FAQ

How many languages do you work with?

We provide services in more than 250 languages. If we can find qualified, dedicated, native-speaking translation professionals to provide services in the language, we will include that language in our roster.

Most of our projects are in the top 100 languages spoken in the world. However, we do work in many others from time to time, and have extended resources and partners to fulfill these requests. There are roughly 6,000 spoken languages in the world and we will go out of our way to secure a linguist for the language that you need.

Who are your major clients?

All our clients are major, and we hope you will be the next.

How much do you charge?

Generally, our translation quotes are based on your source document’s word count, or for Asian languages the number of characters.

Alternatively, we are also able to customize our pricing structure to one that is applicable for your project type, or regular work volumes. For example, our desktop publishing work can be priced by the hour or by page. Additionally, some brand localization assignments may include a fixed cost market research component.

Economies of scale normally applies where the more words you provide, the better the pricing we can offer.

What are your rush rates and minimum fees?

Your quote will contain your project timeline and specific requirements, including rates and fees, so there are no surprise fees or minimums associated with Alliance's language services.

Are there different turnaround times for different languages?

On average, no, there are not. We can provide language services in any of the more than languages we cover as quickly as the next. What would be a consideration is the text length!

Do you have translators on staff?

We do have several ASL, Spanish, and Italian translators and interpreters on staff. All translators, contracted and on-staff, are qualified, vetted, and reviewed over time through our multiple factor process.

However, the vast majority of our translator pool are native speakers living in your target country, so while they are not all members of our in-office staff, we see them as an integral part of your success and ours.

 

Do you use machine translation?

We only work with human translators and interpreters because language is a person-to-person art. The nuances, slang, and cultural considerations that might be in your text needs to be considered in the target language. Machine translation can work well in certain instances, but it is our opinion that in-country, native speakers give us the best chance to deliver the most accurate and culturally fitting message possible to your target audience.

If, however, you require that your materials are first machine translated, we can support your request with either Trados or MemoQ, both CAT tools which we have access to and work within for project management and translation memories. Our human translators and proofreaders would then complete the post-editing process.

What is a translation memory?

A translation memory is a database of all your completed translations used to provide translators with a database of previously translated terms and translations to maintain your brand voice and ensure consistency. Translation memory also reduces the number of words translated during new translations, lowering your cost over time.

What file formats do you work with?

We like to think we can work with all of them. Our goal is to work in your source file programs to make it easier. Also, viewing the final document in the source program is key to qualitative excellence and speed to market.

How many revisions can I make and how do you charge for such revisions?

Your satisfaction is our priority, and all revisions are included in your project cost.

How do you assure quality translations?

Quality is our number one priority and begins and ends with our linguistic pool.

Some of the qualifications that we consider when admitting interpreters and translators into our pools are:

  • Years of experience in the language services industry
  • Native country (mother tongue language)
  • Country of residency
  • Educational degrees
  • Work experiences
  • Score on the Federal Inter-Agency Roundtable test
  • Professional affiliations and certifications
  • References from friends, family, work colleagues, and employers
  • Work samples
  • In-person, video, and/or phone interviews
  • Expertise and life experiences

Additionally, we consistently review the work of our linguists to ensure they continue to meet our quality standards.

This multi-factor test allows us to develop a comprehensive linguist pool, and offers us the best chance for us to assign the best fitting linguist to your project.

Can we use our reviewers to check your translations?

We welcome our clients to use internal reviewers to check our translations, or provide feedback. If it is determined that future translations should take on a different tone, voice or style, then we will let our translators know.

Many of our linguists have been translating words 40 hours a week for over ten years – saying they are good at what they do would be an understatement. We trust them to do the job right.

What happens if I am not satisfied with my translations?

If you are not satisfied with your translations, please mark up the translated file with the areas of concerns and send it back. We will run your edits by our linguist for their feedback and circle back with you within 24 hours to discuss.

Can you provide me with a translation management system?

Certainly. We would be happy to set you up with your own business management account, with as many login credentials as needed, along with a customer service contact.

Contact Us

Need help figuring out what kind of translation work you need? Want more information about specific contracted services? Call us.

Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm ET. 1.877.512.1195

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