Translation can be defined as the process of converting a written text from one language into another.
Document translation services by certified translators allow proper communication among people who cannot understand, read or write in the source language. Once translated the translated document also called as the target text should render the perfect meaning as was intended in the un-translated version or the original text also called as the source text.
Professional translation from one language to another is not about finding equivalent words and translating the whole document word by word. The translated text should use appropriate terminology in the target language and take into consideration the cultural perceptions of the target reader. The translator should always aim at finding right words which match the main context in which the word was originally used in the source text. It is also possible that there is no equivalent word in the target language which exactly matches the meaning of the word in original text. Further the structure and grammar rules of languages differ widely and the resulting word to word translation might not make any sense at all.
A translation agency provides translation services by professional translators. Professional translators are experienced in the art of translating a document written in the source language into the target language. Besides the content in the source text, a translator also translates the ideas and the information contained in it. The main aim of a translator’s translation should be to link people of two different groups who might belong to different cultures and read different languages. He should act as a communication bridge between the two groups and should be able to communicate the ideas from one group to another in writing that is clear, accurate and culturally relevant.
Professional translators who provide translation services or are part of a translation agency should have good understanding of the subject matter of source text. They should have sufficient knowledge of the terminology, definitions and vocabulary used in the source document or a scientific document that requires professional technical translation. The translator should understand the intentions of the author and should be capable of conveying the intended messages and ideas in the translated target text. Before translating the translator should read the source document to fully understand the messages and meaning of the source text. When translating the document they should use the right style that matches with the target readers preferences and styles.
Professional translators are often native speakers who are expected to have strong knowledge of the target language and a very good understanding of both the source and target cultures. Translation agencies that provide professional translation services often have separate teams for translation experts, proof readers, editors and project managers. In addition to translation services some translation companies also provide Simultaneous Interpreting and a wide range of other Interpreting services. While a translator translates written texts from a source language into target language, an interpreter translates oral speech or sign language from the source language into the target language.
A translator should be an expert in the vocabulary, grammar and construction of both the source and target languages. A translator must also be a skilled and experience writer. A translator should always keep in mind the target readers abilities and should respect the culture and educational levels of the target reader. Though the field of professional translation consists of numerous bodies that provide certifications, however there is no single body whose certification is sought by all certified translators.
Looking for an experienced translation company to handle your next translation project? We can help! Find out more about our premier services by calling us at +44 (0)20 3940 3255. You can also email us at info@universallanguagesolutions.co.uk. To get an estimate for our services, please complete our free quote form to get an instant quote.
It may be a small world but communicating effectively in a global market place is a big challenge.
Universal Language Solutions is the company of choice for some of the world’s best-known brands who trust us to meet their translation and interpreting needs.
Combining the latest technology with the skill of our professional linguists, we offer a complete range of cost effective translation services in over 140 different languages, with the capacity to turn work around quickly to meet your deadline.
One thing that needs no translation is quality. Our experienced translators and interpreters take the utmost care to provide reliable, bespoke translations so you can be safe in the knowledge that what we deliver is accurate and meaningful.
How do you charge for translations? +
We charge a “per word” rate. The rate per word depends on the language combination, complexity of the subject matter and the turnaround time you require.
How do I count the words in my document? +
Doing a word count can be tricky, especially if your document contains pictures with embedded text or you have a PDF. The easiest way to get a word count is to send us all of your documents and let us do the word count for you. We have advanced OCR (Optical Character Recognition) programs that can do word counts on any document or image and in any language, including Asian and Middle Eastern languages. Alternatively, if you’re working from a Word for Windows document that contains only text, Microsoft Word 2007 shows the word count in the lower left-hand side of the application.
How long will it take to translate my document? +
We endeavour always to meet our client deadlines. For very large projects we will assign as many translators as required to ensure the deadline is met.
What method should I use to send my documents, and how do you send them back? +
The best way to send the document(s) is to email us a copy of your document, or to upload it using our free quotation form. Alternatively you can send your document by fax or a photocopy by post. We are able to receive both PC and Mac formats, although our staff and administrators mostly use PC-based systems. We can send you your completed translations in any format and by any method you require.
Why an online translation service? +
Quite simply to save you time and money! Who has the time nowadays to carry documents up and down the UK for a translation? It is obviously much more comfortable to upload a document or email it as an attachment without leaving your home or office.
Can I deliver/collect the documents in person? +
We offer online translation services, but on rare occasions where a document is extremely urgent some clients do come in person to collect their material. However, it is much more practical to deliver documents using our website or by email, or post, where these options are viable.
How much do I have to pay extra for the translation to be posted to my address? +
The answer is short: Nothing at all. The cost of sending the translation by First Class Royal Mail is included in the price of service. In special cases, for a £15 surcharge we can use the Royal Mail Special Delivery service, whereby the delivery is guaranteed on the next working day after posting.
Who performs the translation? +
We use our in-house translators who specialise in western European languages. For any other combinations we have a team of high quality, certified, freelance translators with impeccable credentials and extensive experience. They are responsive, talented, trustworthy and 100% committed professionals with whom we have built and established a solid working relationship over time.
How do you ensure your translations are accurate? +
All Universal Language Solutions Ltd translations are accurate. We have designed our quality control system to allow each team member to perform their functions in real time, supporting each other’s specialised functions, checking each other’s work, sharing terminology databases and research. Continuous process improvements are built in. Our project management system adapts to the needs of any project, bringing in different and complementary skill sets as required.
How do you enforce confidentiality? +
We recognise that legal translations require absolute confidentiality. Every team member who handles your document signs (1) an in-house corporate non-disclosure agreement, and (2) a project-by-project confidentiality agreement. Our project management system allows us to control exactly who has access to your documents, and levels of access are adjusted according to the role of the authorised team member.
Is a more expensive translation necessarily a better one? +
In this industry, as in many others, it is usually true that you get what you pay for. When hiring a reputable company (like Universal Language Solutions Ltd) for a translation project, you are paying for their extensive resources and experience. If you care about the quality of your project, you should care about the quality of the translation. A poorly-executed translation will do more than just confuse its intended recipients, it might also destroy your professional reputation.
Sworn or certified translations? +
Yes. Universal In the UK, the sworn translation is purely theoretical whereas it is typically the principal term used overseas for official translations. The UK equivalent is simply referred to as a ‘Certified Translation’ and this is what the main UK authorities and institutions will require as part of an application.
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