Frequently Asked Questions for Translation Buyers

Posted 4 Jun 2018

• Q: What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
  • A: Translators work with written documents, translating them from one language into another. Interpreters work with spoken language, translating orally between speakers of different languages.
• Q: How long will it take to translate my document?
  • A: Our translators generally work with approximately 2,000 words a day. This will vary depending on the language combination, subject matter, and format of the document. Please contact us for a free-of-charge quotation.
• Q: How much will it cost to translate my document?
  • A: Our costs for translation are based on a rate per 1,000 words. This rate will vary depending on the language combination, subject matter and format of the document to be translated. A minimum charge will also apply in the case of documents containing up to 500 words. Please contact us for a free-of-charge quotation.
• Q: Do I need to get my translations proofread?
  • A: Although we only ever use professionally qualified translators, it is generally recommended that translations intended for publication are proofread by a second qualified translator. The source text will often have been amended and approved by more than one person so we believe the translation can also benefit from this process.
• Q: I have a highly technical document to be translated. How do I know the subject matter will be handled accurately?
  • A: Thanks to our experience in the industry we have built up a network of professional translators with specific knowledge and experience in a wide range of subject matters. Translators are carefully selected according to their background knowledge and qualifications.
• Q: Why do I need to use professional translators when I can get text translated free of charge online?
  • A: Online translation tools can be very useful if you just want to understand the gist of a sentence or a word, but the results will generally be clumsy, if not totally misleading. A professional translator will have spent years studying a language, learning to appreciate the nuances of idioms and phrasing.