Frequently asked questions
As a gateway to helping clients engage diverse markets and expand their global footprint, we’re here to answer questions they have along the way. Whether we’re providing translation, transcription, or multimedia localization services, we’re here with helpful advice and the experience necessary to find the right way forward.
Ask us anything!
General
What is Multilingual Connections?
Multilingual Connections is a language and culture consultancy that helps you create connections across the globe. Our global team of linguistic and cultural experts provide translation, localization, transcreation, transcription, subtitling, voiceover, bilingual research moderation, and interpretation services in over 75 languages. We leverage the best of technology while never losing sight of the value and nuance that humans bring to each project. We’re Chicago-based and proudly woman-owned.
What certifications does Multilingual Connections have?
Multilingual Connections is a certified woman-owned business (WBENC, WOSB, EDWOSB, State of Illinois WBE, City of Chicago WBE) and also a certified DBE by Metra.
Translation services
What languages do you translate?
We offer translation services in over 75 languages, covering major world languages as well as many regional and less common languages. Our extensive network of professional linguists allows us to cater to a wide range of language needs for our global clients.
Do you translate surveys?
Yes, we specialize in survey translation. Our experienced linguists are skilled in localizing survey questions to ensure cultural relevance and linguistic accuracy, maintaining the integrity of your research across different languages and cultures.
Do you provide bilingual moderators for global research?
Yes, we offer bilingual moderators for global research projects. Our moderators are not only fluent in the target languages but also have expertise in conducting research and facilitating discussions in various cultural contexts.
Do you provide sim trans (simultaneous translation/interpretation) for interviews and focus groups?
Yes, we provide remote and onsite simultaneous interpretation services for interviews, focus groups, and other live events. Our skilled interpreters can deliver real-time interpretation, ensuring smooth communication in multilingual settings.
Can you provide certified translations?
Yes, we offer certified translations. Our certified translations are accompanied by a signed and notarized statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation, which is suitable for official use in many contexts.
Do you notarize translations?
Yes, we can provide notarized translations. This involves having a notary public witness the translator’s or agency representative’s signature on the certification statement, adding an extra layer of authentication to the document.
Do you use AI translation?
While we utilize AI and machine translation tools to enhance efficiency in certain stages of our process, all our final translations are human-reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and high quality.
What's the difference in quality between machine translation and AI translation?
Machine translation and AI translation are often used interchangeably, as modern machine translation systems use AI technologies. Both can provide quick translations but may lack nuance and context. Human post-editing is crucial for ensuring high-quality, culturally appropriate translations.
Do you use human translators?
Yes, we primarily rely on human translators. While we may use AI tools to assist in the translation process, all our translations are carried out, reviewed, and finalized by professional human translators to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance.
Are your translators native speakers of the language?
Yes, our translators are native speakers of the target language or have native-level proficiency. This ensures that our translations capture not just the literal meaning, but also the cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions of the target language.
Are your translators in the US or offshore?
We have a global network of translators, including both US-based and international linguists. This allows us to provide 24/7 service and to match projects with translators who have the most relevant linguistic and cultural expertise for each specific task.
Do your translators have experience within specific industries?
Yes, our translators specialize in various industries such as legal, marketing, research, medical, technical, and more. We match each project with translators who have relevant subject matter expertise to ensure accurate and appropriate translations.
What's the difference between translation and interpretation?
Translation involves converting written text from one language to another, while interpretation involves converting spoken language in real-time. Translators work with written documents, while interpreters work with live speech in settings like conferences or meetings.
What's the difference between translation and localization?
Translation is the process of converting text from one language to another, while localization goes a step further. Localization adapts content not just linguistically but also culturally, considering factors like local customs, idioms, units of measurement, and cultural references to make the content feel native to the target audience.
Do you offer document translation services for creative marketing materials?
Yes, we provide nuanced marketing translation that preserves the intention of the original while being culturally and linguistically relevant to your audience.
Interpretation services
Do you offer in-person interpretation services in the United States?
Yes, we provide in-person interpretation services across the United States and in some international locations.
Do you offer telephonic / Over the Phone Interpretation (OPI) services?
Yes, we offer both on-demand and scheduled phone interpretation in 200 languages.
What's the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpretation?
Consecutive interpretation involves the speaker pausing every few sentences to allow the interpreter to relay the message in the target language. Simultaneous interpretation, on the other hand, involves the interpreter translating in real-time as the speaker talks, with only a slight delay. Simultaneous interpretation is often used in large conferences or meetings where time is limited, while consecutive interpretation is common in smaller settings or one-on-one conversations.
Transcription services
Do you do foreign language transcription?
Yes, we offer foreign language transcription services. Our team of skilled linguists can transcribe audio and video content in numerous languages, ensuring accurate capture of spoken content in its original language.
