Frequently Asked Questions
Translations
Our answers to the most common questions regarding translations services in South Africa:
1. How can I get a quote and how long will it take to receive one?
The best way to receive a quote for our translation service is to send an e-mail to us at info@frenchside.co.za with an electronic copy of the document or file you need translated or simply request a quote from us. We reply to all inquiries within an hour of receiving a request.
2. How long will my translation take?
We can generally translate a 1-2-page document within 1 business day, and also offer urgent and same-day translations, subject to availability. For most documents, a reasonable rule of thumb is to assume that a translator can translate approximately 2,500 words a day, but this will naturally be affected by the type of text involved, its length, the language and the file format. Is it a legal contract, a thesis, a newsletter to your customers, a technical manual, a handwritten letter or your whole website?
3. Do you offer quick turnarounds?
Yes! at Frenchside translation services, we are accustomed to working to tight turnarounds and our translators will often meet multiple deadlines in a single day. However, the time it takes will depend on the length of the project and the subject matter. For example, if the source text is highly technical, the linguist will need to carry out extensive research to ensure their translation is accurate and of the highest standard. On the other hand, a short promo would be relatively straight-forward to translate. Regardless of the length or complexity of the project, you can be assured that your translation will be delivered on time and to budget.
4. Can Frenchside provide a printed and an electronic version of translations?
Yes, we will provide you with your translation in the format that you prefer. We can provide the translated in a word document. Otherwise, we can provide a PDF or print-ready files.
5. How much do you charge?
We base our translation costs on the word count of the source document (your document). Our pricing is generally billed at a “per word rate” or per page if the wordcount is not available, this means you are billed by the word or per page versus by the hour. Translation rates include word processing and laser printing. We are happy to provide quotes free of charge.
6. Do you have a minimum fee?
Yes – our minimum fee is R500
7. What are your terms of payment?
We require a 50% deposit on projects estimated at over R1,000; the rest is due within 7 working days from final invoice.
8. Can you offer me a discount?
We always try to offer the best price for every project. Where there are large volumes involved and time and resources permit, we may be able to offer better prices. In this, too, flexibility is key. And as time goes by, the more you work with us, the more reference material we can have on file which can be used to reduce costs and timings.
9. Are the translators you use qualified?
In a word, yes. Our translators are the backbone of our business and they are crucial to delivering accurate, high quality translations. To ensure we achieve our own high standards on every single project we undertake, we have strict minimum prerequisites that our translators must comply with prior to working with us.
10. What languages do you translate in?
Our core specialisation is translation to and from French and English languages, but our experience and vast translator network allows us to undertake translation projects covering almost any language pair and subject matter. Hence, we offer translation services in every conceivable language, from Spanish to Zulu, and English does not need to be the source or target language. We work regularly with other languages combinations, from common pairs such as French into Portuguese, to more obscure combinations such as Afrikaans into Arabic.
11. What is a certified/ sworn translation ? When is it necessary?
In South Africa, a sworn translation is a translation produced by a certified translator. This means a translator with a certain level of training or experience who has taken an oath in court in South Africa, entitling him/her to translate certain official documents. Sworn translations are always needed when a translation is to be used for administration purposes or governmental requirements such as birth certificates, academic certificates or declarations.
12.What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?
A translator works with written material. An interpreter works with spoken language. Translators take a document written in one language and rewrite it in another language. Interpreters listen to spoken words in one language and repeat the same message in another language.
