Translation & Interpreting FAQs
Choosing a translation or interpreting service can be a stressful exercise if you are not familiar with how it works. In our FAQs section, we take the stress out of the experience of finding the right language service, while helping you get the most out of your budget. We can also provide translation and interpreting services in over 170 languages.
Choosing a translator or interpreter
An interpreter helps you interact – in real time – with people who speak a foreign language. Because interpreters are bilingual and know both cultures, they are trained to get your message across accurately and efficiently. If you use an interpreter, you’ll be able to express yourself in your native language. An interpreter can also help you bide time to formulate responses in negotiations and can assist you in understanding cultural differences.
Professional translators have studied for a number of years and are highly aware of cultural and linguistic nuances within the language. They have a stronger understanding of context and grammar than someone who just speaks a second language.
A translator writes, an interpreter speaks.
Translating is the act of transferring the meaning of a written text from one language to another.
Interpreting is the verbal translation of a conversation or presentation.
Asking someone who is not a professional interpreter to interpret can be risky and uncomfortable for all parties involved. Interpreting is a complex process that requires:
- a high level of linguistic, cognitive and technical skills;
- physical endurance;
- the ability to handle challenging situations and portray emotions of participants;
- the ability to remain impartial and adhere to confidentiality.
Service Offerings
Depending on the circumstances, you may require:
- Whispered interpreting, mainly performed during court proceedings, the interpreter sits next to the listener and whispers the words into his/her ear.
- Consecutive interpreting, the interpreter listens to the speaker deliver part of a speech and then translates it into another language.
- Simultaneous interpreting involves orally translating a speech as it is delivered, in real time.
We can provide interpreters for all requirements and we are happy to advise you on which is the most appropriate for your needs. We can also provide useful equipment for interpreting sessions such as interpreting booths, headphones and microphones, as required.
From documents to videos, we can translate any message into a language (including Auslan) and format that best meet your needs. Our translation services include Plain and Easy English, text and multimedia translations, co-design resources and community consultations.
The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd is the national standards and certifying body for translators and interpreters in Australia. Our translators are all NAATI accredited, so all our translations are officially certified and accepted by all Australian authorities.
Yes, we always ensure that vital record translations (e.g. birth, marriage, divorce certificates) are produced by local translators in accordance with local certification requirements. We conduct our business and customer communications over the Internet so we can serve you no matter where you are.
Languages
We translate into and out of over 100 language combinations, from Arabic to Zulu. We cover over 170 languages. See the full list here.
Yes, we can handle multilingual translation projects in any language combination and we offer a reduced price if you need to translate the same text into different languages at the same time
Polaron's Money Back Guarantee
About Polaron
Polaron’s founder, Eva Hussain, came to Australia in the 1980s as a young refugee from Poland. In 2000, Eva began Polaron by offering Polish translations and interpreting from her own laundry room. Those humble beginnings were the building blocks of what the company is today.
Now Polaron employs over 50 in-house staff and a trusted network of researchers, translators and project managers across the globe. We are proud to be a diverse team with lived experience and genuine passion for our clients’ success.
Our head office is located in Melbourne, Australia. We also have offices in Sydney, Europe and the US.
Yes! Contact our team to discuss your requirements.
We have very strict policies and procedures in place to ensure that confidentiality is guaranteed at all times. We are happy to provide you with a signed confidentiality undertaking before the work starts. Please see our Privacy policy for more details.
Quotes
We quote you for free and with no obligation on your part. We also provide a free 15-minute consultation if you want professional insights into how to disseminate your translation and expand your reach and impact.
We need the basic information about your translation requirements, such as:
- How long is your text?
- What kind of text is it? For example, does it contain technical, marketing or legal language?
- Which language do you want to translate the text from/into?
- How is the translation going to be used (e.g. printed, displayed online)?
- Does the translation need any certification or accreditation?
- How urgent is it?
Finding an interpreter at short notice can be difficult, especially in rarer languages, so it’s best to give us as much notice as possible.
Initially we only need some basic details, such as:
- language
- location
- date
- nature of the assignment
In order to prepare, the interpreter will need as much background information as possible on the subject matter, participants and specific terminology they may need to familiarise themselves with.
Cost
It depends on the language, size of the document, complexity of the text and the type of service required e.g. if the translation needs to have an Apostille. Contact us for a detailed quote.
It depends on the language combination, as well as the length, nature and location of the assignment. Interpreting bookings are charged on an hourly basis but half day or full day block bookings can also be made. In some situations, you may also be asked to cover the mileage and travel expenses, but we do try to book local interpreters to minimise the cost. We also offer reduced corporate rates if you register your company with us.
Certainly! But like in any other business, you get what you pay for. Our translations come with the confidence of 100% satisfaction guarantee and over 20 years of quality work.
Yes. Urgent projects require more resources to have the job done in time. An Express urgency charge will apply. Contact us if you need your translation urgency.
Translation Delivery and Time
For standard documents (e.g. birth, marriage, divorce certificates), our turnaround time is usually 3 days. For documents that are longer or more complicated, it depends on complexity, length and the language you wish to translate into.
At Polaron you always know how long it will take before we start the translation.
If your translation is urgent, we can accommodate that too. We can work around the clock to make sure your deadline is met. Contact us to discuss what you need.
We always try to respond within 15 to 60 minutes of your enquiry and to give you a quote on the same day you contact us.
If you need a quote for a large or complex project, it might take a bit longer, but we’ll touch base to let you know that we are working on it!
You can send your documents by email or post. You are also welcome to drop off your documents in person. Please contact our team if you require our PO box address.