Language Line Services Translation Service

Frequently Asked Questions

 
What is translation?
Translation is the transmittal of written text from one language into another. Although the terms translation and interpretation are often used interchangeably, by strict definition, translation refers to the written language, and interpretation to the spoken word.

What is the difference between translation and interpretation services?
The quick answer is that translation is for written communication and interpretation is for verbal communication. However, this does not mean that translation is only provided in written format. To maximise accessibility translated materials can be provided in range of different formats such as audio tapes, CDs or PDF files to be posted on your website.

Who are your translators?
Language Line Services' translators are highly skilled professionals, with advanced degrees in a wide range of disciplines. As a rule, the native speakers of the foreign language translated perform translations.

How do I know if my translation is good?
A good translation should clearly convey the meaning of the original text, read smoothly, and be free from spelling or grammatical errors. Naturally, if you are unable to have an independent professional translator examine both documents, you will not be able to check this.

That is why selecting a professional translation service is critical. Every completed transaction is quality checked by a proof reader or editor before delivery to the customer. If you are not completely satisfied with the result, there will be no charge.

What about confidentiality?
All Language Line Services translators are bound by confidentiality agreements. To increase confidentiality, customer information is removed from the text given to a translator whenever possible.

What languages do you translate?
There are over 6,912 languages in the world. We monitor our language requests continuously, adding or deleting languages based on customer demands. Please contact us directly with your specific language requests.

How do I get a document translated?
First you need to request a quote. Send us the document requiring translation (preferably via email) together with the following details:
1.Target language(s)
2.Word count
3.Deadline
4.Deliverables (i.e., hard copy, specified file format, CD ROM)
5.Contact and invoicing details
Please also specify any other needs you may have (e.g. layout, formatting, proofreading etc).
Within 48 hours you will receive a quote covering your specifications. You can contact your Project Manager at any time to discuss your job requirements and to ask for advice. To confirm go ahead, please provide an official authorisation via your departmental manager/budget holder as appropriate. Your finished translation will be delivered to the agreed deadline by your choice of email, post or fax.

How do you prefer to receive documents? By email, post or fax?
Our preferred method to receive and deliver translations jobs is via email. As well as being the most cost and time-efficient method, this ensures we can follow your layout requirements exactly without you incurring additional typesetting costs.

Should I tell Language Line Services if my document is going to print?
Yes, it is important that you inform the Project Manager your document is going to print so he/she will be able to advise you on the best file format your printer can work from. In some cases you may require DTP services.

How long does it take to get a document translated?
Because there are so many variables in translation work, we cannot offer a standard turnaround time. A short, non-technical document can be translated into a few languages within a day, while large more complex multilingual projects will take weeks to complete. Whatever your timescales we will endeavour to work with you to meet your needs.

What are source files?
Source files are the electronic copies of the original document which you need to have translated.

What are target files?
Target files are the electronic copies of the translated versions(s) of your original document.

What file format should I ask to receive the translations into?
It is always advisable to receive documents in the same format as the original (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Quark etc.). However, for some non-Roman script based languages this may not be possible and it is better to receive Acrobat Reader PDF files.

What do you mean by non-Roman script languages?
These are languages whose characters are different to the ones of the Roman alphabet mainly used in Western, Eastern, Scandinavian and some African languages such as Somali. Some non-Roman script languages are: Arabic, Kurdish, Farsi, Asian languages including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese and some African languages such as Igbo and Twi as well as Greek and Russian. For these languages you need to have special fonts installed on your computer to be able to read the Word file. It is much better to ask for a PDF file.
 
What is a PDF file?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This means it can be viewed on screen, downloaded and printed but cannot be edited.

What are DTP services?
DTP stands for Desk Top Publishing which is layout for commercial print purposes such as marketing brochures, annual reports and other commercial document templates. Normally, such documents are produced in other software packages other than Microsoft Word. The most common one is QuarkXpress. Other packages are PageMaker, Adobe Illustrator, FrameMaker and Coral Draw. Make sure you tell the Project Manager before you get a quote because working with these packages requires additional production processes and this may have time and cost implications.