Translations

How long does it take to make a translation?

The generally accepted standard is approximately six standard pages, i.e. 10,800 characters including spaces, per translator per day. In the case of large and express orders, the work will be divided among several translators. The entire process must be meticulously co-ordinated. It is obvious that the deadline depends on the type of the text and on the currently available capacity of our office. Each case is handled individually and deadlines are set in such a way that the delivery date is met while ensuring the best quality possible. Please, do not hesitate to contact us via telephone, e-mail, or fax to agree upon a delivery date for your translation.

When we had something translated last time, the translator came up with an expression that didn't make much sense. Are there any guarantees that such a thing will not happen again?

SPARK translators and interpreters are graduates of the Department of Translation Studies of the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague. Therefore, they are professional translators and interpreters with the necessary training, skills and experience. Our translators work as a well-synchronised team. Moreover, our translators co-operate with clients as closely as possible, consulting specific terms or ambiguities, if any, with the author or client. That way, there are no disparities between the original and the translation arising from the misinterpretation of the original.

What is also specific for SPARK is double proofreading: besides the translator who translated the text, the translation is always checked by his or her colleagues. When translating a text into foreign languages, we work with qualified native speakers.

What if I need a certified translation?

For official purposes, a stamp of a sworn interpreter can be affixed to a translation. Pursuant to Czech Act No. 36/1967 Coll. on Experts and Interpreters, sworn interpreters are appointed through the regional courts by the Minister of Justice. In general, any document can be translated and certified - a sworn interpreter attests the correctness of a translation as compared to the original, not the authenticity of the original document. The client should provide us with the original or a notarised copy of the document which needs to be translated. Further information can be provided upon request.

How do you calculate the price of a translation?

The price is calculated based on the length of the original, i.e. based on the number of standard pages. One standard page is 1,800 characters including spaces. Most text editors calculate characters automatically.

In case of non-standard services such as a translation delivered to the client within 24 hours, more than eight pages per day, transcription of audio or video records, overnight work, work during weekends and national holidays and if the originals are of poor print quality, additional charges are added to the basic rate. A fee is charged for translations certified by a sworn interpreter. We will be happy to provide you with a detailed price list upon request.

Specific terms and conditions are negotiated individually according to the type of order. The agreed price per unit (i.e. a standard page) is final.

In what form should we deliver the original to your office? What can a client do to enhance the quality of the final product?

The best way is to supply the original in an electronic form (e-mail, floppy disk, CD-ROM). In many cases, this will speed up the translation process - it is time-consuming to do graphic layout on the basis of printed original, or to re-type various numbers and codes. Nevertheless, a hard copy of the original may also be provided (by fax, mail, messenger, or in person).

When placing your order, you will be asked for a telephone number and e-mail address - either yours or that of a contact person we can contact to clarify any issues relating to your order. Occasionally, we are unable to decode internal abbreviations or terms specific for a given company; however, these need to be translated too. Efficient communication with clients is the key factor for a successful translation.

SPARK has a pool of its own consultants; however, in the case of highly technical documents, a contact with an expert established by the client helps us improve the quality of the translation even further.

What is the procedure for translating large-scale documents?

Quite often it is necessary to make a large translation in a short period of time which would not be feasible for a single translator. Based on our experience, we are able to ensure the consistency and top quality of even such demanding texts. Upon careful consideration, a long document with a short deadline can be divided among several translators. Nevertheless, such projects are subject to very strict and precise management.

The work is then carried out in co-operation with the client based on consultations and meetings with experts. Changes and alterations are continuously incorporated into the text, glossaries (i.e. mini-dictionaries focusing on particular areas) are prepared, etc. The entire process culminates with multiple and thorough check-ups of the final version of the text. Specific procedures are always adjusted to the individual requirements of the client.

Interpreting

What kind of interpreting is the most suitable for a planned event?

In general, there are two kinds of interpreting: consecutive, in which an interpreter interprets the words of the speaker in segments just after he or she says them, and simultaneous, in which an interpreter uses interpreting equipment and talks at the same time with the speaker. Both kinds of interpreting have their advantages and disadvantages.

How does consecutive interpreting work?

Consecutive interpreting is suitable for various business meetings or similar appointments. The exact arrangement can be adjusted to the client's needs. Sometimes, the client prefers only one-way interpreting (he or she understands a foreign language, but is not able to express himself or herself properly). The disadvantage of consecutive interpreting is the fact that the duration of the meeting is prolonged (by about three quarters). On the other hand, the negotiating parties have more time to think over the discussed issues.

How does simultaneous interpreting work?

Simultaneous interpreting is suitable for conferences, seminars, presentations, etc. Its advantage is that communication is performed simultaneously in both languages. For simultaneous interpreting equipment must be installed (booths, headsets for listeners, etc.), which is either provided by the client, or it is ordered along with the interpreters. Further information regarding technical equipment can be provided upon request.

There are always at least two interpreters for one language in a booth, taking turns. The presence of two interpreters is absolutely necessary in order to ensure the quality of their work.

It is also possible to order various language combinations - e.g. the combination of Czech, English and Russian. In that case, two interpreter's booths are required: English (English, Czech) and Russian (Russian, Czech). If the original speech is delivered in Czech, each of the booths interprets into the relevant foreign language. If the original speech is in Russian, the English booth interprets through the so-called relay of the Russian booth (i.e. the interpreters listen to the Russian booth's interpretation into Czech, and then interpret their rendering into English). In some cases, direct interpreting between two foreign languages other than Czech can be ordered without relay.

What needs to be done to ensure that interpreting runs smoothly?

Similarly to translations, a contact person representing the client should be appointed for interpreting orders.

The interpreter prepares himself or herself for all events very thoroughly. Due to the fact that each event is unique and each client is somewhat specific, the success of the event can be ensured only if the interpreter receives relevant materials in advance (such as the company's annual report, the agenda of the meeting, documents pertaining to the product which is going to be discussed, etc.) In some cases, face-to-face consultations with a client or an event organiser might be useful.

At conferences, prior to the simultaneous interpreting, the client should provide SPARK with all available speeches or papers that will be presented at the conference, or the agenda of the event. An adequate interpreting of read texts and video records cannot be ensured unless the interpreters receive all materials in advance.

It is also important to provide a good working environment for the interpreter (good sound system, direct view into the conference room or to a screen, fresh air free of cigarette smoke, mineral water, etc.).

How is the interpreter's fee calculated?

The price of interpreting is calculated according to the type of interpreting (consecutive or simultaneous) and according to its duration. The duration of an interpreter's workday is eight hours including all breaks and interruptions. Four hours are considered half a day. Therefore, for interpreting lasting up to four hours we will charge our half-day rate, and for interpreting lasting between four to eight hours the full-day rate. Overtime work (i.e. over eight hours) is charged for each hour started. Extras are charged also for work during weekends and holidays and for direct interpreting between two foreign languages without relay (e.g. direct interpreting between Russian and English).

When interpreting outside of Prague, travel expenses and accommodation are covered by the client.

Interpreting is subject to the Copyright Act. The recording and usage of the interpreter's work must be agreed upon in advance. The use and dissemination of the recording, with the exception of immediate listening, must be agreed upon with the interpreter.

Other Services

What is editing and how much does it cost?

SPARK offers editing and corrections of both translated and original texts (also stylistic and grammatical improvements of Czech texts intended for publication). To be able to edit the document, we always need the original. The price of editing and corrections is based on the amount of modifications and further requirements of the client.