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YOUR TRANSLATION

Ordering a translation

1/ Please first get in touch to discuss your requirements: the languages and topics involved and your required delivery date.  I will need to know:

  • language combination – either French, Spanish or Portuguese into English

    • in the case of other languages, I may be able to refer you to a colleague qualified in the required subject matter and language combination, or see ITI's "Find a Translator" database

  • is the entire text required, or only certain parts?

  • what is the intended purpose of the translation (information, filing, litigation etc.)

  • I will need to see the whole text before giving a quotation and delivery date. If the document to be translated contains personal data, please contact me to arrange secure delivery.  Please do not send an unencrypted document containing personal data via email.

2/ I will provide a quote and delivery time

3/ If you decide to go ahead, please provide your project reference or PO number, and the following information:

  • do you have any standard terms, style or formatting requirements?

  • can you provide any reference material, for example previous similar translations, relevant journal articles, websites, etc?

  • in the case of patent texts, if possible please provide the drawings, application number and applicant name for reference purposes.

  • are there any other particular requirements?

The translation process

1/ Research. This may involve reading around the subject, consulting background material, and in the case of patents, looking at prior art and the applicant’s website, where available. If the document for translation is a PCT application, a term list may be compiled from the published dual-language abstracts.

2/ Translation. This will normally involve using computer-assisted translation environment software to ensure consistency within the document and with previous related projects, if any. Appropriate dictionaries and reference materials will be consulted. You will be contacted at this stage if there are any queries that require clarification – for example missing text.

3/ Checking. The translated text is carefully checked against the source document on paper and amended as necessary. Translator’s notes are prepared if appropriate, to point out errors or ambiguities in the text such as typographical errors or unusual expressions.

4/ Revision by a second qualified translator. A “second pair of eyes” may be arranged for an additional fee, if your organisation will not be revising the translation yourselves.

5/ Return of the translation in the requested format by the stated delivery date.

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