Translation FAQs

What is the difference between translation and interpreting?

A translator deals with the written word, translating a text in a foreign language into their mother tongue. An interpreter deals with the spoken word, relaying messages between speakers of different languages face to face (eg. at meetings and conferences).

Who will work on my translation?

We carefully consider the right translator for each individual project. All of our translation work is done by qualified, mother tongue translators who have a strong understanding of the cultures behind the languages they work in. Many of our translators are specialised in specific industries, so we can find a translator who understands the demands of your market.

How do you work out the cost of my translation?

We agree a fixed fee per 1000 words of source text (the language of the original document), so we can quote quickly at the beginning of the project.

We consider language combination, type of text, text formatting and other factors when providing an estimate. Extra formatting may cost more and require a longer delivery deadline, while discounts are available for high volume work involving multiple languages.

How long will the translation take?

We recommend that you allow roughly one working day per 1500-2000 words for translation. But we are always willing to work around tight deadlines, so we can discuss getting your translation completed more quickly if necessary.

How do you handle highly confidential work?

At Syntacta we treat every piece of work as confidential, but we are happy to sign a Confidentiality Agreement if necessary. Please bear in mind, we will retain copies of your source documents and translations for three years unless you specify otherwise.

How will you send the translation back to me?

We usually email our clients directly in MS Word, Excel or Powerpoint format, or in other formats if necessary. However, you might not be able to read electronic files if you do not have the appropriate fonts for languages such as Japanese, Chinese or Arabic. We can usually send you a PDF to resolve this. Translations which need certification can only be returned by post. We can also return your original source documents by post, at an additional charge for Royal Mail special delivery.

Interpreting FAQs

Who will work on my assignment?

We only work with qualified, professional interpreters, who have total fluency in more than one language and an in-depth understanding of the culture. Bilingualism alone does not qualify someone to be an interpreter – this highly skilled profession takes years to perfect. Depending on your particular assignment and location, we can choose the right interpreter – someone who specialises in your industry, and who is based near you.

How do you work out the cost?

Our conference interpreters tend to charge a daily fee. Preparation time, travel time, travel costs, accommodation and food are often factored into the cost. Other forms of interpreting are charged on a half-day or hourly basis, where a minimum charge applies. If an assignment is cancelled, a fee of up to 100% will be charged, as interpreters are unlikely to find an alternative job at short notice.

How long is an interpreter’s working day?

A maximum of eight hours (including breaks) is the standard working day. This helps avoid fatigue, which can affect the efficiency of proceedings and lead to misunderstandings.

How far in advance should I book an interpreter?

It’s never too early to book an interpreter – finding someone at short notice can be difficult, especially when multiple languages are involved, so it’s best to book as early as possible.

Do I need to provide any background information?

It is very helpful, if not vital, to supply background materials relating to the meeting well in advance. References, terms and acronyms familiar to those in your field are not always clear to an outsider. Interpreters need to familiarise themselves with every new subject, so drafts and presentation slides are invaluable.