Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?

A: Translators work with written material, meanwhile interpreters render oral translation

Q: How well prepared are the translators and interpreters?

A: Translators and interpreters are fluent in both languages and posses excellent memory, listening, concentration, and analytical skills. They convey both the meaning and tone of the original statement clearly and accurately, and must be quick-witted, often literally "thinking on their feet."

Q: What is consecutive interpreting?

A: Consecutive interpreting is often used in a small group setting such as: a legal deposition, medical consultation, or business meeting.

Q: What is escort interpreting?

A: Escort interpreting is a form of consecutive interpreting used during site visits and travels with dignitaries.

Q: What is simultaneous interpreting?

A: Simultaneous interpreting is most often used in large settings and often requires the rental of audio equipment (sound-proof booths, microphones, headsets, etc.). America's Translators will not provide such equipment.

Q: Are the rates fixed?

A: Interpreting and translating fees are usually charged by the word, page, hour or sometimes by the day, often with a minimum charge to allow unexpected scheduled changes or cancellations by the client. Travel, parking and meals are additional expenses.

Q: What types of translation services do you offer?

A: Standard Service- returned to you within 3 to 4 days upon receipt. Use this service for long documents that must be completed quickly.

Q: How do I send my document to be translated?:

A: It's easy--just 3 simple steps. The three steps are:

1. Pre-authorize credit card for payment
2. Submit document
3. Wait for translated document to be returned

Q: What happens after I send my documents?

A: Below is the process that we undertake when we receive your documents:

• Immediately after you submit your documents online, please wait momentarily while a confirmation page is produced
• The confirmation page will tell you if your submission was successful and the details of your order (name, length of document, special request, etc.)
• Please print a copy of the confirmation page for your records.
• Your request will be delivered automatically to our team of translators who will begin translating your document as soon as possible.
• Depending on your service request, you will receive your translated document via e-mail or mail in a timely manner.
  
• Your credit card, which was initially only pre-authorized for payment when you submitted your document, will now be settled for the exact amount due, based on the total word count and your service request (Urgent, Standard, HTML, etc.)

Q: How do I pay?

A: Below are the different options to pay:

• All translations are paid by credit card, making it easy for you to access the service 24 hours a day, from anywhere.
• Just visit our secure e-store and pay with a major credit card.
• We accept Master Card, VISA, and American Express.
• Corporate accounts may be established for customers with high volume or unique billing needs. Please call us for details.

Q: Which text formats do you support or translate?

A: Below are the formats that we accept:

• We accept both Hard and Soft copy documents.
• Hard copy - Just fax it to us or send it to us via mail.
  
• Soft copy - Our translation services support all major types of text formats. Just send your document and we'll translate it.
• We support all major Microsoft file formats, including Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, FrontPage, etc.)and other applications and formats such as: Adobe PDF, .txt files, rich text files, .HTML, .ASP, Java and other web languages (NOTE: HTML and web development/translation text incurs additional cost for translation).

Q: Do you translate websites and HTML?

A: Yes, we translate websites, as well as HTML. We have an in house team of professional translators that works directly with our sofware specialists and web development team to produce your website in the language desired. Call us directly to learn more.

Q: Do you translate Spanish from a special region?

A: Spanish is the official language of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguary and Venezuela. All of these countries share the same language, though often with different dialects, our translators can comprehend and translate the nuances from each region. If you have a particular need for a special translator of a certain region or dialect, please contact us directly, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Q: What are your guidelines for confidentiality?

A: America’s Translators is committed to a high level of professionalism and quality and maintains the highest standards in its professional ethics. We are sensitive to the confidentiality and privacy of your documents and will gladly sign a confidentiality agreement to help protect the integrity of your work. All paper files are shredded when no longer required, and electronic files are archived to ensure your files are maintained confidential at all times. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in our business. All interpreters take a professional oath, vowing to respect the confidentiality of all information they are exposed to professionally.