All of the translators and interpreters in Bolivia who are members of BoliviaTranslators.com are professional linguists. They have many years of experience, superior writing, verbal and memory skills, the ability to localize text, do additional research, are trained and specialized in specific industries, may be certified by one or more international associations or agencies, and may possess other skills and degrees. Being "bilingual" is not the only qualification required to become a translator or interpreter.

Qualifications and Experience

Companies planning to use an interpreter or translator in Bolivia, should learn as much as possible about the background and qualifications of any person claiming to be one. You could ask to see copies of their credentials or certifying entity, request they send you samples of documents they've translated, ask them to take a translation test for you, send you a list of the industries in which they specialize, send you a list of events at which they have worked, or send you letters of recommendation from other customers they've worked for. On BoliviaTranslators.com each translator or interpreter's resume is available in at least two languages, as are client lists or events-worked lists, and you can even hear a recorded voice sample.

Translation Tests vs. Sample Translations

New or potential customers often request that a translator send in a translation sample. Some of us keep a set of randomly selected texts from public documents that we have translated to send as samples upon request. Often, however, we are asked to send in samples of actual translations we have done for other customers. In general, unless we have translated documents that are in the public domain, such as magazine or newspaper articles, it is difficult (and unethical) of us to do so. We keep the content of translations done for others confidential, either voluntarily or because we've signed confidentiality agreements. However, most of us welcome the opportunity to translate a small amount of text as a short translation test for you. We're sure you'll appreciate knowing that we will safeguard the confidentiality of your documents in the same way.

Confidentiality

If you are concerned about the confidentiality of your documents or the information presented during an event, you have the right to request your translator or interpreter sign a confidentiality agreement and abide by it.

Negotiating Prices

It is also important to know how prices are negotiated. Most professional translators charge per word (not per page) and interpreters charge per hour, full day or half day. Many are willing to be flexible, and they quote prices based on how difficult and technical your document is ("Dear John Letter" vs. "Hydrocarbons Law"), how urgently you need it done ("Take your time" vs. "I need it yesterday"), and/or how long it is.

Translation of Consular Documents

If you need immigration documents translated, many embassies and consulates accept translations only from their registered translators, and will require you to have your documents translated again by them, even if the translation you already have is of good quality. It's worth asking first.

Derivative Works and Copyright

Who owns the translation of your document, you or the translator? Translations are considered "derivative works". Under certain circumstances, derivative works can be copyrighted by someone else, even if you own the copyright to the original work. The United States Copyright Office offers a simple, understandable explanation of what can and cannot be considered a derivative work, and under which circumstances derivative works of your original work (such as translations) may or may not be copyrighted by someone else (such as a translator). Laws may differ in other countries. Please contact your country's Copyright Office.

Translators Working in Teams

Translators and interpreters often work in teams. If a translation project is long, and must be completed quickly, a team of translators can be formed for the task. However, keep in mind that no two human beings speak or write with exactly the same vocabulary or style; therefore, it's always best if you take translation times into account during initial planning of your project deadlines. Long documents translated by a single person will retain a much more consistent quality, than if split among many.

Interpreters Working in Pairs

It is also customary for interpreters to work in pairs when providing conference interpretation services. Simultaneous interpretation requires an often exhausting degree of concentration. Interpreters must listen and speak at the same time and must keep up with the speed at which you are speaking. They cannot stop you, interrupt you, or ask you to repeat something. After 2-3 hours of continuous interpretation without a rest, your interpreter's concentration may begin to waver. The fact that your group may be small makes no difference. Whether we are interpreting for 1 person or 1000, it's the same 8-hour day to us.

In addition, by working in pairs, interpreters help each other out. It isn't uncommon for one interpreter to be rapidly researching vocabulary or taking notes while the other is interpreting. If your interpreter is alone, and has no back-up when they "draw a blank" on a specific word, they could translate incorrectly, fall behind, or find themselves forced to paraphrase. Working in pairs also ensures your work can continue uninterrupted if one of the interpreters needs to use the restroom, has the hiccups, or a coughing or sneezing spell... yes, it happens.

You Get What You Pay For

Our services are not the least expensive in Bolivia and never will be. The translators and interpreters who are members of BoliviaTranslators.com have worked long and hard to acquire the skill levels needed to offer the highest quality translations and simultaneous interpretation services available in Bolivia today. If we cannot make your deadline or a translator or conference interpreter is not specialized in your field, we will not risk our reputations, and will responsibly not offer you our services.