Resources and Information About Translation Services

Fasttranslator is pleased to provide resources and information about translation services to help our clients make informed decisions. We invite you to view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to learn more about our services.

Here, you will find information about how to request a quote, translation pricing and turnaround times. You will also find information about various areas of expertise, such as medical, technical, legal and financial translations.

If you have an urgent question or request for a quote, please feel free to send us an email. One of our Project Managers will email you a free quote within the hour. We pride ourselves on being available for free client consultation anytime.

You can also call us directly on business days from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Your Project Manager will swiftly answer all your questions about our language translation services.

• Translation Discount for Charities

  Our company is one of the leading language services providers to charities, associations, and educational institutions around the world. We have the required expertise and a dedication to excellence that will help your organisation communicate. We have earned the trust of the world’s most highly respected charities by consistently providing accurate translations—in over 150 languages. In addition, we offer a 25% discount on regular translation rates.

• Eligible Organisations

  A not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation in the United Kingdom must be recognised by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and The Charity Commission to be considered a charity. Outside the United Kingdom, organisations must be qualified or registered as a public charity under the relevant local country’s laws (and, where applicable, hold a tax-exempt certificate), or if no such local laws exist, then organisations must be the equivalent of a UK public charity. Eligible organisations must also operate on a not-for-profit basis and have a mission to benefit the local community that could include, but is not limited to, Providing relief to the poor, advancing education, and preserving culture or the environment.

• Nondiscrimination Policy

  Organisations that engage in discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training or services, termination, promotion, and/or retirement based on race, colour, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, union membership, or veteran status other than as allowed by law are not eligible to participate in this program.

• Appropriate identification

  An organisation must prove its tax-exempt status with current tax documents from its country of residence.

• Editing Existing Translations

  Yes, our translation service is happy to proofread and correct your texts. We look for spelling and grammar mistakes. We can also compare the translated texts to the originals to verify their accuracy.

• What Is a CAT Tool?

  A CAT tool (computer-aided or computer-assisted translation) is software that translators use.

  A CAT tool comprises a number of subsystems. Its core is the translation memory (or translation memory system, abbreviated TM or TMS). This translation memory stores previously translated individual translation units. Translation units consisting of segments of the source texts and their equivalent translations in the target language are stored during the translation process and later reused. Storing translation units ensures that translations are consistent and that the same terms are used within a text.

  The source text is divided into segments (such as phrases or headings) by the CAT tool and the individual segments are displayed for the translator in the editing function. The translator writes the translation in the appropriate segment next to or under the source text. Thus, translation units are created and stored in the TM. The CAT tool suggests translations that have already been made and stored during the translation process.

  This saves time for terminology research and enables the translator to work faster and use terminology consistently throughout the translation. CAT tools can prepare and segment the translation in a wide variety of file formats such as Microsoft Word, Excel PowerPoint, Open Office and also XML.

  We work with SDL Trados Studio and Kilgray MemoQ to ensure that you receive the best quality possible. If you have questions about our CAT tools, do not hesitate to call us!

• What Is a Terminology Database?

  Terminology is the special vocabulary used by professionals in different fields. Each professional field uses its own set of terminology. A company may also have its own professional terminology associated with its products and other aspects of its operations.

  A term is a word or phrase used to describe a concept from a professional field. A terminology database is a collection of those terms.

• Terminology Management

  A terminology database is also called a terminology management system. Databases are created for storing and management of terminology for the purpose of consistent use of the terms and an efficient translation process.

  Terminology databases allow translators to reuse previously translated terms, which saves time and ensures consistency of terminology across translations provided for a particular client. Our experienced project managers and terminologists use SDL MultiTerm.

  Want more information? Contact our project managers to find out how we can provide a terminology database for your translations.

• What Is a TM?

  TM stands for translation memory. A source text and its corresponding translation are stored as language pairs, or translation units, in a database at Fasttranslator.com.

  Translation units are saved in the TM and used again during the translation process. When using a TM, the texts of future translations can be compared with the content already in the TM.

  Then, while translating, the translator sees suggestions of identical or similar translated text segments. The system categorises the relevancy of the translation units stored by assigning them a percentage showing how identical or similar they are to the text segment to be translated. A 100% match is an identical segment.

  Fuzzy matches are similar but not identical segments. The translator can accept the identical segments and work on the similar segments. These sometimes require only a little bit of work.

  Translation memories create consistency and save time & money

  The use of a TM ensures consistency of terminology throughout the text since the same translation of terms is used throughout. Reusing terminology also saves time and can, therefore, reduce the costs of your translations.

  At Fasttranslator.com, our translation memories are set up by language pairs (English-Spanish, German-French, etc.) We also have client-specific TMs set up for individual clients. That way, we can ensure consistency in your translations and guarantee you the highest quality possible.

  Creating a translation memory ensures that your translations are consistent and can be created efficiently in terms of time and cost. Although the translation memory remains our property, you will still have access to it for your future translation needs.

  TM systems are databases that save translations of not only specific terms but also text segments, such as paragraphs, full sentences, and clauses. They are mostly used for technical text translations, including DTP, as well as website and software localisation.

  Our translation service efficiently uses the latest translation memory systems, which is how we guarantee that your future translations will be consistent and cost-efficient. Using TM systems reduces work time, which subsequently lowers the translation price. If the document contains many repeated words, we will give you a discount.

  Our terminologists are routinely trained to professionally create, analyse, and maintain translation memories.

• What is an apostille?

