We know the language service industry can be complicated. There’s a wide variety of services offered, terms to learn, and people involved. We want you to go into your next language project fully informed and with a firm grasp on what the process of document translation is. A quick review of our translation FAQ will provide you with key information that you need to confidently begin your next translation project.

Translation FAQ – the basics

What language services do you offer?
At Avantpage, we specialize in translation, localization, and formatting of print and digital media. We also offer a variety of additional services, such as ADA document remediation, transcription, and alternative formatting.

What languages do you translate?
We offer translation services in over 150 languages, both from English and into English. Our list of available languages grows and changes. If you don’t see the language you’re looking for, let us know. We’re constantly recruiting new linguists to better serve our clients.

How long will my translation project take?
The variables that go into determining how long a translation or localization project can take include word count, complexity, formatting requirements, review processes, and other factors. Each effort is unique, and we at Avantpage tailor our efforts to match your requirements on every job. At the time your project is assessed for a quote, you’ll also be given an expected due date.

What industries do you specialize in?
We specialize in the healthcare, government, elections, and education fields. If you’re outside of these industries, we’re still available to complete your translation projects. Our linguists have varying specializations, and we can find the right person for your translation project.

What file formats do you translate?
While we can translate any document format, the easiest file formats for us to work with are those that are directly editable. If you can click in your document and add/change text, that’s an editable file format.

Translation FAQ – the technology

Do you employ machine translation?
We never use machine translation at Avantpage. All of your translation projects will be translated by a qualified and certified human linguist to ensure accuracy and quality.

What translation technologies do you use?
We encourage the use of, and can help create, style guides and glossaries for all translation projects. Additionally, we use Translation Memory software to build a database of your previous translations; this helps to ensure consistency across your documents. Even those phrases identified by your TM, though, are reviewed in context by human eyes to ensure correct usage and style.

Translation FAQ – the linguists

Who will translate my document?
Our linguists are primarily US-based, though we source outside of the US for qualified linguists as well. All PHI translation is handled strictly by our US-based linguists to ensure confidentiality and security, and allow Avantpage to closely manage the network security supporting each PHI project.

How do you qualify your linguists?
Our linguists have to meet a set of qualification standards before we choose to move forward with the testing process. If they meet these qualifications, we administer a language translation test based on the ISO 17100 standards. After receiving and reviewing their efforts, if accepted, our linguists are trained on our internal procedures and work closely with our project management team to ensure success.

How do you find new linguists to work with?
We have a dedicated team working on recruitment to ensure we have enough linguists to meet your translation needs. Using our global network of existing linguists, membership rolls of professional organizations, direct referrals, and other sources, Avantpage is constantly expanding our team of qualified linguists. If you’re interested in joining our team as a linguist, let us know here.

Translation FAQ – confidentiality

How do you handle confidential information?
Data safety is one of our top priorities. If your document contains PHI or PII, we only have our US-based team work on the translation. All of our in-house employees and linguists go through the process of HIPAA training and certification. Additionally, we employ multiple methods of encryption, both in our server system and in our online cloud system.  

Do you have a question we didn’t answer here? Reach out to us at 530-750-2040 and we’ll be happy to connect you with a team member to answer your questions. If you’re ready to start your next translation project, request a free quote today.

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