Many people who need an interpreter or translator are not familiar with how the language industry works. We get asked some questions fairly often. To help you better understand the services we offer at Language Network and the process of obtaining an interpreter or translation, we have compiled some frequently asked questions below.
Why do I need professional language services?
When you need to communicate with someone in a different language, either verbally or through written word, you need to be sure your interpreter or translator is reliable and capable of handling the job. Some situations, such as high-profile scenarios, may require the unbiased help of a third party that professional language services provide. Professional services ensure that your language needs are met as efficiently as possible with the highest quality possible.
Many of the clients we encounter come from these types of industries:
- Education
- Insurance
- Legal
- Government
- Healthcare
- Business
However, we are not limited to these industries. Please contact us if you want to know whether our services will work for you.
What does your process look like?
Our processes differ for scheduling interpreters and translating forms. For our interpreting process, clients request an interpreter with us either by calling in or through email. We will gather the necessary information and find the interpreter that best meets your need. If the request is for an in-person interpretation, we will find a fitting interpreter nearest to you and schedule them to come to the site when you need them. If you need an interpreter to speak over-the-phone, you can call in and we will connect you with an interpreter right away.
If you need a document translated, send us the piece that needs to be translated via either email or our online request a quote form, along with the language needed. We will process it and get the word count, with repeating words taken into account. After it is processed, we will give you a price for the translation. If you decide that you would like to go through with the request, we will send the piece to a translator. Once the translation is completed, it will be checked by a second translator for quality assurance. If revisions need to be made, the piece will be passed back and it will go through the checking process again. We will then provide you with the final translated copy via email (unless you request it to be sent to you a different way).
How far in advance do I need to request a translation or interpretation?
The amount of time it takes to fulfill a request depends on a few things:
- the availability of the language requested
- the length of the translation
- the location of the interpretation
Short on time? We try our best to fill last-minute requests with at least a 24 hour notice. Thankfully, we have over 2,000 interpreters and translators available to fill these requests!
How much do you charge?
We customize prices for each individual request. Our interpretation rates are dependent on the language required, the time needed, and occasionally the location. For on-site interpreting, our rates are factored per hour with a two hour minimum. On-site may also require an additional cost for mileage if the available interpreter has to travel a far distance. In legal, court, or conference situations, interpretations must be for either a half day [0-3 hrs] or full day [3-6 hrs] and are priced accordingly. For over-the-phone interpreting, we charge by the minute.
Our translation rates are based on word count and the language needed, taking into account words that are repeated or that we already have in our word bank.
To get a quote please fill out our online form or email us at staff@languagenetworkusa.com.
The method of payment depends on the size of the job. For quick projects, you can order online, and we will accept credit card payment. For larger projects, we only accept payment through checks or ACH. Please contact us for further payment questions.
How do I know you'll do a quality job?
We only use trained linguists who are often native speakers to ensure quality translations and interpretations. Our translations also go through a proofreading process between at least two translators to make sure the message is conveyed accurately. If your request involves sensitive information, you can rest assured that our interpreters sign a Confidentiality Agreement and an Interpreter Code of Ethics. Our professional translation services also comply with HIPAA and the Joint Commission. All sensitive information within an interpretation or translation will be handled with extreme care.
We certify all of our translations, guaranteeing that they are accurate and complete. Certification of interpreters is only applicable in relation to state and federal courts and medical situations in certain languages. Please contact us to learn more.
Language Network is a member of the American Translators Association (ATA), the Association of Language Companies (ALC), and the California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA). We have been providing language services for over 27 years, and we use trained translators and interpreters who have a minimum of 3 years experience.
What languages do you provide?
We have over 200 languages available, including Armenian, Chinese, French, Spanish, Tagalog, and many more. We are always expanding our list of languages, so if you don't see the one you need, it's worth a try to contact us and ask about it. All of our translators and interpreters are are trained as professional linguists and fluent in their offered languages, guaranteeing they have an understanding of the cultural contexts of the languages which they provide. You are able to ask for a specific gender when you request an interpreter, as well as a specific dialect. We strive to meet your language needs as completely as possible.
Language Network has offices in Santa Barbara, Riverside, San Francisco, Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles. Our 2,000+ translators and interpreters, however, range from Eureka, California down to San Diego, allowing us to provide services across the state.
I have more questions! Who do I contact?
You can reach one of our friendly staff by emailing us at info@languagenetworkusa.com or filling out the online form on our Contact Page. We look forward to working with you!