FAQs
What’s the difference between translation, localization and globalization?
Translation is the process of converting a text from one language into another. Localization is the act of adapting the original text to suit the target language and culture of a specific country. Globalization is the strategic planning of content that is purposely created and stylistically adapted for an international audience, without any references to a specific culture.
Why choose a professional translation agency?
Translation is not merely about converting a text from one language to another. It requires in-depth understanding of the original text, which needs to be interpreted and translated, while keeping in mind the type of content and the target audience.
Professional translators not only have in-depth knowledge of the foreign language and local culture, but they also have excellent writing skills in their native language and exceptional knowledge of specific sectoral and technical terminology.
What is the best way to send a translation file?
Where possible, electronic file formats are better, preferably in an editable format, like Word, Excel, InDesign, etc. You can send us the translation file via email, together with any specific instructions in the body of the email. In the case of bulk translation files, Athena Parthenos can provide you with your own, personal File Transfer Protocol (FTP) account, where you can upload and download your files to our system. Print materials can be sent via courier or other delivery service to our head office in Porcia, Italy. If you do not have the original document, the copies of the content must be clear and readable.
If I contact the agency late in the afternoon with a translation project that I need the following morning, will the translation still be charged at the same standard rate?
Normally, urgent translations are subject to an additional urgency fee. We will promptly advise you of the rate before starting work on the project.
When a client sends you a document, how can they be sure that any sensitive or confidential information is handled with the utmost confidentiality and is not shared with any other third parties?
All of Athena Parthenos’ collaborators sign a non-disclosure confidentiality agreement, which specifically foresees a penalty clause, should the sensitive information in the translation ever be shared with any other parties. If the confidential information in the document is not strictly necessary for the translation, the data will be removed or redacted before the text is sent to the translator.
I need to translate a product catalogue that contains images and tables. Will the agency still be able to keep the original layout of the document? Is the cost already included in the translation quote or is this an additional service?
Athena Parthenos’ internal graphic design department deals with the layout and inserting the translated texts into the product catalogue, brochure, and any other document that requires a graphic designer. This process will incur an additional service charge that will be indicated in the quote for your translation project.
I booked an interpreter but had to cancel the booking. Will I still have to pay the full amount in the quote?
Usually, you will be asked to pay a variable percentage of the quoted amount. This percentage will depend on how early the interpreting service was cancelled; the closer the cancellation is to the event, the higher the potential cost.
If I book an interpreting service, will I need to send the agency information on the event, speakers and topics, etc.?
Yes, this is essential. When it comes to interpreting services, it’s always better to have as much information about the event or meeting as possible. The more information we have, the greater the quality of the interpreting service our agency can provide.
I work in languages with special characters, like Arabic, Hebrew and Chinese, will I be able to copy this content directly from a Word document and paste it into a graphics file?
In the case of oriental languages or languages with special characters, it is not advisable to copy and paste the content directly into another format. This is because these languages have different spacing rules and intervals between the words, which are not the same as those in Western languages. This is why we entrust the page layout of these files to a graphic designer with knowledge of the translated language.
How quickly will I receive my translation quote?
We normally respond within one working day. However, some quotes may require more time, depending on the resources required, the size and complexity of the task and the project workflow.
What are the turnaround times for a translation?
Translation delivery times may vary depending on the length and complexity of the project. The quote will always specify the amount of time it will take to complete your translation project.