Faq - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How much does a translation cost ?

The cost of a translation varies depending on the language, the type of text and the timescales. The standard unit of measurement is per source word. We only count by "cartella" when the text for translation is in a non-editable format (scan, PDF, etc.).

2. What is a cartella ?

A cartella is a unit of measurement used for translation services. A cartella is 1375 characters including spaces (in practice this is one page of 25 lines with 55 characters per line).

3. How long will my translation take to do?

Translation times vary depending on the language and the complexity of the text. A professional translator can translate on average 2200 words per day, or 10 “cartellas”. For specific requirements such as typesetting, timescales will be slightly longer.

4. Do you provide editing/proofreading services ?

Editing is the proofreading of a translation done by another linguist; if the quality is mediocre, we have to look at the original text and, if necessary, retranslate certain passages to improve comprehension. Depending on the time required for the correction process, your project will be priced accordingly, at between 50 and 70% of the translation rate.

5. How much do interpretation services cost ?

To estimate the costs of an interpreting project we need to understand the type of services required by the client, taking into account factors such as: the environment in which the interpreter will work, the number of languages, speakers and participants involved and the technology required.

6. How are quotes and offers processed ?

You can request a quote by fax, email or by completing the online quote request form. For a faster response, we recommend that you attach the file to be translated. An official offer is then drawn up by our marketing manager who will send you a comprehensive quote detailing the costs, timescales and service delivery methods. Only once we have received your approval in the form of the stamped and signed quote will our project managers give the go ahead on your project.

7. What happens if additions or corrections are made following the delivery of the translated document ?

Stylistic and grammatical corrections will be taken care of by TDR Translation Company, while changes or additions requested after delivery of the translated text will be subject to an additional fee. Any draft corrections with a layout different to the format sent by TDR Translation Company will also be subject to an additional fee.

8. Can you guarantee that the content of my documents will not be divulged to third parties ?

The code of ethics, applicable to translation and interpreting companies which are members of Federlingue, sets out the obligation for both the provider and the translator to ensure confidentiality.
Every document received by TDR Translation Company will remain entirely private and confidential. All TDR Translation Company linguists sign a confidentiality agreement and are bound by professional secrecy.
As a further guarantee to clients, TDR Translation Company is willing to sign a specific non-disclosure agreement to ensure discretion.

9. What type of professional translators are used ?

TDR Translation Company uses only professional, native-speaker translators specialising in specific industry sectors. Our translators are selected in line with the UNI EN 15038: 2006 standard and our clients can access the same translators for multiple projects, in order to ensure uniformity of style and terminology.

10. How can you guarantee the accuracy of my translated text ?

TDR Translation Company offers a free quality control service. In fact, before delivery, your translation will be reviewed by a second translator who will vouch for its quality. An additional fee may apply for the revision service in some languages.

11. What is assisted translation (CAT) ?

Computer Aided Translation is a type of translation which involves the use of software tools developed to optimise the translation process. Computer Aided Translation allows the translator to store and reuse parts of text (segments), with significant savings in time, efficiency and cost. The use of CAT tools ensures control over terminology and stylistic consistency between translated texts in the case of updates and, more generally, across all of the texts for a given client, creating a dedicated global memory.

12. Do you use automatic or machine translation ?

We have consciously decided not to use Machine Translation. We believe in the value of the translation profession and we know that high quality cannot be achieved by using a machine to replace the human mind.

13. How does a multilingual project work ?

TDR Translation Company can translate your documents (for example brochures, press releases, websites, etc.) into multiple languages. Our Project Manager will liaise between the client, the team of translators and the reviewers, taking overall responsibility for the project as a whole. Finally, he or she will ensure uniformity of style, terminology and quality in order to adapt your message to the culture of the destination country.