Translation and Interpretation FAQ

You should choose depending on your circumstances. If your project concerns a single language and subject and you have the time and ability to manage the project, a relationship with an individual might be the right solution. Working with an individual translator will be more economical, and will better ensure consistency if you have other projects of a similar nature, especially if the individual has and uses a translation memory tool and/or builds personalized glossaries for his/her clients.

On the other hand, if your project has many documents, if you need to have one or more documents translated into several languages, or if you want someone to manage the project for you, a translation and/or interpretation company might be the better bet. In addition to managing multilingual projects and offering editing, proofreading and desktop publishing, these companies often provide other services such as software and Web site localization, terminology management, or simultaneous interpreting equipment rental.

 To ensure that you are dealing with a competent professional, look for indicators such as certification by the American Translators Associations, years of experience, formal education in translation, and field of specialization. Court interpreters can be certified at the federal level and at the state level, for certain languages.

The American Translators Association offers a guide to buying translation services and a guide to buying interpreting services. They are found here: https://www.atanet.org/client-assistance/getting-it-right/

Rates vary depending upon the type of service offered. Interpreters charge by the hour or sometimes by the day. Rates are usually higher for conference and simultaneous interpreting. The total price may include reimbursement of travel, parking and other expenses. Inquire in each case.

Text length and complexity are the determining factors for translation charges. In the U.S. translators usually charge by the word. Services such as extensive formatting, desktop publishing or editing usually incur additional charges, sometimes at hourly or flat rates. For an accurate comparison, request a total dollar estimate, and make sure the services offered are the same (translation, editing, proofreading, by one or several linguists). Individuals and translation and/or interpretation companies are usually willing to provide free estimates.

In the United States, a certified translation consists of a statement signed by the translator and notarized by a Notary Public, attesting that the translator believes the translation to be accurate and complete. This should be attached to the original document and translation. Sometimes this statement is called a “Certificate of Accuracy.”

ALL Correspondence and Membership Dues (checks payable to DVTA) should be sent to: PO Box 932, Bensalem, PA 19020