Even though we are not changing languages but media, transcriptions are a type of translation. As with any other translation, there are several elements we have to consider before providing each client with a price.  And, this is exactly where the headache starts.

We always consider these elements:

• Audio quality – Is there loud background noise? Is the recording new or old?
• Participants – Who are the parties involved in the exchange?
• Speech speed – Are they talking slowly or quickly?
• Media – Is it an audio file, which makes it difficult to recognize the parties if there are more than two, or is it a video file, which makes it a hundred times easier?
• Vocabulary – Even if the conversation is held in the native languages of the translator, are they using daily life vocabulary or is it technical or, perhaps, slang?
• Setting – Are they in an enclosed setting (a solitary room) or outside (at a park, university campus, etc.)?

Imagine this situation:

A group of three couples is dining at a restaurant, three men and three women. And, let’s not forget the server. They will have a normal exchange of words, as all of us do at a restaurant, which means no one will introduce themselves when speaking. Even if we have a man with a very deep voice and a woman with a very high pitch (both easily recognizable), the translator will still have four other voices that are hard to recognize; the server’s voice should be recognizable. To that, add the fact it is a Saturday, so the restaurant is PACKED! The background voices of other customers will make it difficult to recognize your target characters. Also, not everyone is familiar with culinary terms, which means that the speakers probably will not pronounce the dishes properly; therefore, the translator may not be clear on their discussion.  A complete nightmare, right?

So, next time you find your translator a bit hesitant about giving you a price before analyzing your material, please understand why!

One of the main concerns clients have when asking for professional translation services is the cost. There are many aspects that are taken into consideration that can affect the final price of a professional translation, such as:

• Language pair
• Extension or length of the project
• Format or presentation of the document
• Subject matter
• Complexity
• Turnaround time

Price vs. Quality

Although money is very important, also keep in mind that most of the time there is a very close relation between price and quality. What if you have a very strict time frame and when you get the translation back it is a mess? Names misspelled; dates are not in the correct format, etc. Maybe with a 5 page-long translation is not the end of the world, but what about with a 300 page-long translation project?

Time = Money

You thought you were getting a bargain but, what about the time you will now spend correcting the translation? That will cost you time and, therefore, money. Professional translation agencies and professional translators will offer you the most competitive prices in the market for a job well done. They use a different translator to review your translation, a translator with a new set of eyes and a different thinking.

Always Know With Whom You Are Dealing

Before hiring someone to do your translation project, you want to make sure that you are dealing with a serious translation agency. That is why JR Language Website includes the option of getting free quotes and also offers advice from experienced project managers for your translation requirements. You will be able to get estimates on the cost and delivery time without obligation. Remember: the more you share about your translation project the more exact the estimate will be.

Also, be sure to read testimonials from previous clients that would give you peace of mind about JR Language Translation Services’ performance.

The sole purpose of professional translators is to communicate your message just as you intended and the purpose of experienced translation agencies is to provide you with the best services available. Always put quality first!