Translation FAQs

How long does it take to translate a document?    

The time required to translate a document depends on the length of your text. As a reasonable rule of thumb, our skilled translators can translate around 2,000-2,500 words per day, but this depends on the complexity of your requirements. 

Need something translated quicker than this?

At LanguageLine Solutions, we can accommodate urgent requests. These are facilitated by our fantastic pool of qualified translators and our world class Project Management team. Please contact us on 0800 169 2879 so we can talk you through this process. 

Can I have a quote without providing the document to be translated?

Yes. You just need to provide us with the language combinations and an idea of the word count. Please contact us on 0800 169 2879 to find out more.

How do you safeguard quality and accuracy of the output?

As one of the world’s leading language support providers, LanguageLine Solutions has robust quality assurance procedures in place. This includes industry accreditations such as the ISO 9001 quality management standard, ISO 17100 for translation services and ISO 27001 for Information Security Management. Furthermore, we also use native linguists with deep knowledge and experience of the subject matter to provide you with an additional layer of quality control.

What languages can you translate to and from?    

At LanguageLine Solutions, we can translate any type of content quickly and accurately from and into more than 240 languages in any possible combination.

How much does a translation cost?   

The cost for a translation is worked out on a price-per-word basis and the final price will depend on numerous factors. Details like the number of words to be translated, the source and target languages, and the level of specialisation in the subject field are just some of the aspects that will influence the final price for translation. We always provide a quote for each job so that our clients are fully aware of any costs before proceeding.

Why do you have minimum charges?

As we are ISO certified, our quality processes are stringent and must apply to all projects, irrespective of size. Our standard charges are per word and small word count projects still require certain minimum levels of input in terms of time and quality process. Therefore, very small word count projects would be unviable unless a minimum charge was applied.

Can you demonstrate experience in the field?       

LanguageLine Solutions has experience across multiple sectors and industries. You can find some evidence of this on our website by navigating through to the industries section, and by looking at our testimonials. 

What kind of details do I need to provide in order to receive an accurate quotation?

First of all, you will need to tell us the language pair. This is the language in which the document is written (source language), and the language in which it needs to be translated (target language). Next, you will need to provide us with the source document. Without the source document in its entirety, it is close to impossible to provide an accurate quote. To estimate the price, it’s best that we receive this in an editable file, such as a Word document. If you need the output file to be provided in a different format to the source file, then please tell us. Finally, you’ll need to tell us a due date for the project. This is because the urgency of the project will inevitably impact on the final quotation.

Will I get a dedicated team of translators/proofreaders?  

At LanguageLine Solutions, we will pre-select a group of professional linguists with relevant sector experience to complete the translation and proofreading for your project. Consistency and accuracy will also be enhanced through the use of client-specific Translation Memory and agreed reference materials, such as style-guides and glossaries.

Why do you need an editable file?     

Our professional translators work with specialised translation software, which requires editable files to function efficiently. Unfortunately, PDF files are usually not editable. We can convert PDF files into Word format, but the result will have severe limitations because the formatting and pagination will no longer match that of the source file. We can prepare a PDF file and create a ‘new’ original, but the time and cost of the project will increase. The easiest option is to access the original file that the document was created from. This is often in InDesign or Word. If the document contains images with text, we also need to be able to access these.

What does DTP mean?   

Desktop publishing (DTP) is the creation of documents using graphic design software and the typesetting of translated material. This is often used for output such as leaflets, posters, manuals and websites. It produces a high quality, fully translated version of the source material.

What does TM mean?     

Translation Memory (TM) is a database that stores segments of your text that have previously been translated and cross-references these against new content in order to improve the human translation process. The process ensures consistency across multiple projects, and offers three key benefits to our customers: increased quality, reduced cost and reduced project time. The TM database grows over time, so the higher the volume of projects, the greater the cost savings that can be achieved. This is not to be confused with Machine Translation.

What is the difference between translation only and translation and proofreading?

Translation is the translation of the document by one professional translator. By contrast, translation and proofreading involves an independent linguist proofreading the translated output to check for accuracy, style and tone. As a result, translation and proofreading guarantees top quality translations. 

Why do you proofread with a second translator?

LanguageLine Solutions uses a second, independent proofreader to check the quality, style, tone and accuracy of a translation. The second native speaker will have expert knowledge of the subject matter and will embark on a complete word for word comparison of the source text to the translated text. This is essential for any documentation that will be published or distributed.

What is a rush translation?

A rush translation is defined by the volume of content and the required speed of the delivery. Typically, a rush translation would be a large quantity of work required within a short timescale – for example 12 or 24 hours. Work such as this may require multiple translators and will therefore often involve higher costs.

Do you use Machine Translation?

We do use machine translation as well as hybrid forms of it, in combination with post-editing. Our experienced language engineering and project management team will provide advice considering the nature of the files, the particular sector, the requested timelines and the specific language combinations, should this be required.

Can you also have the translated document certified, notarised or apostilled?

Yes, we can prepare your translation with nearly any legalisation process you might need. However, it is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities about which legalisation requirements should be issued and let us know. 

Can anybody use your services?        

Absolutely. At LanguageLine Solutions we can provide language services to any organisation (private or public), to charities, and to any member of the public.