Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know your translators are qualified?

We recruit our linguists from two sources, Translators Organizations (ATA, GALA, etc) and Translator references. We find the most efficient way to discover talented translators is to look for references from respected proofreaders. Proofreaders in our industry are very particular about whose work they will edit. Our preferred method is to find highly regarded linguists by referral. Next we review their credentials and references. Next we choose a small live project as a test. Then we have one of our editors perform a peer review and evaluation. If the vendor passes these tests we begin the process of integrating the linguist into our rotation of translators and/or editors for that language pair.

We require at least five years experience as a linguist in either a freelance or in-house capacity. We require at least a bachelor’s degree in linguistics or the target language and/or a bachelor’s degree. We also have some non-practicing professionals hailing from the target countries. (i.e. non-practicing pyhiscian for medical work or engineer for technical work, etc.).

What is your quality process?

We have an excellent quality assurance program. The program is fully documented; feel free to request a copy of our Quality Assurance Manual (QAM). The QAM has a very detailed chart detailing a full workflow map of our entire process.

We are an ISO 9001:2008 registered firm. We also offer a support case tracking system in your customer account.

Do you have desktop publishing available?

Yes we have an in house page production department. We work on both the Windows and Mac platforms in all of the most popular programs QuarkXpress, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, etc.

Which languages can you translate?

Click here to see our brochure listing our capabilities. Our capabilities include but are not limited to the listed languages. For more information or if your preferred language is not listed please contact one of our project managers.

How can I become a translator with Argo Translation?

We require at least five years experience as a linguist in either a freelance or in-house capacity. We require at least a bachelor’s degree in linguistics or the target language and/or a bachelor’s degree. We recruit our linguists from Translators Organizations and translator references. Click here to submit a resume.

How can I send my documents to you?

Documents can be sent to us by filling out our ‘Request for Quote’ form, found here. We also accept documents via email, regular mail or fax. Please contact our office for more options. Our contact information can be found here.

How will you deliver the finished project to me?

Typically we would deliver the file in the same format. In other words if you provide an MS Word file we would provide a fully translated version of the same MS Word file. We also work in formats like Adobe InDesign, Quark Xpress, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, HTML and XML. For a full list of our supported file types please consult the “Supported file formats” section of our brochure located here.

How do you ensure confidentiality of information that is translated/interpreted?

We work on many projects containing sensitive information. We are happy to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement in support of your account. All of our materials are archived in a completely secure location. This includes physical project resources like hard copies as well as virtual resources like your finished files.

How do you select interpreters for my meeting or conference?

It is very important to understand the language and sub language for a specific project. We will also ask questions regarding the setting, subject of discussion and time requirements for a project. Once we understand the full scope of the assignment we can match the appropriate interpreter to your project. If the project requires simultaneous interpretation please consider the following questions:

  • Will you require stationary or portable equipment for interpreters? In other words is the event requiring interpretation taking place in a fixed location or will there be movement between locations during the event?
  • Will there be 1-way or 2-way language flow?
    • With 2-way language flow everyone in attendance will require headsets, one set of interpreters are required for one direction of language flow, another set of interpreters is required for the other direction of language flow
  • How many total attendees in the audience?
    • Intimate setting: 30 – 50 people
    • Large meeting room: over 50 people
  • How many attendees will require headsets?
  • What is the size and layout of the room?
    • What is the seating arrangement, individual tables, theater style?
  • Can you define the date, time, location, agenda/schedule of the event?

What if I need a quick turnaround? How quickly can you work?

In many cases we can provide same-day service on smaller projects but a rush surcharge is typically required for this service.

Can you help with converting video files to other languages?

We can provide video narration and voice-overs in a wide array of languages. We have a whole area of our web site dedicated to narration and voice over projects. We also have narration samples so you can hear an example of our voice over work in your desired language. Click here to listen! You can also request a sample DVD of some of our past video narration projects. Please click here to request a copy.

What type of payments do you accept?

We accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Payment can be made securely through your online customer center or by phone with one of our project managers/office manager.

What is the minimum fee/ How do you charge?

Prices vary depending on the project. All costs include the translator, editor and project manager. Per word costs vary depending on language, content and length. The best way to find out what your project would cost is to request an estimate from one of our project managers.