What is the difference between translating and interpreting?

While translating is the written transmission of a text from a language into another language, interpreting is the oral transmission of what is said from one language into another. Interpreting requires a high degree of concentration from the interpreter in order to be able to understand what has been said and almost simultaneously reproduce it correspondingly. A translator is not automatically at the same time also an interpreter, but the two professional areas require a separate, independent training from the language expert. There are several types of interpreting services and thus, we differentiate between consecutive, simultaneous, liaison, court, sign language and whisper interpreting.

Which interpreting techniques are the best option for our event?

If you are planning a larger event and the presentations or speeches need to be held in two or more languages, we advise you to opt for an interpreting booth. For smaller events and in smaller rooms with only a small number of participants needing the translation service (or in case of problems with space), you may alternatively also use a tour-guide system. In this case, however, it is important to consider a few crucial aspects to render a good communication possible. This scenario comprises that other participants sitting close to the interpreters, will also be able to hear the interpreters. Therefore, you should make sure that the interpreters will not sit directly behind or close to other participants who want to listen to the original language. It is important that the interpreters sit somewhere in the room where they can hear and also see the speaker well and see eventually presented slights on the overhead. Furthermore, we would advise you to use microphones or loudspeakers for the speaker so that the interpreters have the chance to hear the speech via headsets and not only via the room tone. Otherwise this could possibly have a negative impact on the quality of the interpreting service.

What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting and when should we opt for a simultaneous or a consecutive interpretation service?

In the case of simultaneous interpreting the reproduction in the target language takes place simultaneously with the speech in the source language. This type of interpreting service requires always also technical interpreting equipment. Normally, the interpreters work in a team in a booth. Since simultaneous interpreting requires a high degree of concentration and tends to be very strenuous, interpreters must always work in a team of two in order to take turns every 20-25 minutes. Working in a team is crucial also because the colleague who yet is not translating can support the working colleague by writing down numbers, names and facts. Thus, it so important to always respect these working conditions. Simultaneous interpretation services are offered for conferences with more speeches and speakers (in different languages) and for more participants. The consecutive interpretation service is rather offered for short events and presentations with only one speaker where the translation is needed for the entire or almost the entire audience or also for political events and speeches.

How long does it take us to deliver a translation?

As a mean value you can assume a maximum of 2000 words per day – depending on the availability of the translator and the format of the source text. For large orders, we normally work in a team so to be able to respect important deadlines of our clients. Here the coordination and the cooperation of the translators is crucial for the quality of the final result. Since we are used to work together in close contact, provide mutual advice to each other and exchange information and at the end give the text to one translator of our team for the final revision, we are able to deliver exactly what you need and request from us.

How are the translated files or documents delivered?

Normally the translations are send to you via email in the requested format. Certified translations can be picked at our offices or send to you by mail (registered letter, EMS).

How can you send us your texts?

The easiest way to send us your texts is via E-Mail. Larger files can also be uploaded on a FTP server where we can then download them. If you do not have your own FTP server, you may use the online services free of charge like yousendit or dropbox. Of course, you can send us your text also via mail or via Fax or bring your documents personally to our office or deposit them at the reception desk in the Priora Business Centre. Please consider that the texts which are delivered in an edible format (like word, excel, power point) can be processed easier and faster than texts in pdf-format.

Is my confidential information absolutely safe if I decide to work with Quality Translation?

Yes, translators, interpreters and translation agencies are subject to the terms of non-disclosure. If the client wishes so, we can also additionally sign a respective confidentiality agreement.

How long do I have to wait for an offer?

If your request reaches us on a working day, you will normally receive our offer on the very same day. If, however, it should take a bit longer once, we will inform you in advance. A binding offer for translation services is only possible if we receive the text and can have a look at it.

• If you need an offer for interpreting services, please send us as much information as possible concerning the planned event (in particular information as regards the topic, place, date, time schedule, language combinations, number of participants).

Which advantages can the team of Quality Translation offer us?

If you decide to work with Quality Translation, then you are in direct contact with the experts who know exactly which aspects need to be taken into consideration in order to make your event a success. We can offer you first-hand experience and with us you pay only for our professional services and save high and unnecessary agency fees. There is also a personal contact between our team and our client which on the long run always pays and makes the cooperation very comfortable and easy going.

Which qualification do the translators and interpreters of Quality Translation dispose of?

All translators and interpreters of our network are well-trained and highly-qualified experts with a university degree in conference interpreting and at least 5 years of working experience. They work on the basis of the DIN-Norm EN ISO 17100 in the area of translating and the norm DIN 2347 for interpreting services. The EN ISO 17100 comprises amongst other things the following essential aspects:

• High qualification of translators and proof-readers