Costs behind translation rates

With the increased costs of living mentioned practically everyday in the News at the moment, we thought it would be beneficial to our clients to explain how we set our translation fees. We thought this would be a useful exercise, to also help our clients, who are getting translations carried out on behalf of their clients, have a useful resource for explaining fees.

So what are the factors that can affect the translation fee?

The translation fee will depend on how long the document is, what format it’s in, which languages are involved, how specialised the copy is and a whole bunch of other factors.
Let us break this down.

Length/volume

Length is a major factor in the cost of translation services. The longer a document is, the longer it will take to translate, so the more it will cost. That said, there’s also potential to negotiate a discount when it comes to large and bulk translation projects, so it’s always worth asking about this when you’re getting quotes for translation rates.

Rarity of the language pair

The next biggest factor to influence translation prices is the languages that you need. The language services industry is subject to the pricing pressures of supply and demand, just as other sectors are. In simple terms, the more qualified linguists there are for a language, the more translators there are, so the lower the cost will be.

Expertise

Technical texts require a certain level of expertise on the translator’s part in the subject matter of the text. A legal contract for example, will need a translator with legal experience, whilst a medical report will call for a translator with medical expertise. As such, translator qualifications are a major factor in the cost of the translation.

Urgent translations

If you need a translation at short notice, that can also drive up the price. Urgent translations mean that translators will have to rearrange other work they’re doing to prioritise yours. They may have to work outside of their usual working hours to complete the job on time. As such, translation rates for urgent translations tend to be higher.

Purpose of use

The use of the translated copy also plays a role in translation costs. There are various reasons behind this. Marketing copy, for example, may require special formatting and desktop publishing skills – or perhaps even transcreation (this is used for copywriting when the content isn’t translated word for word, but adapted creatively for the target market). Specialist skill requirements will raise the professional translation service price.
For translation documents that are going to be used in legal settings (courts or immigration applications, for example), sworn translation might be a requirement.
This would add to the translation fee, as it requires specialist input from additional individuals.
The use of a translation may require us to undertake additional steps as well – additional quality checks, for example. Any such steps that clients request will increase the translation rates that projects incur.

Cost of living

Even the location of the translator can impact their translation rate per word, and thus the overall cost of the job. This local element to pricing means that translators in countries where the cost of living is higher have to charge more than those where it’s lower.
While this might lead to a temptation to use translators based in other locations, it’s worth remembering the value of local knowledge. If you’re trying to enter into a new market, it’s the translators in that local market who stand the most chance of enabling you to connect with local people. Using translators elsewhere can mean your copy is out of touch with local expressions, terminology and popular culture references.

The added-value of using a translation agency

A translation company like Dixon Associates provides added value on top of the translation work being undertaken, which may affect the translation pricing. Of course, these additional elements also deliver extra value, which is why so many clients opt to use translation agencies to meet their language-related needs.
Below are a few examples of the added extras that agencies like Dixon Associates deliver as part of their work, impacting the average price for translation services that they charge. We’ve also included some ways in which using a translation agency may be able to save you money on your translation rates as well.

Project management and maintenance

Having the agency act as the bridge between you and a dozen language professionals is one of the many perks that businesses get when they use a translation company. Project managers and other team members provide a comprehensive (one-stop) service that delivers oversight of the project from start to finish. This is invaluable for large-scale projects and those that involve multiple linguists and other professionals (developers, desktop publisher, etc.).
Furthermore, maintaining translation glossaries for prolonged collaborations is a part of translation agencies’ remit. This means that, for your future translations, the agency will have a bank of terminology specific to your business. This can deliver outstanding consistency across your documents, as well as speeding up future work.

Translation tools

Translation memory tools can also speed up the process and enhance the quality of your translations ensuring consistency across the board.

Quality assurance

Staff such as project managers and customer service personnel are all part of the outstanding customer experience when you use a translation agency like Dixon Associates. They work together with translators to ensure the quality of your experience from a language perspective and a management perspective. Membership of translation quality organisations such as the Association of Translation Companies and the Institute of Linguists ensure stringent regulations are observed in the translation of your documents, offering peace of mind to each and every client.

Build up of long-term relationships

In business, long-term relationships can sometimes result in preferential pricing. As such, it’s time to think strategically about building up a long-term relationship with a translation company. Getting a quote for a job that incorporates 20 documents might generate a discount, for example, but feeding documents piecemeal to the agency is unlikely to do so. Thinking strategically about your translation needs and forging ahead with a partnership mindset could therefore pay dividends when it comes to the translation rates per word that you’re quoted.
If there’s still more that you would like to know, feel free to get in touch with us by email info@dixon-associates.co.uk or visit our website at www.dixon-associates.co.uk or call us on 01952 288230. We would love to hear from you.

