Frequently Asked Questions

In what languages do you provide translation services?

Language 411 offers specialized translation service in more than 160 languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Russian, German, Portuguese, Farsi, Korean, Thai, Dari, Lao, Punjabi, Cambodian, and Serbian. Our helpful service coordinators can find a qualified translator for almost any language.



What is the difference between translation and interpretation?

Translation is the written word. Interpretation is the spoken word.



How much does translation cost?

Translation rates are based on the language you are requesting translation into, your source document’s word count, its language complexity, document formatting, project deadline, and the total time required to complete your job. Your translation will involve two translators – one to do the initial translation from the source language to the target language, and a second translator to edit and review the first document for accuracy and fidelity. In this way, we can ensure a translation of the highest professional quality. To obtain an exact price quote for your translation project, please send us your document in a Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF file format. We will also need to know the delivery date it’s required and the language(s) into which you would like the document translated.



What do I need to do to get started on my translation project?

We can process your quote and complete the translation most efficiently when we have a digital copy (for example: Microsoft Word, PDF) uploaded or emailed to us. We will need to know the language(s) into which you would like your document translated, if you need any design work in addition to translation, and the delivery date for your project. One of our helpful service coordinators will be assigned to personally oversee the process from the initial quote to completion of your project.



What qualifications do your translators possess?

All of our translators have been assessed for their language skills in both the source and target languages, translation skills, knowledge of terms and concepts, and demonstrated understanding of the ethics of translation. Where appropriate, we use ATA (American Translators Association) certified translators who must pass a rigorous exam and meet continuing education requirements.



How do I know I am getting a quality translation?

All Language 411 translators have been thoroughly screened, tested and certified for quality assurance. In addition, your translation will involve two translators — one to do the initial translation from the source language to the target language, and a second translator to edit and review the translation for accuracy and fidelity. In this way, we can ensure a translation of the highest professional quality.



What is a certified ATA certified translator?

A translator who is ATA certified (American Translators Association) has successfully passed a certification exam in a language pair (i.e., one specific source language and one specific target language), and met educational and ethics requirements. The eligibility requirements to take the exam are high. The ATA exam is currently available from Arabic, Croatian, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish into English and from English into Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.



I have other questions. Whom should I contact?

For all other inquiries, please email us. One of our friendly service coordinators will be available to assist.