Translation FAQ
Coverage
We cover the whole of the United Kingdom and 12 countries overseas. The defining nature of the translation business is its global reach. It is then not surprising to see clients based in different parts of the country and the world.
Machine translation versus human translation
Machine Translation is the process of getting a computer software to automatically translate a document (source language) into another language (target language). The end result is inevitably a literal word by word translation that makes no sense, has no grammar and is inaccurate.
Human translation is the process of accurately and intelligently translating (and adapting) into another language. The translation will then reflect the meaning of the original document. All our translations are done by qualified translators who specialize in their fields.
What languages do you translate?
From Japanese to German and Portuguese to English, we translate from and to most languages.
What subjects do you translate?
As we evolved over the years, we have developed specialized teams to deal exclusively with the following subjects: Legal, Technical, Medical & Patents translations, and certified translations.
What it is the price of a translation?
It is always advisable to send us the document or project to be translated so we can give you an accurate estimate of cost. Rates are based on a number of variables; technicality of subject matter, size of job, whether the target language will have more text than the source language, rarity of language, deadline, etc. Our written quote will always be accurately worked out to give you the best possible price.
How long does a translation take?
A timescale will be given on the quotation. In general, a minimum of 1 to 2 working days is required for all jobs. For small small documents, a same day service is available. And if you really need an urgent translation done very quickly, call us and we’ll try our best to accommodate within the hour.
What about confidentiality?
It is part of our published Terms of Business that all client jobs without exception are confidential. If requested, a confidentiality agreement can be signed for further peace of mind.
How will the translation look?
We will try our best to make it look the same as the source document provided the source document is not too complex in layout. Typeset and design documents will be delivered in straightforward Word format unless a request for a finished typeset document made and extra cost agreed, if any.
I need my translation to be Certified
Certification of translation is different in the UK than in Europe.
In the UK, a translation can be certified in three ways. The service depends on the nature of the document and its usage. For example, birth, death, marriage certificates, academic degrees and some other official documents will need to be certified by basic affidavit. It is important to check with your legal representative which of the following certifications is most relevant for your purposes.
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1. Basic certification.
This is a translation to which the translator or the agency has added a declaration of accuracy stating that the target-language document (usually English) is an accurate and complete translation of the source-language document (usually a Foreign language). This is usually required for general or official documents which need to be presented in the UK for the visa application, passport office, the GMC, GDC, etc.
2. Certification by sworn affidavit.
For official documents and deeds requested by public authorities/government bodies, the translation needs to be sworn certified by Affidavit. This is a declaration which is made in writing and on oath in front of a solicitor/attorney or notary public that the translation is, to the best of the translator’s knowledge, complete and accurate.
3. Legalisation (Apostille)
This is required for documents to be presented to overseas authorities (such as marriage or work applications). After 2. above, the documents are sent to Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for legalisation before those documents can be accepted overseas (as part of the Hague Convention). If you are not sure what documents you need to legalise, you should contact your relevant embassy.
Delivery
These days, it’s all done through the Internet. Fax or post is also used, especially for certified translations, documents are sent by recorded delivery. Large files can be uploaded or downloaded from our website.
Quality
We have set procedures in place from start to finish to track the progress and quality of a job. These procedures have been rigorously tested over the years and we are very confident of our work.
Translators like working with us because we pay on time, because the management of each project is an enjoyable experience and because we treat them as we would treat our clients and that shows in the quality of the work and in the fairness of the price. We have a proven track record in the business and our loyalty to clients and linguists is second to none.
What is required of me?
First get in touch by phone or email and ask as many questions as you like.
Second, send us the documents so we can do an in-depth study and provide you with a precise quote. At this stage, it’s worth mentioning that a good translation also depends on a good source text, so please make sure the text is legible and if you think it’s badly written and you can do something about it, re-write it first or ask us to re-write it. In any case, let us know if it’s badly written and to which country it’s intended for and our translators will do their best at adapting it should you want to have a more coherent end-product.
Should you then wish to proceed (and we think you’ll want to, having done a price comparison), send us any supporting material to help with the translation, sign the order and send it to us. We will confirm receipt and start working.