BRIDGING THE DISTANCE – WORLD CUP 2022

The long-awaited 2022 World Cup in Qatar has just begun with 32 national teams taking part, in the hope of taking the much-coveted Cup home.

Of the 23 total official languages represented at the World Cup, 7 of them are spoken in multiple countries. English is the most common language, being listed as an official language of 9 countries competing. The next most common language is French, followed by Spanish, Arabic, German, Dutch and Portuguese.

With so many different languages represented, the event is expected to have coverage for everyone to be able to follow the games, speeches and commentaries. However, the BBC has recently come under fire for not providing an interpreter for the opening speech, which marks the beginning of the 4 week-long tournament.

In a world where communication is key, one would expect the BBC, the UK national broadcaster of one of the most-viewed competitions in the world, to be able to source an interpreter for those who do not speak or understand Arabic, the main language of Qatar. As the fifth most spoken language, it would not be too difficult to source a qualified interpreter to assist in understanding His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in kicking off the World Cup.

Thanks to his words being translated on a video screen inside the stadium, below is an extract of what was said:

“How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time. Finally, we have reached the opening day, the day you have been eagerly waiting for. We will follow, and with us the whole world, God willing, the great football festival, in this spacious ambience for human and civilized communication. People of different races, nationalities, faiths and orientations will gather here in Qatar, and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments.

The opening ceremony was meant to introduce Qatar to the world through its culture with a theme of “bridging distances.” It is a shame that the BBC did not plan ahead, especially for one of the most controversial World Cups in history, to include those fans viewing at home, by providing an interpreter to bridge just one of these distances.

How translation agencies are helping refugees from Ukraine

By now, several million people have fled Ukraine. In the UK, the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa is open for applications for the family members of Ukrainians already settled in the country, with thousands of refugees expected to apply.

But visa applications require certified translations of documents such as birth and marriage certificates. Many refugees not fluent in English rely on interpreting to communicate with UK authorities. Access to language support is a critical element in the UK’s response to the escalating crisis.

A language support task force

UK-based translation, interpreting and language service associations and organisations have formed a language support task force to respond to the rapidly developing need for Ukrainian into English language support in the UK.

The task force consists of Charity Translators, CIOL, ITI, NRPSI, the AIIC UK & Ireland and the ATC.

Free of Charge – Ukrainian-English Translation Templates for Official Documents

The UK’s Ukraine Language Support Task Force has produced model document translations from Ukrainian into English for key Ukrainian official documents:

• Birth Certificate (in two versions: late Soviet-era and more recent)
• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Certificate

The Ukrainian model has the language code UK in the file name, and the English model the language code EN.

Both the UK and EN models have blank spaces _____ for personal details.

About the template translations

The templates have been made available through Task Force partner Charity Translators, and may be downloaded and used free of charge from www.charitytranslators.org/LinksforUkraine#Templates. Further templates will be added in due course, for the most commonly needed document types.

Rules and regulations for producing certified translations are different in each country, and local conventions should be followed in producing translations of official documents for the authorities.

About certified translations in the UK

Under normal circumstances, visa applications and other official purposes require a certified translation of the original document.

A certified translation includes a photocopy of the original document, a translation of the original document, and a certificate stating that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document. The certificate is signed by the professionally qualified translator or a representative of a translation company, and it may carry the stamp of a professional trade association.

In the UK, there is no system of state-authorised or sworn translators, or legislation for certifying translations. Different UK authorities may have different requirements on how a certified translation is submitted.

General instructions from the UK Government for certifying an original document (if needed), and certifying a translation of a document, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document.

If you need a certified translation in any language produced by a professional, please contact us at info@dixon-associates.co.uk

5 Christmas Dinners From Around The World

Working in our particular industry, we often find ourselves coming across various cultural differences and we truly deem this to be a great perk in our job. There is nothing more fascinating than seeing how different countries approach or mark a certain event.

As such a widely-celebrated holiday, Christmas is a huge part of the year and is marked by different countries in numerous ways. Arguably, one of the best parts of the season is the Christmas dinner so let’s take a look at what a few other countries eat on the big day.

