Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is needed for simultaneous interpretation?
Common equipment includes:
- Booth (either Table-top or Full-size)
- Interpreter Console
- Interpreter Microphone
- Wireless Audience Headsets
- Wireless Transmitters
NOTE: For consecutive interpretation, the equipment listed above is not needed. In addition to the interpretation equipment listed above, you will need a sound system for your event. We work every day with many audiovisual companies, from in-house hotel audiovisual companies to equipment owned by the client themselves. We will always touch base with your AV person to ensure that we are able to plug in to their sound system to ensure the best possible interpretation. Depending on the size of your meeting, you will need a combination of the following audiovisual equipment:
- Amplifiers
- Loudspeakers
- PA Systems
- Handheld microphones
- Lapel microphones
- Microphone stands
- Push-to-talk microphones
- Speaker stands
- Projection screens
- Projectors
How much advance notice do you need to service my request for an interpreter?
If your project requires specialized terminology for your industry, we may request additional time as needed in order to review beforehand any materials made available (Presentations, speech notes, meeting or company website, etc.).
Additional time may be needed for
- Direct communication with the speaker(s) or presenters, prior to the event
- Research into the topics to be discussed.
- Preparation of a term glossary
What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpretation?
In consecutive Interpretation, the speaker of the source language and the interpreter take turns when speaking in consecutive interpreting. Consecutive interpretation is used in telephone interpretation, in small meetings, as well as in official settings.
A main drawback is that it takes additional time for the message to be said twice, first in the original language and then into the interpreted language. It also breaks the rhythm and flow of the presentation, since the speaker needs to pause frequently to allow the interpreter to render the message in the other language.
In simultaneous interpretation as the source-language speaker talks, the interpreter works inside a sound proofed booth and delivers the message through a microphone connected to a wireless transmitter, speaking at the same time as the presenter, in the target language.
How do you ensure that the translated documents are error-free?
Through our quality assurance processes, we can guarantee that each document translation project meets the following three criteria:
- Precision
- Accuracy
- Cultural appropriateness
- We review and revise all translation work done to ensure grammatical correctness, context, localized word use, style, intended meaning, and overall message.
How can you assure the confidentiality of my documents?
We understand the importance of security and confidentiality and take it very seriously. We adhere to professionalism and a strict code of ethics to uphold confidentiality for every document translation project we undertake. We can provide non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements to clients who request it for additional security measures.
As corporate members of the American Translators Association we fully comply with the ATA’s Code of Ethics as well as the ATA Code of Business Ethics.
Do you offer certified translation services for documents?
Yes, we offer extensive translation and certification services for a variety of documents that includes birth certificate, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees among others. Documents that need to be certified are mostly personal documents. These include:
- School diplomas
- Certificates (Marriage, Death, Birth)
- Transcripts
- Other types of documents for individuals (legal, university or immigration purposes).
Certified translations are usually mailed via FedEx, USPS or certified mail.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept payments through the following:
- Checks
- Major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/ American Express)
- PayPal
- Wire transfers
- Purchase orders
How much time is needed to translate my documents?
Each document translation project is one of a kind. Various factors need to be considered to estimate the time it will take to complete the translations. We will take a look at your document(s), assess the length of time needed for translation, and communicate the results back to you via email or telephone.
What file formats do you accept documents for translation?
We can work with almost any type of electronic file, including: text, TWord, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, Acrobat. Feel free to contact us should you want to verify your file format.
How do I send you my documents for translation?
We accept hard copies and digital formats of documents. Hard copies may be sent through the mail or personally dropped off at our offices. For files that are in digital format, they may be sent to us by email or for extra-large digital files through online services such as Dropbox. Please feel free to inquire.
How is the cost of a translation determined?
To determine the cost of each translation project, several factors are considered. These include:
- The type of document for translation (legal, technical, financial)
- How many words does the document to be translated contain
- Whether the translation needs to be certified or not
- The number of documents to be translated
- Into or from what languages is the document going to be translated from or into
- By when is the translation needed?
- The format in which the document will be sent: (Word, PDF, Powerpoint, HTML,Faxed, Scanned Image)
Feel free to send a signed confidentiality agreement before sending us your document so that we can prepare the quote.