FAQ – Translation Process

In case of smaller to medium projects I am usually able to deliver translation within 1-2 business days.

In case of larger or more complex translation projects this time may be longer. I always strive to adjust to the client’s needs and I am use to work to tight deadlines.

For example translations of court bundles, orders and other legal documents sometimes are required urgently and I frequently work on such translation projects.

Yes, I provide certified translations both from English to Polish a from Polish to English for documents that require official translation.

As a Chartered Translator and a full member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), I can issue certified translations that are recognized in the UK and often accepted abroad.

My certified translations include a signed and stamped (with a digital stamp) certification statement confirming their accuracy and authenticity.

In most cases, I deliver certified translations electronically as secure PDF files, but I can also provide printed copies if required. However as my certification includes a link to the CIOL website, where it is possible to verify my credentials a hard copy is usually superfluous.

If you’re unsure about the specific requirements for your document, I’m happy to guide you through the process.

I believe that separating translation from revision is essential for delivering high-quality work.

Whenever possible, I complete the translation on one day and revisit the text for revision the following day.

This method ensures I can approach the text with fresh eyes, allowing me to refine the language, address any inconsistencies, and enhance the overall quality.

If time constraints make this separation difficult, I still ensure the document undergoes thorough proofreading to maintain the highest standards.

Ambiguities or unclear terms are sometimes inevitable, especially in specialized or complex texts.

I can usually resolve such issues through my own research, consulting trusted resources such as legal dictionaries or other specialized reference materials.

However, when these solutions are not sufficient I may approach client with some questions. I always try to familiarize myself with the entirety of the source copy to avoid surprises in the last moment. It allows me to ask any necessary questions upfront what gives both client and me sufficient time to make a proper use of the answers.

Yes, I provide professional proofreading and editing services for translations completed by others.

Many of my clients rely on me for this service, particularly when they handle translations in-house or assign them to less experienced translators.

My role as a proofreader goes beyond correcting surface-level errors; I focus on improving style, consistency, and accuracy, ensuring the translation aligns with professional standards and effectively conveys the intended message. I also provide detailed feedback where needed to help improve the overall quality of future translations.

Consistency is a cornerstone of professional translation, especially in larger projects where terms and phrases recur frequently.

In maintaining consistency help me use of  Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools like for instance SDL Trados.

These tools include features like translation memories (TMs) and termbases, which store previously translated terms and phrases for reuse across a project. One of my favorite features is the concordance search, which allows me to quickly locate and verify how specific terms have been used in context. These tools, combined with my attention to detail, help ensure that the final translation is cohesive and professional.

In case of projects which are unsuitable for CAT tools I may use a educated glossary in a spreadsheet, in case of larger projects important role is played by style guides.

My quality assurance process is an integral part of my workflow and follows a structured approach. I separate the translation and revision phases whenever possible. After completing the translation, I put the document aside to gain some distance and then revisit it later—ideally the next day—for a thorough revision.

I try to perform proofreading outside of CAT tools, so treat I would see the copy without segmentation, tags, etc. just like the final reader will see it. On occasion I proofread final text from a printed out hard copy.

During this stage, I focus on refining the text, correcting any errors, and ensuring the translation meets the highest professional standards.

For urgent projects where this separation isn’t feasible, I still perform a meticulous review before delivery to ensure client satisfaction.

All this means that I deliver a professional, fit for the purpose, translation. It doesn’t mean that my translation may replace entire process, which involves translator and proofreader or editor. In case of some projects use of the second pair of eyes is just as important as it used to be.

I understand that revisions may occasionally be necessary, and I’m committed to ensuring my clients are fully satisfied with the final product.

If revisions are required due to a misunderstanding or an error on my part, I make these adjustments promptly and at no additional cost.

However, if the client updates the source text after I’ve begun or completed the translation, I’m happy to accommodate the changes. In such situations thanks to my use of CAT tools I am able to concentrate just on the new or changed fragments what allows me to offer lower fee which reflects the time saving tools.