Translation, Transcription and Interpreting FAQs

Transcribe Lingo provides translation, transcription and interpreting services across multiple languages. Related services include certified document translation, multilingual transcription and remote or in-person interpreting.

You can review the full language services or contact the team when your requirement spans more than one service.

Use translation for written documents, transcription for recorded speech and interpreting for live conversations. Some projects require a combination, such as transcribing foreign-language audio and then translating the transcript.

Provide as much of the following information as possible:

• The document, recording or project materials.
• The source and target languages.
• The intended use of the finished work.
• Your preferred deadline.
• Any certification, formatting or delivery requirements.
• For interpreting, the date, time, duration, platform or location.

Clear files and complete instructions help the team confirm an accurate scope, price and delivery estimate.

The available language combinations are listed on the languages page . When a language is not shown, send the language pair to the team so availability can be checked.

Yes. Certified translations include a signed certification statement on company letterhead.

Tell the team which authority or organisation will receive the document so the required format can be checked before the translation begins.

Translation pricing can depend on the language pair, document length, complexity, subject matter, formatting, certification requirements and deadline.

Sending a complete and readable copy of the document is the best way to receive an exact quote.

Turnaround depends on the language, length, subject matter, formatting and certification requirements. Include your deadline when requesting a quote, and the team will confirm the fastest suitable option that is available.

Completed files can be delivered digitally by email. Printed copies can also be supplied by tracked post on request.

Confirm whether you need a digital copy, printed copy or both before the project begins.

Notarisation or Apostille-related services may be available as additional options, depending on the document and the country where it will be used.

Explain the intended use when requesting a quote so the appropriate service can be confirmed.

Transcription is the process of converting spoken content from an audio or video recording into written text.

Recordings may include interviews, meetings, calls, conferences, research sessions, dictation, podcasts or other spoken material.

Transcribe Lingo uses experienced human transcribers with relevant language and sector expertise rather than delivering unedited machine-generated output.

The project is assessed before an appropriate transcriber is assigned.

Pricing may be affected by:

• The length of the recording.
• Audio clarity and background noise.
• The number of speakers.
• The language or accent.
• Technical terminology.
• Verbatim style, timestamps or speaker labels.
• The requested deadline.

Uploading the recording allows the team to assess these factors before confirming the price.

Transcribing one hour of audio usually takes multiple hours of work. The time required depends on factors such as sound quality, terminology, accents, speaker count and overlapping speech.

Commonly used formats include MP3, WAV, M4A, MP4 and MOV. Recordings exported from Zoom or Microsoft Teams can also be assessed.

Ask the team before converting a file when you have a different format, as conversion can sometimes reduce audio quality.

Intelligent or clean verbatim transcription removes non-essential fillers, repetitions and false starts while retaining the speaker’s intended meaning.

Strict full verbatim records every filler word, vocalisation and relevant speech feature. State which style you require when requesting the quote.

Yes. Timestamps and speaker identification can be requested. Explain how frequently timestamps are needed and provide speaker names when they are known.

Unclear sections can be marked consistently, for example with an inaudible notation. Overlapping speech can also be identified where relevant.

Supplying the original recording rather than a compressed copy gives the transcriber the best available source.

Interpreting may be provided remotely by video or telephone, or in person where location, scheduling and interpreter availability allow.

Share the location or preferred remote platform when making the enquiry.

With consecutive interpreting, the speaker pauses while the interpreter conveys each section. It is commonly suited to appointments, interviews and smaller meetings.

With simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter conveys the message while the speaker continues. It is generally used for conferences, presentations and larger events.

Provide:

• The required language or language pair.
• The date, start time and time zone.
• The estimated duration.
• The location or online platform.
• The subject of the meeting or appointment.
• The preferred interpreting method.

Yes. Remote interpreting can be arranged for video or telephone conversations, subject to language and scheduling availability.

Send the platform details and access instructions before the appointment.

Files are treated as confidential and project access is limited to the people working on the assignment.

Tell the team in advance when your organisation has specific security, access or retention requirements.

An NDA can be requested for sensitive or confidential projects. Raise this requirement before sending restricted material or approving the project.

The project is first assessed for language, context, technical content and formatting. Work is then assigned to an appropriate linguist or transcriber and reviewed before the final files are prepared for delivery.

Contact the team and identify the relevant page, paragraph, timestamp or wording as clearly as possible. Minor corrections can then be reviewed promptly against the original source.