Frequently asked questions
What languages and dialects can you provide?
I mainly translate from German into English, and work with Irish (Gaelic) on request. I specialise in British English, Hiberno-English, standard German, Austrian German, standard Irish and Ulster Irish.
I have a professional network of translators to meet any other language requirements you may have. For common language pairs especially, I will be able to source a translator for you quickly at no extra cost.
Which file formats do you handle?
I can handle virtually any file format. I also have Adobe Creative Suite and can work with InDesign and other Adobe files. For editing, I can make changes directly in your Adobe document, PowerPoint, or via the ‘Track Changes’ function in Word. I also work with Google Docs, meaning you can see changes in real time.
Do you use translation software, and which do you use?
Yes and no. Certain projects, such as the transcreation of brief texts or single sentences do not require the use of any software.
For other files, particularly longer documents or repetitive texts, it makes sense to use a translation tool. Currently, I use SDL Trados 2021, which is the industry standard. It is compatible with virtually all file types. My software supports most formats from .doc to .pdf. This allows you to send your digital glossary and translation memory my way for any tricky terminology, ensuring the quality and consistency of translations.
How do you price your projects?
Each product is as unique as you are and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pricing. Sometimes it makes sense to charge an hourly rate, other times different pricing models are more appropriate. Get in touch and I’ll get back to you asap with a quote tailored to your needs.
Can you certify my translation?
Certified/sworn translations vary from country to country. In the UK and the Republic of Ireland, translation is largely an unregulated profession and there are no official state bodies to certify translations. If you require a legal or official translation for use in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the Republic of Ireland, try to opt for a translator who is a member of a recognised professional body such as the Irish Translators’ and Interpreters’ Association or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
Why should I hire a native English speaker?
Most professional translators will agree that translating into a language other than your own is unprofessional, no matter how impressive your language skills in the target language are. That is why I translate from German into English only, my native language. I work exclusively with professional colleagues who translate into their native language.
What is transcreation and why do we need it?
Transcreation = translation + creation. It essentially refers to the translation of any marketing material, be it digital or a traditional flyer, a slogan or a website. The transcreator acts like a copywriter and intermediary between languages and cultures.
Transcreation means getting the message across as intended rather than a simple exchange of words. It involves getting down to the nitty gritty of the message and adapting it for a new language and culture. Marketing translation involves emotion and persuasion. It has very little to do with replacing one word for another. The translation doesn’t need to be merely accurate; it must wow your target audience and tell a story. And most importantly, it must sell.
I know someone who is bilingual. Can’t they do the translation? Why do I need to hire a professional translator, anyway?
The answer to this question is not unlike above (“Why should I hire a native English speaker?”). As mentioned previously, translation isn’t an exchange of words, but rather meaning and cultures. It is an art, if you will, and it requires years of practice.
Only a true professional dedicated to their craft with longstanding experience and engagement in continued professional development including courses, keeping abreast with ever-changing terminology, or attending industry events, can give you the quality product you deserve.
And what about machine translation? Why should I pay for translation when I can get it for free?
The same applies here. A machine cannot experience emotion or perceive a cultural faux pas. It only knows algorithms and data. While that may be adequate for a gist translation, it’s not suitable for a translation for publication. Likewise, machine translation cannot possibly understand clever puns or similar techniques used in marketing, literature or other kinds of creative translation.