Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a translator and interpreter?!

A translator works with written or sometimes spoken words while an interpreter works with spoken language and is usually used in situations such as business meetings, client appointments, solicitor interviews and court hearings where there are individuals who speak more than one language.

Are there different kinds of interpreters?

Yes, there are two main types - consecutive and simultaneous.
Consecutive interpreters are used in most business face to face situations but also in court hearings and police interviews. The interpreter listens to a segment of speech then interprets back into the target language.
Simultaneous interpreters are used at conferences, association gatherings and large meetings where the interpreter sits in a sound proof booth and immediately relays back the communication through a speaker to delegates wearing headsets.

How much does an interpreter cost?

This varies depending on the language, nature of the assignment, the use of technical terminology, the duration, location and number of interpreters required. Costs are based on an hourly rate and include travelling expenses. We try to minimise costs by providing an interpreter in your area.

Are there interpreters near me?

We have professional interpreters right across US and the rest of the world. If you can’t spot your city or area on our Cities page, we can still find you a suitable interpreter close by. We can also supply host country interpreters for those occasions when you are overseas, or if you prefer we can provide an interpreter based in Ireland if you are willing to pay for travel and accommodation.

How do I know that my translation is accurate?

We only ever use experienced mother tongue translators who are also fluent in written source language. By using qualified native speakers on your assignment we ensure a higher level of accuracy, clarity and greater localisation of content while keeping abreast of any developments in the language and culture.

What is a rare language?

Rare languages are spoken by a limited number of people, can be confined to specific parts of the world, and in some cases are diminishing or are close to extinction. We specialise in rare languages and currently offer around 70 Arabic based and African rare languages, available across all translation and interpreting services.

How does transcription work?

This involves transcribing recorded audio/audio-visual material from Irish or the source language into the language of your choice. We can transcribe a wide variety of formats, including cassette tape, CD/DVD, digital video, MP3, realplayer files. Charges are on an hourly basis and our transcribers work quickly and are used to technical language, but duration can vary depending on the subject, clarity and content of the source material.

What information do I need to book an interpreter?

You need to be specific about the date, time, location, subject and type of meeting, number of people involved and likely duration of your assignment so that we can match a suitably qualified and experienced interpreter to your task. Greater accuracy can be achieved by knowing as much about the context or nature of your meeting/event beforehand, for e.g, are some participants hard of hearing, do you require an interpreter with specialist sector knowledge or experience working with the physically impaired?

What is certification?

This involves legally attesting any kind of official document such as a birth/marriage/death certificate, drivers licence, c.v, degree qualification, or immigration documents before a legal notary (e.g, solicitor) so that its contents are certified to be true and accurate.

What is multi-cultural marketing and research?

By examining the language, customs, business ethics and culture of your overseas market you will learn about the impact of images, colour, language, idiom and other vita elements within global markets that could impact on the success of any marketing campaign or international project.

Tell me more about cultural briefing?

It is a tool to provide current, in-depth information about the culture, customs and traditions of countries and their native peoples around the world. This is an essential requirement if your company, organisation, association, or groups of individuals such as students and business travellers are to adopt a more multi-cultural approach and succeed in their respective fields.

How do I know that my translation or project is in good hands?

We allocate you an experienced account manager who can confidently monitor your assignment right from sourcing a suitable interpreter or translator through to evaluating their performance, quality of work, accuracy and timeliness. Your account manager will act on any issues that may arise during the work and ensure that you receive a first class customer service that always delivers on time.

How can I place an order?

You can request a booking by phone, online, email or fax. We offer a quick, easy online booking system where you simply complete our free registration form and place your request in just a few minutes.

When will you get back to me?

We will try our best to confirm your quote, booking or answer your query within 1 hour, but depending on the nature of your query, if your request is complex, by the same business day. If you contact us online, we will respond by return of email, similarly if you call us we will quote you over the phone or call you back with the details if your enquiry is more unusual.

How do you know we are right for you?

We have a growing reputation for delivering quality work on time across Ireland and the rest of Europe. We have and continue to support organisations of all sizes and sectors with ad hoc work and on-going translation, interpreting and multi-cultural services assignments. You may want to browse ‘Our Clients’ and ‘Testimonials’ pages to get a feel of our work. Please note, these pages only display some of our wide range of clients and are by no means exhaustive.

How can you ensure client confidentiality?

All our translators and interpreters agree to abide by the industry’s professional code of conduct and have signed our own Language Linx client confidentiality agreement prior to working for us. Our professional interpreters are used to working in the strictest confidence and fully understand and appreciate the importance of privacy of client information at all times. Please take the time to check out our client confidentiality agreement online for further information.