Frequently Asked Questions
We have prepared several common questions with answers for your review. Please feel free to contact us for more information: 610.617.8962
General FAQs
- Source File: LSC will provide a complete recreation of the original (source) document with all graphics and formatting included. We must receive the editable file(s) in which the source document was created, such as InDesign, etc. in order to perform all necessary desktop publishing before the job is returned to you.
- Text-only File (with graphics to be later added by the requester): This option is suggested when you have your own graphics team to produce the final document. LSC highly recommends the formatted document be sent back to LSC for a final quality assurance cycle to ensure nothing was dropped or put in the wrong place, and that no diacritical marks were missed, etc. during the production process.
- Text-only file: This option includes a full translation with no graphics or special formatting.
Spoken Chinese is different region to region and includes Cantonese, Mandarin, Hakka, etc.
Written Chinese uses only 2 formats, Simplified and Traditional.
Simplified Chinese is the standard writing form employed in the mainland of China.
Traditional Chinese is mainly used in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Although the majority of the population uses Simplified Chinese, there are still many who prefer to translate into Traditional Chinese.
LSC can provide translations in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. We recommend that you determine which version you are requesting before the job is given to LSC. Please let us know if we can be of assistance in determining which written form of Chinese would be best for your requested translation services. Please note the format may vary from project to project, depending upon the end-user(s) preference.
Confidentiality is a key consideration and priority for LSC. We use the most secure processes and protocols for all online, onsite, and in-house communications. Our staff and contractors sign Confidentiality Statements in their contracts with LSC, and we strictly adhere to HIPAA requirements. We can make arrangements to utilize any additional security methods you may require.
Yes, LSC charges a minimum fee of two hours for each interpreting request. For multiple requests in the same language at the same location, please contact us for information about ‘bundling’ your assignments at a reduced rate.
Yes. First, we will review the document to determine how much of the job (% of total text) can be edited by making changes to the existing text. We will edit a job like this when there is less than 20% of the entire text which requires change. However, when more than 20% needs to be revised, LSC will recommend an entire re-translation of the job. We always let our clients know which alternative we recommend, and will provide a time and cost estimate, as requested.
All LSC jobs requiring certification or authentication are given to translators who have been credentialed and certified by the American Translators Association (ATA) in the specific language pairs requested. Additionally, LSC will then issue a signed letter on our company letterhead stating that the translation in question was performed by a qualified, professional translator. LSC does not notarize such letters. Note there is a small fee for this service.
Yes, LSC wants to work with our clients to lower costs in any way possible! We are pleased to offer fast and value-priced “template translations” as follows: the first document is translated in full and all subsequent requests for similar documentation will be charged according to a reduced flat fee. Please contact LSC today for more information about getting started or click here for an LSC quote.
Employment FAQs
If you are an experienced language professional, please click here for LSC’s requirements and instructions for sending us your information, including resume and rates, etc.
If you are new to this field and want more information about getting started, taking courses and training programs, or obtaining certifications etc., please visit websites for: The American Translators’ Association (ATA), Bridging the Gap, and The International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA). The ATA has regional divisions such as the Delaware Valley Translators Association (DVTA).
LSC makes every effort to request interpreters located closest to a specified assignment location. Typically, requests are within 30 minutes one way from your starting point. We always advise if travel is expected to be longer than that. Additionally, LSC covers mileage fees at the current Federal guidelined rate, as well as parking and public transportation fees with original receipts. Travel time is reimbursed on a case-by-case basis and will be discussed before confirmation from LSC.