rates. Get in touch with us for more information about our transcription services and walk away knowing you have certified and accurate records.