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Frequently asked questions
- The language into which you want the translation: normally, this should be French, but I prefer to be sure.
- The document: sometimes the document is still being written or not yet started, but you need an idea of the budget. In this case, I can of course provide you with an estimate. Give me as much information as possible so that I can draw up a forecast. In particular with regard to the volume you intend to achieve (number of words, characters, lines or pages...).
- The context: how will your document be used? By whom was it written? Who is it for? Will the publication be in print or for the web? This information will allow me to adapt the tone, style and form of the translation and thus provide a better quality.
- Related documents: Translation memory, glossaries, similar documents and previous publications. All these other documents that already exist allow us to maintain a homogeneous editorial line.
This depends very much on the complexity of the source document and the research that needs to be done. The volumes to be translated are also taken into consideration. There is no absolute truth about the speed of translation, but as a rule of thumb, between 2,000 and 3,000 words per day are translated by a professional, including careful proofreading.
I only translate into French. This is part of the translator's code of ethics: a professional translates only into his or her native language. No matter how good the translator is, if he or she is not a native speaker, he or she will have difficulty reproducing a number of elements. Idiomatic expressions, convoluted sentences and other complex expressions will not come out with the nuances that characterise them. However, do not hesitate to let me know about your projects. I could probably refer you to some of my partners.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. This type of service is provided by an expert translator registered with a court of first instance. I do not practice in the courts by choice. However, the list of sworn translators is available directly from the courts in each region. For example, one site groups together a large number of the experts working in Paris: CETIECAP.
Like all professions, translators have their tools and software. CAT or Computer Aided Translation is a type of software that, as its name suggests, helps translators. These tools not only increase speed, but also consistency and accuracy. They offer the possibility to take advantage of translation memories, interactive glossaries, spell checkers, formatting, etc. The best-known example is undoubtedly Trados, but it is far from being the only one. Indeed, there are more than twenty tools on the market, with their advantages and disadvantages! Don't worry, most of these programs are compatible with each other thanks to standard file formats. Personally, I use Trados and Memsource interchangeably, but my agency career has allowed me to use many other tools.