GOOD TO KNOW
When you ASK US TO CARRY OUT A TRANSLATION, we require, as far as possible, the following information:
- FROM WHICH LANGUAGE INTO WHICH LANGUAGE? It is particularly important for us to know which target language you want, such as British or American English, Portuguese for Portugal or Brazil, Dutch for the Netherlands or Belgium since there can be quite substantial differences between them. For further information, see We offer
- WHO IS THE ENDUSER? It is good to know more about the target group, such as whether the text is for the general public, a specialist, somebody who just needs to know what the text is about, a child or a youth, etc. Is the text to be used in Sweden, or another country? Answering these questions helps us adapt the translation to its target group.
- LAYOUT? Should the translator keep the same layout? In such case, remember that different languages take up different space. Translating in Power Point, for example, can give problems in cases where too little space has been given to accommodate the target language. Swedish generally takes up significantly less space than continental languages.
- ELECTRONIC TEXTS. We generally receive texts electronically, though it does happen that we get them in paper format (via snail mail or fax). As far as possible, please deliver the texts electronically. Please also remember that some Adobe-files have been scanned and are interpreted as a picture, and can therefore not be transformed to text format. Most translators charge extra in case they cannot "write over" the source text.
- REFERENCE MATERIALS. If you have previous translations, please send them as well, so that we can retain the style. The same goes for glossaries or any references to websites which can help the translator with specialised words.
- REASONABLE DELIVERY TIME. Remember that translating is a craft, and that the translator is not a machine haphazardly producing translations. There are many unfortunate examples of machine translated manuals! We deal with people, with long and solid experience, so please try and give them reasonable time to do the job, to avoid surcharges. The more time, the better the quality!
- ASK, BUT DON'T CHANGE WITHOUT THE TRANSLATOR'S APPROVAL! Sometimes Swedes question how an English translator has expressed a text, changing it to what they think it should be, often with dire consequences. Remember - our translators are professionals! Although Swedes often believe they are excellent at English, they are unfortunately not always as good as they believe! Professional translators can of course make mistakes, but please check with us before making any changes.
Some customers send their translations for review in the target country. We are naturally very pleased about any feedback, but please note that some reviewers make incorrect changes, or even add grammatical mistakes because they do not have the same high level of education in linguistics. So once again, please remember that our translators are professionals! The best is to send the reviewed text back to us with comments, so we can let our translators have a look and respond back.
- SAME TERMS, SAME TRANSLATORS. We try to always use the same translator for supplementary or repeat assignments to ensure consistency in terminology and style. Please inform us if you would like to use the same translator, and the date of the last order.
- CONFIDENTIALITY. All translators have signed a confidentiality agreement, but please let us know in case of extra sensitive material so that we can take appropriate action, such as, for example, putting the papers away when leaving our desks for brief periods of time.
- CERTIFICATION, AUTHORIZATION OR APOSTILLE? Some documents, often in connection with weddings, immigration, emigration, certificates, etc, require an authorized translator. In Sweden, this may only be done for languages to or from Swedish, and no other language combinations are accepted. Furthermore, stamps will be required from a Notary Public as in the case of apostille. For further information, please see Rates. Please find out in advance from the authority requiring the translation exactly what they require.
Last but not least, if we are able to get all this information, we can guarantee a high quality result and a fantastic collaboration!
We look forward to working together with you.
Loole & Linda Hagberg
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