FAQs

If we don't answer all your questions here, please call us on: 0800 6126 323 (free call for UK landlines, or +44 2380 510 156 from outside the UK)

• What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?
• How long does it take to translate a document?
• How are translation jobs priced?
• Does a translator need to be an expert in the subject matter of the translation?
• Which languages can you translate?
• Are you just a translation agency?
• How would I pay?
• What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?
• How are interpretation jobs priced?
• Why do interpreters work in pairs? Surely that means I will be paying double?
• Is there any information we can provide to you in advance of the meeting to help the interpreter's preparation?
• How much equipment is required for an interpretation job, and do you supply this?

 

What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?

 

In the industry, the term translator tends to refer to someone who translates by carrying out a written work, i.e. rendering one document into another language. An interpreter always refers to someone who translates orally, e.g. at a conference where there are two or more parties speaking different languages. Just to confuse you, the term "translator" can also sometimes refer to someone translating orally. However "Interpreter" never refers to written translation.

 

How long does it take to translate a document?

 

A competent translator tends to work toward a target of 1,500 to 2,500 words per day. Therefore, should you require a much larger job urgently, it may be necessary to split the job between several translators. In such situations, :art4art Communication would appoint a project manager in order to maintain consistency in style and to oversee the smooth running of the project.

 

How are translation jobs priced?

 

Each translation job is priced separately according to a number of factors: the deadline, format of the source document (e.g. PowerPoint or Word), format of the finished document and complexity and level of specialist knowledge required. However, the two main variables that affect the price are the length of the document(s), and the language combinations. For example, a Japanese to Swedish translation would cost significantly more than a French to English translation. We tend to price each job per 1,000 words. Our sales team would always discuss these options with you before you commit to a project, to ensure you know what you will be paying and to eliminate the danger of any hidden costs added after the job.

 

Does a translator need to be an expert in the subject matter of the translation?

 

This depends on the complexity of your document. If, for example, you require a technical electrical-engineering manual to be translated from English into Mandarin, then we would appoint someone with a specialist knowledge in this subject matter. If however you want a general business document translated from French into English, it would be much more straightforward. The translator appointed would research your company, including technical terms and any in-house acronyms to ensure maximum accuracy.

 

Which languages can you translate?

 

art4art Communication has a core of over 100 languages that it translates regularly. These include every major world language (Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish). In addition, we cover many more languages from every continent so please don't hesitate to contact us.

 

Are you just a translation agency?

 

No, we are a fully integrated language-services company. In addition to translation, we offer interpreting, localisation services, proofreading, and project management. We also provide Language Tutors for corporate and private language tuition classes and last but not least, we manage an international team of voice-talents and produce voice-recordings in a wide range of foreign languages.

 

How would I pay?

 

We accept payment by cheque (in GBP only) and bank transfer. We can also accept payments in EUR and USD by credit card, via the online processors PayPal and MoneyBookers

 

What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpretation?

 

Simultaneous interpreting is the complex and highly skilled task of rendering one spoken language into another and is usually provided at high-end conferences. This is the interpreting format employed by the UN and the EU. Interpreters, working in teams of two per language, listen to the speaker and at the same time provide an interpretation of what has just been said, in real time. The interpreters tend to sit in sound-proof booths out of the way of the main conference proceedings.

 

Consecutive interpretation is meant for smaller business meetings, interviews and seminars. Less demanding than simultaneous interpreting, the speaker delivers a few sentences and then pauses whilst the interpreter repeats what has just been said in the target language. The interpreter may interpret for the whole group or, as is becoming increasingly common, sit next to an individual and whisper what has just been said. Unlike simultaneous interpreting, consecutive interpreting does not happen in real time. However, as no special equipment is required, it is considerably cheaper than simultaneous interpretation.

 

How are interpretation jobs priced?

 

There are several variables. Unless otherwise stated, most interpretation jobs are priced by the hour. The language variables, the location of the event, the level of interpreting (i.e. consecutive, whispering or simultaneous) and the complexity of the event can all affect the price. All of this would be discussed with the client in advance of any project undertaking.

 

Why do interpreters work in pairs? Surely that means I will be paying double?

 

Simultaneous interpreters often spend no longer than twenty minutes working before taking a break, since the process requires the ability to concentrate for sustained periods and a degree of mental stamina. Hence, it is an industry standard that they work in pairs, and effectively swap over at convenient points throughout the meeting or conference.

 

Is there any information we can provide to you in advance of the meeting to help the interpreter's preparation?

 

Yes, absolutely: the more information the better! The more information about the company and the meeting in question that we can provide to the interpreter in advance of the meeting, the more research they can do with regards to technical terms, speakers, acronyms, etc. Examples of useful prior information include: location (hotel, room size, location of electrical points, etc.); in-house jargon, such as acronyms; speeches or PowerPoint slides to be used; technical terms, such as new products to be launched; and the meeting agenda and attendance lists.

 

How much equipment is required for an interpretation job, and do you supply this?

 

art4art Communication supplies all necessary equipment and trained staff to ensure the smooth running of your event. Depending on the level of interpretation and the size of your event, you may require equipment, such as booths, digital microphone systems, and a control unit operated by one of our sound specialists.