Language Line® Document Translation Service

Question and Answers

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What is translation?

Translation is the transmittal of written text from one language into another. Although the terms translation and interpretation are often used interchangeably, by strict definition, translation refers to the written language, and interpretation to the spoken word.

Who are your translators?

Language Line Services' translators are highly skilled professionals, with advanced degrees in a wide range of disciplines. As a rule, the native speakers of the foreign language translated perform translations.

How do I know if my translation is good?

A good translation should clearly convey the meaning of the original text, read smoothly, and be free from spelling or grammatical errors. Naturally, if you are unable to have an independent professional translator examine both documents, you will not be able to check this.

That is why selecting a professional translation service is critical. Every completed transaction is quality checked by a proof reader or editor before delivery to the customer. If you are not completely satisfied with the result, there will be no charge.

Do you use any translation software?

No. Language Line Services does not use translation software. To make certain of the quality, professional human translators perform all translations.

What about confidentiality?

All Language Line Services translators are bound by confidentiality agreements. To increase confidentiality, customer information is removed from the text given to a translator whenever possible.

What are typical applications for Language Line® Document Translation Service?

Language Line Document Translation is ideal for documents covering a wide range of routine business needs:

General Business: Manuals, brochures, books, letters, e-mails, memoranda, surveys, personnel announcements, payroll records, education transcripts, magazine or newspaper articles, labels, standard forms, notices, signs, job descriptions, receipts, form letters, instructions, articles, menus, warranties;
Financial Services: Account information, credit histories and reports, financial statements, loan documents, contracts, mortgage papers, pension records, correspondence, financial applications;
Health Care: Hospital release forms, patient billing and instructions, medical and immunization records, informed consent forms, medical claims, patients' rights;
Insurance: Accident and medical reports, claims information and forms, receipts, statements, death certificates, release forms;
Law Enforcement: Police statements and reports, investigations, public records;
Court/Legal: Complaints, statement of charges, summons, documents, divorce papers, contracts, advice of rights;
Public Service/Government: Notices and public service announcements, voter information, forms, public signage;
Transportation: Security questionnaires and general passenger information and more.

What languages do you translate?

There are over 6,912 languages in the world. We monitor our language requests continuously, adding or deleting languages based on customer demands. Please contact us directly with your specific language requests.

How much does translation cost?

Please refer to our "Customer Charges" sheet for specific pricing information. In general, prices are lower for more commonly requested languages, since there are more translators available. Prices are generally higher for less requested languages as well as for languages that require special software to accommodate the characters.

Can I receive a cost estimate before I order the translation?

You can easily estimate the cost if you know what foreign language is involved, using the "Customer Charges" sheet.

If you need a more exact estimate, simply mark the "SEND QUOTE BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH TRANSLATION" box on the document translation order form. You will be contacted with a quote. Keep in mind, preparing a quote may delay your translation request.

How long will a translation take?

Language Line Services will do all it can to ensure a speedy turn-around time for your document. A short document translation of one or two pages will take less than two business days, on average. Length and difficulty of the original text, as well as method of transmission and delivery, will affect turnaround time of each project. Language Line Services is able to offer "EXPEDITED" translation at an additional cost.

What will my translated document look like?

Several options are available. Standard translations are delivered as unformatted, word-processed documents or e-mails. If requested, your document can be formatted to look like the original. Nominal formatting charges apply. Any special formatting needs can be reviewed with a document translation representative by calling 1 888 763-3364.

How will I be billed?

If you have an existing account for Language Line Over-the-phone Interpretation Service, translation fees will appear in the "Miscellaneous Charges" section of your regular Language Line

Services monthly bill. If you do not have an account with Language Line Services, the translation can be charged to a major credit card.

How do I get a document translated?

If you are an existing customer, use your Language Line Services Client ID number on your document translation service order form. If you have misplaced your Client ID number, contact us by calling our customer service representatives at 1 800 752-6096, option 2 or e-mail customerservice@LanguageLine.com.

If you do not have an account with Language Line Services, you may use a major credit card to charge the document translation. A document translation order form must accompany all documents.

To receive an order form:

On-line at www.LanguageLine.com fill out the order form on-line or print it out
Call 1 888 763-3364 and a form will be faxed to you

To submit your document for translation, complete your order form and:

On-line submit your order with an attachment of the document to be translated to www.LanguageLine.com
Fax to 1 800 648-0170; or
E-mail the text or document (in MS Word 6.0 or higher) to translation@LanguageLine.com

While most documents can be faxed easily, certain languages (Chinese, Japanese, Cambodian, for example) do not fax well, especially if the original is a second or third generation fax.

If a document is not completely clear and legible, Language Line Services may request that a more legible copy of the original document be sent by mail or courier service.