Don’t make this mistake!

Agata Baczyk 16 March 2018 Blog, Info No Comments

Don’t make this mistake! We’re all guilty of using online translation tools. It seems easy and quick, but be careful! These free online options may seem appealing but are only able to translate word for word, not meaning for meaning. They struggle to discern the grammatically correct way to compose a sentence, ESPECIALLY if it contains cultural metaphors or idioms. To avoid embarrassing blunders, use quality translation services. A cheaper, faster option may turn out to be a time-consuming, expensive mistake! Scroll down to see some of these hilarious examples of online translation fails! translation translation translation translation

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Proofreading Quality Source language Target language Translation Underqualified

An agency saves you time by doing the work for you!

Agata Baczyk 14 February 2018 Blog, Info No Comments

Hiring your own linguist may seem enticing since, mainly, it is cheaper to do so. In reality, agency fees cover a lot of the work that you would have to put in yourself. Between locating and vetting qualified linguists, including those rare language finds, to project management, editing, proofreading, and quality assurance, the cost of time spent will outweigh any agency fees. The main benefits of using a language agency: – Would you rather spend hours locating a Soninke or Fulah interpreter than outsource the work to a professional? – What will you do if your only linguist cancels his/her…

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Cost Interpretation Price Quality Schedule Transcription Translation

Who do you choose?

Agata Baczyk 9 December 2017 Blog No Comments

  There is a variety of Language Services Providers (LSPs) out there, large and small, some very specialized and others providing a broad range of services. When looking for an agency that is right for you, you will have to weigh out their pros and cons as compared to your language service needs. What choices do I have? There are plenty of choices when it comes to language service providers. Which provider is right for you? Many litigation support companies (or court reporting agencies) provide language support as part of their overall services. However, make sure to compare their capabilities…

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Cost Interpretation Last Minute Price Quality Schedule Transcription Translation

Does your translation need to be certified?

Agata Baczyk 13 October 2017 Blog, Info

A translation becomes certified when a translator or language agency attaches a document to the translation attesting that to the best knowledge of the signer, it is an accurate translation of the original document performed by an experienced and professional translator. It can also be referred to as a certificate of accuracy. It depends on the country. Some countries have “sworn translators” regulated by a government body, and empowered to call their translations “certified.” In the US, there is no government body regulating translators. A translator can obtain professional certifications through an association, such as the American Translator’s Association (ATA),…

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Accuracy Quality Translation

Translation Price Logistics

Agata Baczyk 2 August 2017 Blog, Info No Comments

Have you ever wondered why translation prices vary tremendously? Maybe you paid a certain price for a translation of one document in the past and, then, when requesting a quote for a new document, you ended up receiving a completely different offer? Ask yourself the following questions in order to better understand how translation prices are determined. As with any language related services, the languages that are considered rare have a higher price tag. The good news is, the translator does not have to reside in your town, state, or even country! In some cases, hiring linguists residing outside the US…

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Accuracy Cost Last Minute Price Proofreading Quality Source language Target language transla Translation Turnaround time

Wouldn’t you agree?

Agata Baczyk 14 July 2017 Blog, Info No Comments

Just like any experienced attorney would not dive into a deposition, hearing, or trial without reviewing the case and case law, no interpreter wants to show up to an interpreting assignment without at least some preparation. The more the interpreter knows about the event or case, the better and more flawlessly they will interpret. Attorneys graduate from law schools and doctors earn their medical degrees, and all the years of study allow them to become knowledgeable in their specialty. An interpreter needs to master the specialized vocabulary in 2 or more languages, without obtaining the specialized training the individuals practicing…

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Deposition Face-to-face Interpretation Quality

Taking it to the next level

Agata Baczyk 29 April 2017 Blog, Info No Comments

In general, when clients think of translation, they usually think of it in terms of technical texts requiring near-literal translations, such as: Translators try and find as near an equivalent as possible matching the tone, word complexity, technicality, etc. They may use some leeway in adapting the text to regional industry norms, but being accurate to the source takes higher priority. Localization takes translation to the next level by adapting texts for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­regional consumption. It addresses non-textual elements which translation alone may not, such as: Localization also takes into consideration local laws, rules, and regulations to ensure the content is…

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Accuracy Editing Quality Translation

What exactly is a “good” translation?

Agata Baczyk 31 March 2017 Blog, Info No Comments

It might be difficult for an inexperienced client to tell if the requested document translation is of good quality, or not. It is even more difficult to judge the translator’s performance if you don’t know the language you are translating from or into. Gauging what is “good” translation is, to a certain extent, subjective since texts can be generally understood in a variety of different ways. Even after considering the writer’s intention, target audience, and the stylistic feel of a text, there is subjective leeway in how certain things can be translated without one being objectively “better” than the other….

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Accuracy Proofreading Quality Source language Target language Translation Underqualified

What do you look for when hiring an interpreter?

Agata Baczyk 21 October 2016 Info No Comments

In reality, there is always a difficult interplay between the two. What do you look for when hiring an interpreter? The quality of services? Price? In reality, there is always a difficult interplay between the two. An adept agency will always try to hire local interpreters first. Though this capability depends on the location of qualified interpreters and their availability. As a client, you have limited control over local availability. Since most interpreters are freelancers who take the first confirmed assignment that comes their way, hiring early means that highest quality (and reasonably priced) local interpreters will more likely be…

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Cost Interpretation Price Quality

Is certified always better?

Agata Baczyk 23 September 2016 Info No Comments

What makes a court certified interpreter? What makes a court certified interpreter? Generally, passing an exam administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) or an equivalent as per an individual state’s law. Certification status may help in assessing the credentials of an interpreter but it doesn’t guarantee quality interpretation. There are many interpreters who have been interpreting in legal settings for 20, 30 or 40+ years, who started before states developed certification and registration programs, that are trained and may be even more qualified than their certified counterparts. Often, they choose not to complete an expensive and lengthy…

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Cost Court Certified Price Quality