1. Germany

German Christmas markets have become extremely popular in this country over the past 20 or so years, so we do have some idea of what foods are enjoyed. Gingerbread houses – or Pfefferkuchenhaus – set the perfect festive scene, complete with candies, sweets and icing sugar snow. And for the main dinner itself, tables are often lined with roast goose, carp, pork or duck. And for sides, you may see roast potatoes, red cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts.

2. France

In France, Christmas dinner is taken to the next level as, in the form of the Réveillon, it is eaten over a more prolonged period of time on Christmas Eve or after the midnight church service. Dishes within the Réveillon can include roast turkey or goose with chestnuts, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and, of course, plenty of different cheeses.

3. Norway

Turning to something a little bit different, in Norway, you may find a whole sheep’s head to be the dish of choice. Although an alternative option for those slightly less adventurous types is a rack of lamb ribs slow-cooked over a fire of birch branches. And for dessert? Multekrem – a dish which contains cloudberries and sugary whipped cream.

4. Japan

Let’s talk Christmas cake. Unlike our version, which is a dried fruit cake covered in icing, Japan serves something which is much more like how you would picture a traditional cake – a white sponge with cream and strawberries.

5. Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, real time and care is taken in preparation for dinner. A suckling pig is gently roasted over an outdoor spitfire. It requires constant supervision, keeping the pig rotated to ensure an even-cook all over. This process traditionally starts in the very early hours of Christmas morning. 

Whatever you choose to eat this season, however you plan to celebrate, here at Dixon Associates we would like to take the opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

What Is A Translation Certificate & Do I Need One?

When it comes to translating important documents, it is essential that this is carried out by a professionally qualified linguist. Without this, the validity of the translation may be called into question.

But how can you assure professional bodies that your translated document is both accurate and above board? After all, this assurance is just as important as the translation itself. That’s where we come in.

At Dixon Associates, we have decades of experience that you can rely on and our team is always on hand, ready to help you every step of the way. We go the extra mile; whether it is a technical or legal translation you are after, we have qualified, expert translators ready to help you. And once it is complete, we will provide you with a certification to accompany the final document. 

More than a statement, a translation certificate is an assurance and proof that your translation is an accurate representation of the original text, whether it be a passport, academic qualification, marriage certificate or a DBS check. It also ensures that your translation was carried out by a qualified translator and to the best of their ability, which is crucial. Without this certificate, your document may not be accepted by certain governmental bodies.

In order to ensure your translation ticks all the boxes, all our certificates bear the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) seal, as well as the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) stamp, both of which are recognised as the quality benchmark in the translation industry. 

And the cherry on top of the cake? All of our translation certificates are included within the quote we provide, so you can rest assured that there are no hidden charges.

To find out more about our translation certificates, or to discuss your requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Professional In-House Linguists Available To Translate Your Business Documents

Online communication can be complex but it does not have to be. The internet allows us to communicate with anyone in the world and websites and digital communication provide a fantastic opportunity for any business, serious about exporting. When selling abroad, your website should, at the least, be translated into the language of your target market. 

Technology has transformed and is transforming the world of translations, but you cannot rely on the internet to translate for you. Ensure you use a qualified translator and expert linguist to get the right message across.

Our linguists understand the complexities of written language

Dixon Associates has in-house linguists who will review and accurately translate your text for you. We have over 50 years of experience when it comes to translating and interpreting and we pride ourselves on delivering the best service to our clients.

All of our linguists are degree level qualified and ITI accredited. And they are ready to help you today!

When working on a project, we will pair you with one of our expert linguists. Your dedicated partner will continue to work with you and will develop an understanding of your business in respect of all of your projects. They will be on-hand to help when you need them and will become a key partner in the operation of your business. This will allow for quicker translations and will provide you with peace of mind that the translation is completed to the highest standard.

If you require a linguist to translate important business and sales documents, contact us today and we will be happy to help.

The Rising Costs of Cheap Translation and Interpreting Using Unqualified Linguists

A trial at a London court recently collapsed after an unqualified interpreter mistakenly gave the wrong evidence.

A Romanian defendant giving evidence at Snaresbrook Crown Court said the claimant had “beaten them” but the interpreter translated this as “bitten”.

The mistake came to light once the prosecution questioned the defendant. The judge then ordered a retrial.

The Defence solicitor said the interpreter told the court she realised she had made a mistake but had kept quiet about it. When the prosecution cross-examined the defendant, towards the end of the four-day trial for burglary, they asked for evidence of the defendant being bitten. The defendant then said they had been “beaten”.