Do you transcribe foreign language audio directly into English?
Yes, our interpretive transcription services involve taking an audio file in a non-English language and transcribing it directly into English. We also offer monolingual transcription, which results in a transcript in the same language as your original.
Do you do time stamping or coding in transcription?
Yes, we provide time stamping and coding services in our transcriptions. Time stamps can be added at regular intervals or at specific points as requested. We also offer coding services to highlight themes, topics, or other elements within the transcript as per client requirements.
Do you do verbatim transcription?
Yes, we offer verbatim transcription services. This type of transcription captures every utterance, including filler words, false starts, and non-verbal sounds. We also offer clean verbatim options that omit some of these elements while maintaining the essence of the speech.
How do you identify speakers in transcription?
We typically identify speakers by assigning them labels (e.g., Speaker 1, Speaker 2) or by using their names if provided. For group discussions, we can also use role identifiers (e.g., Moderator, Participant A) as requested by the client.
Do you use speech recognition in your transcription service?
While we may use speech recognition technology as an initial step to improve efficiency, all our transcriptions are reviewed, edited, and finalized by human transcriptionists to ensure accuracy, especially for challenging audio or specialized content.
Do you accept physical tapes, CDs or DVDs for transcription?
es, we can accept physical media such as tapes, CDs, and DVDs for transcription. We have the necessary equipment to handle various formats. However, we recommend digital file transfer when possible for faster processing and enhanced security.
Localization services
What's the difference between translation and transcreation?
Translation involves converting text from one language to another while maintaining the original meaning. Transcreation, however, goes beyond translation to recreate the content for the target audience, often used for marketing and advertising materials. It involves adapting the message, style, and tone to resonate with the target culture, potentially changing imagery and concepts to achieve the same impact as the original.
What's the difference between translation and localization?
Translation is the process of converting text from one language to another, preserving the meaning. Localization is a more comprehensive process that adapts content not just linguistically but also culturally. It considers factors like local customs, idioms, units of measurement, and cultural references to make the content feel native to the target audience. Localization might involve modifying graphics, design, or functionality in addition to the text.
What is linguistic consulting?
Linguistic consulting involves providing expert advice on language-related matters. This can include guidance on terminology management, style guide development, cultural appropriateness, and language strategy. Linguistic consultants are bilingual and bicultural experts who help businesses navigate complex multilingual projects, ensure consistency across communications, and optimize their language-related processes and policies.
Workflow, formatting & file storage
How long will my project take to complete?
Project completion time varies depending on the scope, complexity, and volume of the work. Simple translations might be completed in a few business days, while larger or more complex projects could take several weeks. We provide estimated timelines upon review of your specific project requirements and can often accommodate rush requests for an additional fee.
How do I send my documents to you and what file formats do you accept?
You can send documents to us through our secure online portal or via encrypted email. We accept a wide range of file formats, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), PDF, HTML, XML, InDesign, Canva, and various image formats. For audio and video files, we accept common formats like MP3, WAV, MP4, and AVI. If you have a specific file type not listed here, please contact us, as we can usually accommodate most formats.
How long do you store my data?
We store your data only for as long as necessary to complete your project and for a short period afterward for quality assurance and potential follow-up queries. Typically, this is no longer than 30 days after project completion, unless otherwise specified by contract or legal requirements. After this period, we securely delete all project-related files from our systems. We maintain strict data protection protocols throughout the storage period to ensure the confidentiality and security of your information.
Privacy & certifications
Is Multilingual Connections ISO Certified?
While we adhere to rigorous quality standards in all our processes, we are not currently ISO certified. However, we follow industry best practices and maintain strict quality control measures that align with ISO standards for translation and localization services. We continuously evaluate our processes to ensure we meet or exceed industry benchmarks for quality and customer satisfaction.
How does Multilingual Connections ensure HIPAA compliance?
We take HIPAA compliance very seriously when handling protected health information (PHI). Our HIPAA compliance measures include:
- Stringent data security protocols, including encrypted file transfer and storage systems
- Regular staff training on HIPAA requirements and best practices
- Strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive information
- Signed Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with clients when handling PHI
- Secure disposal of data after project completion
- Regular audits of our security measures and processes
We’re committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all PHI we handle, ensuring our services meet HIPAA standards for healthcare-related projects.
Is Multilingual Connections SOC 2 certified or currently in the process of obtaining SOC 2 certification?
No, however our servers are hosted on cloud based servers which maintain SOC 2 certification for their infrastructure and services, ensuring stringent security, availability, and confidentiality standards.
Is Multilingual Connections certified in HITRUST or currently in the process of obtaining HITRUST certification?
No, however our servers are hosted on Google Cloud infrastructure, which includes services that have achieved HITRUST CSF certification, ensuring compliance with high security and privacy standards.