FAQs

1. What is the purpose of the translation?

Usually, the purpose is to provide information or appeal to another market. The types of documents we translate varies. Some documents are for information only, which could be an internal company document or a specification for a tender. These can often be translated much quicker than a text that’s to be published or distributed externally, such as a leaflet, technical manual, marketing material, website etc. as independent proofreading will also be required.

2. Do you offer translation in all languages and subjects?

Our principal clients are very active in a variety of export markets and we are confident that we can cover all the major languages required by exporters, and in all the important market sectors. Our panel of expert linguists is expanding constantly, so please ask us if you don’t see the language you want here >

3. Source or target word count?

Source word count refers to the number of words in the original document, whereas target word count is the number of words in the translated document. There can be significant differences between the two, depending on the language. For example, 1000 words of English can easily become 1200 words when translated into French.

4. How are quotes calculated?

We base our rates on source word count. Basing our rates on the source word count avoids all ambiguities, simplifies costing, and is completely transparent. To provide a quote, we must have sight of the final version of the document that is to be translated.

5. Will we get a guaranteed price for our translation project?

Yes. Our only proviso is that we must have sight of the final version of the document to be translated, including any specific requirements such as formatting, translation of charts and graphs, or other features.

6. What about timescales and delivery?

We distinguish between the translation time and the project delivery time. Translation time is based on a typical translator throughput of 1500-2000 words per day. However, our translators may not be immediately available to start work, therefore, we take this into account by quoting the project delivery time.

7. What about “urgent deliveries?”

If you have an urgent requirement, get in touch with us and we’ll let you know whether we can take on the project. Urgent translations usually incur an extra charge of typically 20%.

8. Do you use machine translation?

No. All our translations are carried out by human, professional linguists. However, we do use Translation Memory (TM) to improve the speed of translation and terminological consistency. Find out more about Translation Memory here >

9. What is the difference between Machine Translation & Translation Memory?

Translation Memory does what it is instructed to do, namely store in its database a translation carried out by a human brain. Machine Translation attempts to produce a foreign language version of the original by analysing the structure of the text, including the grammar, style and meaning.

10. Will the translated document retain the impact of its original language?

Yes. There is a delicate balance between flair and accuracy. Our specialist marketing translators are well versed in capturing the exact nuances of your text.

11. What do the terms Globalisation, Internationalisation and Localisation mean?

These concepts refer to the process of adapting the translation, so it has exactly the same impact in the local version as in the original. Localisation means making the document or software acceptable, appropriate and usable in another country. For example, currency, weights, measures and dimensions, along with acceptable and relatable expressions.

12. What is ‘Transcreation’?

Transcreation (translation + creation) seeks to not only provide a translation that reflects the original document in its tone, impact and cultural sensitivity, but also the emotional bond between consumer and brand.

13. How can we be sure about the suitability of a translator for our project?

Our translators have a passion for languages, a dedication to the art of translation and real-world experience in business and commerce. Finding, recruiting, screening and training qualified translators is the most important exercise we conduct. As a minimum, all translators must:

  • Only translate into their mother tongue
  • Have a degree level qualification
  • Have a postgraduate translation qualification
  • Have a minimum of 5 years’ translating experience

14. Will the same translator(s) be used consistently for our work?

We aim to use the same team of translators for repeat client work. Even without the same translator, we can ensure consistency of style and terminology due to our translation memory software and client-specific glossaries.

15. Who will manage the project?

You will deal with the same project manager throughout the translation process. We can then establish a link with your sales, marketing and technical staff to ensure fluid two-way communication.

16. How do you ensure that client confidentiality is preserved?

Anglia is accredited to ISO 9001:2015. As such, we are bound by their confidentiality stipulations. Our translators are also bound by the individual confidentiality contracts that we draw up with them. We are also happy to sign NDAs and Confidentiality Agreements if required.

17. What file formats are acceptable?

Microsoft Word is the preferred format. However, we can accept Excel, PowerPoint, pdf’s, jpeg’s, InDesign, Quark or other publishing files.

18. Will file formatting be retained?

Our policy is to return your document in the same format as it is received. If the text is complex, with tables, charts, boxes or other features, we may levy additional charges to cover the time spent in correctly formatting the document.