What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
| It is really very simple, translation is written and interpreting is verbal. A translator works on a computer, with word processing tools for example, s/he will always translate into their mother tongue, if the translator translates into a language which is not his/her own there will be more room for error. You can send the translator your document and the translator can return it in exactly the same format, in many cases means that the document you receive is the final document. |
What is proofreading?
Proofreading consists in checking the translation against the original document, a good translator will print out and proofread the work before sending it to you but it is always a good idea to have the translation proofread by another translator (at an extra charge). This may seem unnecessary, but it is standard practice in the industry. Everyone always makes spelling mistakes that the spell checker won’t pick up, words or whole sentences may be missing or the style may not be appropriate for the target audience. Proofreading can be considered a synonym of ‘peace of mind’ in this context.
What translation jargon should I be aware of?
Translators often talk about source language and target language. The source language is the language in which the document you want to translate is written. The target language is the language that you want to have said document translated into.
I am getting married abroad, how can translation services help me?
Your solicitor will guide you through the process but you most likely will need a translation into Spanish of your Statutory Declarations stating that you are free to marry and in some cases of your birth certificates, if you have been married before you might also need the translation into Spanish of your Decree Absolut. Remember, once you get back you will need your wedding certificate translated into English!
How do you charge?
This varies from country to country. In the UK, translation charges are made per 1,000 words, eg. £65 per 1,000 words and the charges can vary greatly among language combinations, it’s not the same to translate from English to Spanish or French than English to Swahili as there are not that many translators of that language. Nowadays most software programs have word counting tools which makes it very easy to budget your translation once you know your translator’s fees. For short documents, a minimum charge will apply.
In the UK, proofreading is charged by the hour and a good rule of thumb is to expect the translator to proofread about 1,000 words per hour.
Interpreting is charged by the day or half day in the UK and in many other countries.
In the UK, proofreading is charged by the hour and a good rule of thumb is to expect the translator to proofread about 1,000 words per hour.
Interpreting is charged by the day or half day in the UK and in many other countries.
What are the professional organisations that regulate translation in the UK?
Where can I learn more about what is involved in translation?
I recommend reading Translation – Getting it Right. A Guide to Buying Translations which can be found here.