Frequently Asked Questions
Are your translations done by a computer?
What types of clients do you serve and what type of documents do you translate?
How can I get an estimate for my translation?
How do you charge for translation?
Why does the cost per word vary so much by language?
Why is your translation more or less expensive than another company?
What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
What is a certified translation?
How long does a translation take?
Why does it cost less to translate into English than it does to translate into a foreign language?
How do you ensure an accurate translation?
How can I send and receive documents?
Are your translations done by a computer?
No. Professional translation is sometimes known as human translation, meaning that the process of translating written documents from one language to another is done completely by qualified and experienced translators and editors, not machines. Our business caters to the translation needs of the international business community requiring services that provide translations that are true to the spirit and intent of the original text. Translation software is not yet sophisticated enough to interpret those nuances you find in most writing, or the complexities of most legal, technical, medical and other industry specific writing.
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What types of clients do you serve and what type of documents do you translate?
We work with just about every industry and subject. Examples of industries include:
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Advertising & Marketing
Aerospace
Aviation
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Computer and Internet Technology
Construction
Education
Employee Information
Engineering/Construction
Environmental
Finance
Government Offices [Federal, State and Local] |
Healthcare
Hospitality
High-Tech
Insurance
International Aid & Development
Law / Legal
Maritime
Medical & Pharmaceutical
Military / Defense
News Media & Reporting
Non Profit
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Patents
Pharmaceutical
Politics
Power & Energy
Public Relations
Real Estate
Science / Scientific
Seminar / Training Materials
Tax
Telecommunications
Trade Associations
Transportation & Utilities |
Examples of documents regularly translated include:
legal complaints and filings, power purchase agreements, contracts, consent forms, employee handbooks, press releases, public information notices, legal opinions, laws, letters rogatory, patents, financial statements, reports, studies, articles, requests for proposal, due diligence materials, technical specifications and manuals, medical reports, product labels, personal & business correspondence, books and much more. Language Innovations takes pride in the work we deliver to all of our clients, big and small. While many of our translation projects are quite large in their scope, we are as committed to the individuals who call on us every day.
Whether you have several boxes of documents for translation or a short letter, we remain ready to accommodate your request.
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How can I get an estimate for my translation?
By email, phone or fax. You can call us locally or toll-free, fill out the contact form on this site, email or fax your document. We will then contact you with an estimate and/or questions for discussion. It is our policy to acknowledge your request within 60 minutes and if possible have an answer to your inquiry within this timeframe as well. Often, we will have an answer to your inquiries within 20 minutes.
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How do you charge for translation?
Our translations are charged by the word. Your estimate will include the projected word count (in the target language for most languages), the cost per word and the projected time for completion. Based on the turnaround you request, we may include both the standard and rush rates and turnaround times. There is a minimum fee which ranges from $95-$150 for a standard turnaround. Services such as extensive formatting or desktop publishing are charged at an additional hourly or per page rate.
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Why does the cost per word vary so much by language?
Much like any other product or service you buy, it is a combination of supply and demand as well as complexity. For example, you will find that there are many more qualified Spanish translators available than those who translate Amharic. Also, with certain languages, the number of words that can be translated in a day is far less than others. In those cases, the cost is commensurate with the time spent on the translation. Additionally, certain languages have different alphabets, and standard formatting of these languages takes more time.
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Why is your translation more or less expensive than another company?
Language Innovations uses only full-time, professional translators. Many of our translators, editors and language professionals are certified, hold advanced degrees in the language arts and are specialized in specific subjects. Further, a project manager will be assigned to your project and will oversee each step from start to finish beginning with the initial point of contact, to the delivery and follow up with you. Language Innovations is fully committed to the satisfaction of every one of our clients. Our level of attention to detail and service is second to none. With this said, Language Innovations is sensitive to the issue of price and we do offer competitive rates. You will find that our prices are commensurate with the services provided. We appreciate the fact that you have a choice and the more you know about our company the better informed you will be when it comes to decision making. Our own comparison shopping of our competitors has shown that our rates are not the most expensive nor the cheapest.
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What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
Translators work with and create written materials rendering documents from one language into another. Interpreters work with the spoken language. The most common modes of interpreting are: Simultaneous (i.e., large conferences), Consecutive (i.e., depositions and meetings) and Escort (i.e., VIP tours and social events).
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What is a certified translation?
A certified translation consists of a document signed by an officer of the translation firm (in some cases by the translator) and notarized by a Notary Public, attesting that the translation firm believes the translation to be accurate and complete. When requested, this will be attached to the translation when it is delivered. This document is called a "Translation Certification."
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How long does a translation take?
On average, we will translate 2000-3000 words per business day per assignment, with a minimum turnaround time of 2 business days for most languages. We offer Rush and Priority (overnight, weekend) service at a higher cost per word. We rarely say "no" to any requested deadline. We have translated as many as 175,000 words in a week as well as 10,000 words in 6 hours among many examples. It is quite common for our clients to say, “I need this translation done yesterday,” and we guarantee to complete every project within the accepted deadline. However, we will turn down an assignment if quality will be affected as a result of too short of a deadline.
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Why does it cost less to translate into English than it does to translate into a foreign language?
Rates are less expensive for translations into English by the simple factor of supply and demand. There are many more qualified native English speaking translators that translate into English in the United States and fewer qualified native foreign speaking translators that translate into foreign languages in the United States.
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How do you ensure an accurate translation?
Each translation includes a simple yet very important set of quality control steps. The process begins with our first communication with the client and gaining an understanding of our clients needs. The process continues with matching the subject matter with the appropriate translation team which has practical experience in the particular subject at hand. Next, the draft translation begins and then moves through the editing, proofreading and verification of all specifications for the assignment. These steps ensure accuracy and checking of both the content as well as format of the document. For a detailed description of our translation process and quality control click here.
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How can I send and receive documents?
You can send documents by email, fax, mail, courier, or overnight service. Electronic documents can be sent in most any format including MS Word, WordPerfect, PDF, Zip, PowerPoint and many other media. Documents received via removable media can be sent on CD. We can deliver translations in any of the above mentioned methods. Most commonly, we deliver via email. Below is a list of some of the more common programs we currently support. If your program is not listed here, please contact us -- odds are we can help.
Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Works, Microsoft PowerPoint PageMaker, FrameMaker, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Quark XPress
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