Mr Sharma said it was inexcusable that a re-trial had to take place as not only had the victim had to recover from the experience, but they then had to go through the alleged incident for a third time, having already given evidence at the trial.

The retrial cost around £25,000.

What is the true cost of a correct and accurate translation or interpretation?

The answer is that this is “incalculable”.

In many instances a court would favour the appointment of an interpreter if the defendant or legal counsel asks for one or appears to not understand what is being said and if English is not their first language.

Sometimes, we know that courts try to avert the use of interpreters to avoid delays, speed up proceedings and save costs, taking the “let us see how we get on” approach without one. But can this approach be justified in the long-term? Naturally, what the court does not wish to happen is that at the end of the trial or hearing, the defendant states that they did not understand what was happening and there is an adjournment or retrial or appeal.

In a hearing at a Crown Court in London recently, upon the request of the defense counsel to appoint an interpreter on behalf of his client, the judge asked whether the defendant really needed one, adding that “using interpreters when it is not necessary gives the impression that people are hiding behind them and is a bad use of public money”. Surely costs of a retrial due to initially cutting corners and using unqualified and experienced interpreters is a “bad use of public money”. The perception of an interpreter and someone who does not have English as their first language needs to be changed. This distrust and prejudice of non-English speakers is extended to the interpreter is some cases whereby the court believes that interpreters exercise a certain level of control over the person assisted and they can therefore substantially influence the outcome of a case. This may be the case when inexperienced interpreters are used. However, using the services of an accredited agency such as Dixon Associates, means this would not happen and has never happened with one of our qualified and experienced linguists. The rules governing the profession mandate that interpreters remain passive actors and unobtrusive figures, limiting themselves to interpreting word by word, from one language to another. The Codes of Conduct of the ITI, ATC and IOL of which we are members, reveal that an interpreter “shall interpret truly and faithfully what is uttered, without adding, omitting or changing anything”.

Unqualified and inexperienced interpreters are most definitely an obstacle in the court room. Using qualified and experienced interpreters however, provide valuable linguistic, cultural and legal expertise. Avoid delays, additional costs and complications, by choosing one of our linguists here at Dixon Associates.

Please call us on +44 (0)1902 312988 for further details in this respect or email us.

Being Understood – A Foreign Language Should be no Barrier to Justice

A Polish client, of one of our solicitor client firms, had been the victim of an RTA. The defendant had attempted to imply that it was the claimant”s fault, assuming her lack of knowledge of the English language would result in her not being able to defend herself. However,  the claimant, through the assistance of an interpreter, was able to explain the full facts of the incident, such that, the defendant had been texting on the phone and subsequently crashed into her car and was in fact driving without due care and attention.

A statement was prepared in Polish and English which the claimant signed and which was disputed by the defendant as being the truth.

The matter went to court. The interpreter did not have to attend the trial, but was able connect via the Court CVP system and interpreted remotely, live into the court room.

The case was successful and the claimant won her claim for personal injuries, compensation and costs.

This would not have been possible had she not been able to give a full account of what happened on the day, in her native language, duly and accurately translated firstly in writing and then verbally in the court room, on the day.

This is a regular occurrence for Dixon Associates, whereby we are asked to translate or interpret for non-English speaking clients in court in cases such as RTAs, accidents at work, breaches of contracts of employment, etc.

Please call us on +44 (0)1902 312988 for further details in this respect or email us.

Use an accredited translator for passports & legal documents

There may be several reasons why you would need to translate your passport and other official documents. If you are travelling to a different country where your personal documents require translating, our translation experts can help. We can translate legal documents such as:

• Citizen forms
• Visas
• Passport forms (approved by the Passport Office)
• Criminal records
• DBS checks
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Wills

Dixon Associates are official members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) which ensures that your document translation is in safe hands. We have been providing translation services for over 50 years and we are authorised to stamp and certify official legal documents. We can also offer a 24 hour turnaround time in most cases.

As part of our translation service you will receive a scanned copy of your document sent directly to you via email, as well as a hard copy which will be securely sent to you in the post.

Our qualified, in-house translators are on hand to translate any language. We have a range of native translators who can assist you throughout the process and who will ensure that your documents are certified.

All of our legal translations are handled with strict confidentiality and will include a letter of certification signed and stamped. We can quickly, efficiently, and accurately complete your translation providing you with peace of mind.

If you have a legal document that requires an authorised translation, please contact us today or call 01902 312 988.