  An apostille authenticates the signature of the certified or sworn translator. We can arrange an apostille for your translation at an additional cost and a slightly longer delivery time.

  An apostille is sufficient for legal acceptance of the translation, and apostilles can be issued in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch. They look like a label with a seal and signature from the court.

  The apostille is recognised by countries that are members of the Apostille Treaty (The Hague Convention of October 5th 1961). Countries are continuously being added to this treaty. You can see a recent list here.

  Do you need an apostille?

  We are happy to provide you with an apostille if you need to use your translation outside of the United Kingdom.

  If your translation is needed in the United Kingdom, having your document notarised is more common. See our page about notarisation.

  Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about certifications, notarisations, and apostilles.

• Translation vs. Localization

  Generally speaking, localisation refers to converting a text to meet the local circumstances. For example, it often isn’t enough to simply translate a contract. The translation also has to be checked against the local laws and regulations. This type of work generally requires a legal expert.

  Localisation also involves adjusting sizes and weights from feet and inches to centimetres and meters. In translation, localisation means translating a text and making it suitable for use in a different country.

  Software translations are a good example of this. The process involves more than simply translating the text strings; it involves adjusting the layout, help programs, program codes, graphics and units, etc.

  Translation focuses on the words, grammar, and tone of voice within the content, whether it’s a document translation or just a phrase from one language into another.

  Localisation, on the other hand, is when the linguist goes one step further than a direct translation and starts to consider other factors that will influence the target audience, such as style, colour, and imagery. One of the most requested forms of localisation is website localisation or website translation.

• Our Translators Will Notify You

  Other things that need to be considered are slogan translations, where suggestive wording might be too subtle or even cause major offence. Our in-country, native-speaking translators will suggest alternative wording, phrasing, or use of images and slogans when the original will not work in the target language. Let us help you avoid costly mistakes!

• What is notarisation?

  Notarisation is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document’s signature can be trusted. It’s performed by a Notary Public, and it provides the assurance by a duly appointed and impartial Notary Public that a document’s signature is genuine and that its signer acted without duress or intimidation with the intention that the terms of the document will be in full force and effect.

  The central value of notarisation lies in the Notary’s impartial screening of a signer for identity, willingness, and awareness. This screening detects and deters document fraud and helps protect the personal rights and property of private citizens from forgers, identity thieves, and exploiters of the vulnerable. Every day, the process of notarisation prevents countless forged, coerced, and incompetent signings that would otherwise overwhelm our court system and dissolve the network of trust that allows our civil society to function.

  When it comes to a translation, the notarisation is proof that the translation was provided by a professional translation service like ours. Your project manager visits a notary public in person to have his or her signature on the translation notarised.

  Certain organisations may require that your translation be notarised. This is especially likely if the document is to be presented to a government agency.

• Difference Between Interpreting and Translation

  The terms “translating” and “interpreting” are frequently used synonymously. Yet, they refer to two very different professional language services.

  The providers of translation services are called translators. They provide translations of documents from one language into another. Such texts can be contracts, operating instructions, transcripts, and CVs, among other documents. This type of work is always done in writing.

• Interpreting Services

  Interpreters, on the other hand, convey the meaning of a conversation from one language to another orally, not in writing. Interpreters interpret at meetings, court hearings, medical appointments, negotiations, seminars, conferences, wedding ceremonies, depositions, and notary appointments, to mention just a few settings. Interpreting is required whenever two parties who don’t speak a common language wish to speak with one another.

  There are different types of interpreting. Simultaneous interpreting is used for conferences and seminars. The simultaneous interpreter sits in a booth and, through sound equipment, provides interpretation without interruption while the speaker of the source language is speaking.

  Sometimes, the speaker stops every couple of sentences and allows the interpreter to interpret into the target language during the silence. This is called consecutive interpreting. Both types of interpreting require a high degree of concentration.

• Fasttranslator provides both translators and interpreters

  Often, a translator will work as an interpreter and vice versa, but when making a request for a quote, you should always state whether you need a translator or interpreter so that we can give you a quote for the correct service.

• DTP/Foreign Language Typesetting

  After translating layout files like brochures, handbooks, magazines, catalogues, or packaging, the new foreign language text might no longer fit into the layout file or DTP (desktop publishing) typesetting. In this case, the text must be reformatted.

  This can be even more complex with translations written in different characters, such as Arabic or Russian. For successful DTP typesetting, technical knowledge is as important as high linguistic proficiency.

  Our translation service is your professional partner for DTP documents! We have the necessary technical expertise, as well as the latest technology and programs, along with our qualified team of translators, DTP specialists, and language technologists.

  Our services include text conversion, image processing, and the integration of foreign language typesetting into different file formats such as FrameMaker, InDesign, HTML, XML, etc.

• What is Language Engineering

  Language engineering guarantees you fast and smooth project development. It can save you time in the translation process while also lowering your costs.

  What is language engineering? It refers to the technical preparation of complex files for the translation process. We provide you with excellent, all-inclusive language engineering services.

  Before the translation, each document is carefully checked to avoid technical risks and to determine the exact cost. We will also format your documents for translation memory systems.

  Our terminology managers will also ensure that the approach is consistent throughout your translated documents. Our language engineers are experts in dealing with complex formats such as InDesign, Adobe FrameMaker, XML/HTML, PDF, and Excel.

• Which File Formats Are Available?

  We can work with all file formats. Our InstaQuote technology allows you to upload documents in over 40 different formats.