3ee0 Translation Services FAQ

Solving the mystery behind translation

1. What is the difference between "translation" and "interpreting"?
"Translation" refers to written work – a document may be translated into English, or vice versa. Using word processing software and terminology management tools, we translate directly over the English or foreign text, preserving the format of the original. "Interpreting" refers to oral communication and may be simultaneous or consecutive.

2. I asked my neighbor who speaks another language to translate for me; I didn't get good results. Why?
Your neighbor probably speaks one language better than the other. He/she may not have formally studied the language or have the technical background necessary to fully understand what is being translated. Finally and most importantly, this individual may lack experience… translation is a finely developed skill. Trained professionals should handle your translation task.

3. How do you price translation and interpreting services? Do you charge for quotations?
The industry standard in the U.S. is to price a translation document based on word count. We use a "per word" pricing structure that does not penalize the customer if one page is shorter than another. We usually charge on the "target language" – the language we are translating into.

On the other hand, we price interpreting jobs by the hour and usually quote a half-day or full day price. Travel and expenses must also be taken into consideration and are priced separately.

We never charge for quotations, but usually request to see the document you wish quoted.

4. What if my document is only a half a page?
FLS, Inc. has a minimum charge for every job. That's because we don't cut corners just because the job is small. We take the little jobs through the complete translation process, too. Please click on "Services – Technical Translation" to review this process.

5. It seems like translation takes too long. Why?
FLS stakes its reputation on accuracy and quality. Some things just can't be rushed, especially when you, the client, have a message to communicate about who you are, what you do, or what you sell. That said, we understand the urgency behind getting products to market – so we give you the most rapid turnaround possible without sacrificing quality.

6. How is FLS going to handle my document in an Asian language so that I can access it on my computer?
It's actually pretty easy! With up-to-date operating systems on PCs or Macs, most languages and fonts are readable in a word processing platform, such as MS Word. In addition, when we send you a translation, we also send a PDF, which can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If your document requires a desktop application, such as Quark Xpress or InDesign, our strategic partnerships with graphic specialists enable us to provide layouts in any foreign language. Our project managers will work with you to provide the format compatible with your system.

7. How can I get a birth certificate or other personal papers translated to use for legal purposes?
First, you must supply an original or certified copy of the original. We will return your translation with a certified statement that is notarized and recognized by any authority that processes your documentation. In order to guarantee accuracy and meet legal requirements, FLS will only certify a translation done by our company.

8. How much do you charge to do updates of a translation?
FLS is proud of our long-term relationships with our customers! When we update a document, we charge only for new translation and a minimal amount to edit. Our archives cover a minimum of two years and in many cases, longer. We use the many available translation tools to compare documents and can furnish our customers consistent updates quickly and at a reasonable cost.

9. Why pay an agency such as FLS to find my bilingual personnel? What can you do that I cannot do?
FLS has long-term relationships with many translators and interpreters across the country. We also know our local community quite well! We can often find the right individual without all the hassle of advertising. We then screen the individual prior to your interview. FLS, Inc. offers a benefit package and handles payroll. Often the need is short term, making it more convenient to use FLS as the placement agency.

If you have a question not answered here, please email FLS, Inc. or call us at 1-866-213-1371. We will be glad to provide additional information about technical translation and interpreting and the other services we offer.

 
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