FAQ

Q1. What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?

A translatordeals with written text. They translate from one language to another. A translator is needed for documents like a Birth Certificate, Driver’s License and other written documents.

An interpreterdeals with the spoken word. They interpret what someone says into another language. An interpreter is needed for situations where you need help in understanding what someone is saying or to help someone else understand what you are saying. (Source: NAATI)

Examples:

A translator is needed to translate the text of a newspaper from one language to another.

An interpreter is needed to interpret a radio show from one language to another.

Q2. What’s the difference between Simultaneous Interpretation and Consecutive Interpretation?

The main differences between Simultaneous Interpreting and Consecutive Interpreting are that specialist equipment is required and the interpreting is real-time.

Simultaneous interpreters provide high end interpreting services for international conferences. One person speaks and many listen through headphones at the same time. Simultaneous interpreters sit in a sound-proof booth and interpret in real-time.

For consecutive interpreting, the speaker delivers a few sentences and then pauses whilst consecutive interpreter repeats what has just been said in the target language. The interpreter may interpret for the whole group or, as is becoming increasingly common, sit next to an individual and whisper what has just been said.

Q3. Do you work with companies or private individuals?

Most of our projects come from companies and non-profit organizations, but we often work with private individuals and we are more than happy to assist them with their documentation.

Q4. How much is your rate?

The prices are based on the combination of the languages, the complexity of the documents and the required turnaround time. Our rate starts from USD 0.05 to USD 0.2 per source word depending on the length, difficulty and format of your text (1 A4 page= 300 words).

Q5. How can I obtain a free quote?

To get a free quote, please send an email to ctlink.cambodia@gmail.com, attach the document and give the details of your contact information.

Q6. Is it possible to maintain the page layout?

Yes. We guarantee the document’s original layout and format.

Q7. Will I need a certified translation? Can CTLink certify the translation?

Yes we do provide certified translations. When a document is being used for immigration, admission to institutions of higher education, or for some legal or “official” purpose, a certified translation is appropriate. This procedure entails the placement of a printed statement following the translation, certifying that the translation is complete and accurate, to the best of our knowledge. This certification contains the signature of the authorized staff with the seal of our agency. This procedure ensures that the document in question will be accepted as a valid translation for legal purposes. Please note that sometimes a notarized translation may require by some government officials instead of a certified translation. Therefore, please clarify with the government officials before assign the translation job.

Q8. I have a document that I translated myself and I would like CTLink to certify it for me. Can you do this, and how much will it cost?

We cannot certify translations performed by non-CTLink translators and personnel without reviewing the translation against the original document. To certify a document is to vouch for its contents.  The cost will depend on the accuracy of the translation. If it is accurate, the cost will be equivalent to the charge for simple proofreading; however, if it needs significant editing, the cost could be the same as doing the entire translation. Certification carries no extra cost when the translation is done by CTLink.

Q9. Does CTLink use native speakers or computer software programs to perform its translations?

Our professional translators who are native speakers of the target language, and who are proficient in both the target and the source languages. Machines cannot be relied on to render accurate translations. However, we are assisted by some useful Memory Tools to ensure the consistency of content.

Q10. Can CTLink do technical translations?

Yes. A substantial part of our translation business is of a highly technical nature. CTLink’s technical translation specialists are degreed professionals, and have experience working in their fields of expertise. Good technical translators maintain a library of industry-specific magazines, news clippings and other current reference materials to keep up with new technology and terminology. As technical specialists, we maintain a glossary to support our translators and clients.

Q11. How do you know that a translator is good?

As a matter of fact, good translators have a solid command of grammar and syntax in both the source and target languages. Good translators only translate materials into their native language – very few people are gifted enough to handle bi directional projects. Good translators have a knack for balancing the content of the source document with the cultural and language-specific norms of the target language, and have the experience to know when to favor one concern over the other.  Translation is a very delicate process that requires a tremendous amount of care and attention to detail. Many people are under the assumption that fluency in a given language is sufficient to qualify one for the translation profession. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Q12. How do you ensure confidentiality of my information?

All information is held strictly confidential, whether related to translation or interpreting projects. Our translators, interpreters abide by the Translators’ Professional Code of Ethics set by professional translator associations around the world. CTLink is also willing to sign a NDA with client if needed. These ensure full confidentiality and non-disclosure of all information.

Q13. What guarantees do I have regarding quality?

CTLink’s staff are native-speaking professional translators and interpreters. If you are not satisfied with a job, you can request that the text be reviewed/edited by another translator at our expense. If you are still not satisfied, we will discount up to 10% of the job.

Q14. When will the job be delivered?

Our experienced translators will translate an average of approximately 250– 300 words per hour depending on the nature of the text. To give you an example, these are our average delivery times:

  • Up to 500 words- 8 hours
  • 1,000 to 3000 words- 36 hours
  • Over 3,000 words, the turnaround time can be negotiable

Q15. How can I pay?

We accept the following methods of payment:

  • PayPal
  • Wire Transfer
  • Bank Check