FAQ
Below are answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions. If you can’t find what you need here please feel free to contact us for more information.
Are your translations done by a computer?
Is there a cost to get an estimate?
Do you provide Rush service?
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?
What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
Do you have certified interpreters?
What is a certified interpreter?
What is legal or court 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 do I know that my documents are kept confidential?
How can I send and receive documents?
How long do you keep my documents on file?
Are your translations done by a computer?
No. Professional translation, also known as human translation, means 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. Machine Translation 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. To learn more about our Quality Control Process, click here
Is there a cost to get an estimate?
No. Our estimates and proposals are free of charge and all information and documents are kept confidential. You can request a quote by clicking here.
Do you provide Rush service?
Yes. We are happy to work within your timeframe and are routinely asked to complete translations under rapid turnaround.
What types of clients do you serve and what type of documents do you translate?
We work with clients, large and small, in just about every industry including:
- Advertising & Marketing
- Aerospace
- Aviation
- Biotechnology
- Computer & Internet Technology
- Construction
- Education
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- Environmental & Life Sciences
- Financial
- Hospitality
- Human Resources
- Insurance
- International Aid & Development
- International Trade and Commerce
- Legal
- Maritime
- Medical
- Military/Defense
- Mining
- News Media & Reporting
- Non Profit
- Patents
- Personal Documents
- Pharmaceutical
- Politics
- Power & Energy
- Public Relations
- Public Sector
- Real Estate
- Tax
- Technical & Patent
- Telecommunications
- Trade Associations
- Transportation & Utilities
For more information on the industries we serve, click here
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, brochures & publications, medical reports, product labels, personal & business correspondence, 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 all of the individuals who call on us every day.
Whether you have several documents for translation or simply a short letter, we remain ready to accommodate your request.
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How can I get an estimate for my translation?
You can select the “Request a Quote” button on this page and we will contact you right away. You can submit your document(s) for translation as well. You may also send your documents to us via email or fax. We will then contact you with an estimate and/or questions for discussion. It is our policy to acknowledge your request in real time and if possible to have an answer to your inquiry within this timeframe as well. If you don’t have a document yet and just have some questions, feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your project with you.
How do you charge for translation?
Our translations are charged by the word. Our estimates typically include the projected word count, the cost per word and the projected time for completion. Based on the turnaround time you request, we can include both the standard and rush rates and turnaround times. There is a minimum fee which ranges from $95-$150 for translations delivered under standard turnaround time. Services such as extensive formatting or desktop publishing are charged at an additional hourly or per page rate.
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 or character sets, and standard formatting of these languages takes more time.
What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
Translators work with and create written materials, rendering documents from one language into another. To learn more about Translation, click here.
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). To learn more about Interpreting, click here.
Do you have certified interpreters?
Yes. Federal Courts offer testing for certification for the following languages: Spanish, Navajo, and Haitian Creole. Each state also offers testing for certified and registered interpreters in multiple languages. Language Innovations’ database includes a broad cross-section of interpreters (federal and state) that will suit your specific requirements.
What is a certified interpreter?
A certified interpreter is an interpreter who is certified as competent by a professional organization or government entity through rigorous testing based on appropriate and consistent criteria.
What is legal or court interpreting?
Legal and Court interpreting takes place in several venues, including courts, administrative hearings, depositions and any other legal proceedings involving speakers of languages other than English.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation consists of a document signed by an officer of our company (in some cases by the translator) and notarized by a Notary Public, attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. When requested, this will be attached to the translation when it is delivered to you. This document is called a “Translation Certification.”
With a Notary Public on staff, we offer translation certifications upon request. This additional service is particularly valuable for legal documents, documents being introduced as evidence in court, immigration and naturalization documents, patents and other legal and personal assignments.
How long does a translation take?
On average, we will translate 2,000-3,000 words per business day, with a minimum turnaround time of 2-3 business days for most languages. We offer Rush and Priority (overnight, weekend) service and 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 for example. We regularly accommodate urgent client requests under tight deadlines and we are glad to manage your urgent requests as well.
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.
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 by matching the subject matter with the appropriate translation team that has practical experience in that particular subject. 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 serve to double check both the content as well as format of the document. To learn more about our Quality Control Process, click here.
How do I know that my documents are kept confidential?
Language Innovations has a policy in place to keep the content of all translations, communications and all other forms of interaction between Language Innovations and its clients strictly confidential.
Upon request, we will enter into a confidentiality agreement with our customers and will work within the guidelines you or the organization you represent might request. Generally, our signed agreements include the sample text you see below:
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
Language Innovations, LLC will not disclose, discuss, evaluate, distribute or reproduce any material included in or related to any and all assignments issued to Language Innovations, LLC by its clients.
For any work performed that is in or of the public domain Language Innovations, LLC may not be restricted by this policy if legally compelled. Language Innovations, LLC will not disclose its customers or customer list without prior written approval of its client(s).
How can I send and receive documents?
You can send documents to us through our online “Request a Quote” form, our Contact Us page, email, fax, FTP, mail, courier, overnight service, or you can bring your documents in to our offices personally and leave them with us. Electronic documents can be sent in most any format including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, PDF and many other formats. Large files can also be sent via a CD, FTP or online file sharing services. We can deliver translations by any of the above mentioned methods. Most commonly, we deliver via email.
How long do you keep my documents on file?
Language Innovations has a policy to maintain and keep on file all hard and soft copies of materials, including translations, emails, original documents, notes and all other paperwork relating to each project, for a minimum of 90 days. After 90 days we cannot guarantee access to or copies of the above-mentioned materials. Upon written request Language Innovations will return, destroy, delete, etc., any and all materials relating to your project(s).
