FAQs

How do I submit a text for translation?

You can send us a request from our website or an email telling us what you need, although the best way is to attach the documentation that you need to be translated so that we can assess the work involved. If you prefer, call us and we can discuss it. We will be delighted to talk with you!

The more information you give us, the better we will be able to organise and do our work: the intended audience of a text, aspects we should take into account, the deadline, whether you already have specific terminology or other reference materials, etc.

What languages do you translate?

We translate into and from Arabic, Basque, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, Galician, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Serbian, Slovenian, Swedish and Turkish. If you need translations into other languages, just ask us. If we are unable to help you, we will try to put your in contact with one of our trusted partners who can assist you.

How do you work out the price; will you tell me the price before I decide to order a job?

Of course. Although there are various ways of working out the price of a translation, the most commonly used is to charge a rate by word. However, there are many circumstances that can influence the cost of a project: the format of the original document, the complexity of the subject matter, the deadline we are given, the ancillary services to the translation that are requested, etc. Therefore, as a general rule we will provide you with a quote for every job based on its characteristics.

In what format should I send the text to be translated?

Ideally, in an editable format. Should you not have access to the original document in an editable format, we will deliver the translation in the format that best suits the client.

How long do you need to do a translation?

This is probably one of the most frequent questions we are asked, but the answer is different in every case. It will depend on the language combinations you ask us for, the complexity of your text, its length and format, amongst other factors. The best thing to do is you to tell us when you need the translation at the time you order a job. We do everything in our power to meet your deadlines, otherwise we will let you know that this not possible when you order a job. Do not leave it for the last minute: our work could play a crucial role in your projects, so it’s worth not leaving anything to chance.

What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation in Spain is done by an official translator appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The translation, which must always be accompanied by a photocopy of the original document translated, comes with a certificate at the end with the translator’s details and signature that certifies that the translation is faithful to the original.

Do you work with native translators?

Of course. The translator responsible for your translation will not only be a native speaker, but will also be an experienced, qualified translator as called for in our profession and, if the subject matter so requires, she or he will be a specialist in the field.

In the world of professional translation, translators only translate into their mother tongue. However, this is no guarantee of success. It is also necessary to have a command of certain techniques, a broad cultural background, and good reading and writing skills. In our case, we are proud to work with top translators who have been with us for many years, and who merit our full trust and that of our clients.

If you work with different translators, how can you ensure consistency?

What we try to do is to assign the same translators to the same clients, so that they become familiar with the way they work, which makes for greater efficiency in the long run. In addition, when we start to work with a new client we create a specific translation memory for that client or project. This means that if we have to use another translator or reviewer, they will always be working with the same databases. The collaboration of our clients is key to the success of this task.

Do you have a quality certificate that endorses your services?

At INTERGLOSSA we hold the UNE-EN ISO 17100 certification, an international quality standard specifically for the translation sector. This standard sets a number of requirements that endorse translation quality: the professional skills of translators and reviewers, as well the pre-production, production and post-production processes, which cover all of the steps that we should follow in managing the translation of any text, no matter how short it is. Having this standard endorses the quality of our work.

We are also an active member of the Spanish Association of Translation and Interpretation Companies (ANETI), whose purpose is to promote the quality of language services in Spain.

Do you provide an automatic translation service that undergoes revision and post-editing?

Yes, provided you are aware what this type of translation entails. A revised automatic translation is done with advanced translation software and then undergoes revision, whose purpose to pick up on any major inconsistencies so that the final text reads well and smoothly. This is obviously a quicker, cheaper process than a human translation. However, it should be made clear that not every type of text is suitable for this type of translation. For instance, if you want to translate an internal memo this type of translation may be a good option. However, if the text to be translated is for marketing purposes, in which a business’ reputation is at stake, or a court judgement or a complex legal document, the best option is a translation that follows the ISO 17100 quality processes, that is, translated and reviewed by native speakers.

Under no circumstances do we recommend an unrevised automatic translation.

Can I do anything to contribute to the quality of the final outcome?

Of course! There are a number of things you can do that will help us a great deal and that contribute to better quality translations.

• When you are drafting documentation that needs translating, remember that the translation will also require time. Bear in mind how long it took you to write your texts, choose the right words, etc., and you will realise that we also need time to think about and choose the words best suited to the idea you want to put across. Do not give us tight deadlines and make us work against the clock, because sooner or later that will be reflected in the quality of the final text.
• Give us information about your text: who is the target audience, what your ultimate intention is, what is important to highlight, etc.
• If you have parallel texts or similar documents on the subject matter in the target language, do not hesitate to make them available to us. This will be of great help to us!
• It is important that we are able to contact you should we have any queries. During the translation and revision process, it is not unusual that difficulties arise. So there is nothing better than asking the author to clear them up!
• Finally, please give us your feedback! It is important to us to know whether we struck the right note or whether we have to make changes in the future. If at all possible, do not correct our texts without letting us know. If you have decided to entrust a translation to experts, stick with them to the end!