Navigation

FAQ

Does ElaN Languages work with ‘native speakers’?

ElaN translators always translate into their native language. A translation into English will always be translated by a native English speaker therefore. Likewise a revision of a German text will be done by a native German speaker.

How much do translations cost?

ElaN Languages charges per word of source text for all its translations.

What’s the turnaround time for an average translation?

This depends on a number of factors: the length of the text, the specialisation, language combination, etc. A general piece of copy from Dutch to French will be quicker to do than a technical manual from Portuguese into Greek for instance. And remember, at ElaN your deadline is sacred.

What is the average turnaround time for an estimate?

In principle you will receive an estimate from ElaN within three hours of putting in your request. Each estimate is completely non-binding and includes details about the price and the delivery deadline. After receiving your confirmation, the assignment is sent out the same day to the chosen translator.

Can I also ask ElaN to proofread translations and to do copywriting?

Professional proofreaders check through each text in the finest detail and they will tweak existing translations to give them extra punch if needed. Our copywriters will have no trouble turning your great ideas into exciting creative copy.

What language combinations and areas of specialisation can ElaN provide?

Any language combination you can think of. Of course we are talking about commonly spoken languages and not East-Indian dialects for instance. ElaN works together with 1500 freelance translations, each with their own field of specialisation – from legal, medical or financial texts to recipes and even comic strips. No language or specialisation is foreign to ElaN.

Does ElaN check through and proofread copy internally?

ElaN checks and proofreads each and every translation for content, language, spelling, style, terminology etc. So that you are guaranteed the best possible translation within the required deadline.

How does ElaN’s translation process work?

After receiving confirmation of acceptance of the estimate, our staff look for the translator with the most suitable profile , language combination, specialisation, availability, etc. ElaN goes through the assignment with the translator in detail. He/she receives an order form, the text to be translated and instructions. After the proofreaders have checked the translation, the translation and the evaluation form are sent to your mailbox. RIGHT ON TIME of course.

As a prospect client, can I ask you to do a test translation for me?

As a prospect client, you are entitled to a FREE test translation of maximum one page in length (300 words max). This test translation is non-binding and gives you an idea of the quality of the work and how ElaN handles the assignments entrusted to it.

Are there surcharges or special rates for urgent or specialised translations?

Neen! Our translations are always calculated at a fixed rate per word or per hour – we do not apply special rates for specialised or urgent work. For source texts provided on paper or PowerPoint and Excel translations, we charge 15% extra.

Can I rely on ElaN to supply consistent translations?

ElaN does everything in its power to guarantee consistency in the translations it delivers you. We always try to use the same translator(s) where possible for your jobs, so that they become familiar with your particular terminology and style. Our translators also use software programmes that enable them to create databases that contain your most commonly used terminology.

What is the difference between a certified translation and a legalised translation?

A certified translation is carried out by a translator that is registered with the court of first instance. In practical terms this means that the translator stamps and signs your translation. This is confirmation that the text is a truthful translation and it gives it an official status.

Sometimes the translation needs to be taken one step further and a certified translation also needs to be legalised. A legalised translation is one that is stamped by the court of the first instance so that the translation is given a legal status. The signature on the translation is compared at the court with the signature in the register of translators.

Translations can be legalised in one of two ways.

If the country is not affiliated to the Convention, then the documents have to go through a longer process. In addition to a stamp from the courts, it will also be necessary to obtain stamps from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy in question.

The following countries are currently affiliated to the Hague Apostille Convention:

Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dutch Antilles, Germany, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Namibia, the Netherlands, Niue, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Romania, Russia, St Kitts & Nevis, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America, Venezuela. (New countries are regularly added to this list)

More info: www.diplomatie.be/nl/services/countrylistlegalisations.asp

What file format should I use when I send my texts?

Below you will find a list of the different formats that we accept, some of them are suitable for processing with our Trados software.

• MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and text files (.TXT)
• On paper, by post or fax.
• Scanned documents, in .PDF format
• Images (.JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, etc.)
• Websites: .HTML, .XML
• TRADOS: TRADOStag Documents (.TTX), .HTML, .SGML, .XML en .XLIFF, Ventura, QuarkXpress, Indesign (0.2 of CS2), PageMaker, FrameMaker, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), .EXE, .DLL, .OCX, .LNG, .RC, .BIF