F.A.Q.

To get a quote, please use the contact form, which you will find throughout the website. If possible, please attach the document you need translated so that I can assess the work involved.

If you have a specific request or would like to discuss your project before sending your documents, please feel free to ring me.

If your document, video or image file is too large to email, just get in touch and we'll find the easiest way to get it to me.

ART4U can work with most commonly used file formats, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as InDesign files and a range of formats used for websites.

If you have a PDF, that's absolutely fine too! ART4U can provide a quote based on a PDF, although the original file is always preferable if you have it. PDFs are designed primarily for sharing and viewing documents, so they must be converted. This often results in formatting problems that are difficult to resolve and it is often much simpler just to provide the original document.

Whenever possible, please send the original file.

Not sure whether I can work with your file format? Just get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss your project and see what we can do.

Yes. If possible, it's best to scan the document and email it to us.

If you don't have access to a scanner, you can also send us the document by post, although this may take a little longer.

If the document is handwritten, whether we can translate it will depend, among other things, on how legible the handwriting is.
 

No. Miranda Joubioux is not registered as a sworn translator with the Rennes Court of Appeal.

You can consult the list of sworn translators registered with the Rennes Court of Appeal, which is available online in PDF format, or search for a translator on the website of the French Society of Translators: www.sft.fr.

A good translation is above all a team effort. A few simple steps on your part can make our work easier and help us understand your project better.

• Allow plenty of time.
  Wherever possible, contact us well in advance. This gives us time to read your document, carry out any necessary research, translate it, proofread it and polish the final version, rather than having to rush.
• Be on hand to answer questions.
  We may need to check a few details about the original text. A quick reply helps us keep things moving, and even a small clarification can make a big difference to the final result.
• Send clear, legible documents.
  Before sending your text, check that it is complete, clear and easy to read. If you have previous translations, reference material, glossaries or anything else that might be useful, please send those too. They’ll help us get to know your field and use the right terminology.
• Tell us what you need.
  Let us know about any requirements for layout, style or terminology, and whether you have a style guide. If any parts of the document should be left untranslated, please make this clear.
• Flag any changes to the source text.
  Wherever possible, avoid changing the source text once translation has begun. If you do need to make changes, please mark them clearly in the updated version.
• Remember text in images.
  If your document contains images with text, let us know whether that text also needs to be translated. This is particularly useful for brochures, presentations, diagrams and marketing materials.
• Keep comments separate from the text to be translated.
  Where possible, send us a final version of your document well in advance. If you have to make last-minute changes, remove any comments and clearly mark what has changed.
• Allow time for proofreading.
  Please set aside enough time for the translation to be proofread either by us or someone else. A fresh pair of eyes can often make a real difference to the quality of the final result.
• Explain acronyms and abbreviations.
  If your text contains acronyms or abbreviations specific to your organisation or industry, explain them at least once if their meaning is not obvious. What is clear to your colleagues may not be clear to someone outside your organisation.
• Send related documents together.
  If several documents are part of the same project, send them together where possible. This helps us understand the context and use consistent terminology throughout.
• Have your text proofread before sending it.
  A quick check by a colleague can catch typos and ambiguities that might affect the meaning of the text and its translation. A clear source text is less likely to need clarification. That said, we will always check with you if something is unclear or could be understood in more than one way.

Why does a translator ask questions about the text?

Asking questions is an essential part of the translation process. Words and phrases can have more than one meaning, and the context alone does not always make it clear which one best conveys the intended message.

A translator may also need clarification if a term is unfamiliar, information appears contradictory or there are several possible ways to phrase an idea.

These questions are not an indication of difficulty. They reflect a commitment to understanding exactly what you want to communicate and finding the most appropriate way to express it.

By asking for clarification, a translator can ensure that the final translation conveys your intended message accurately, reflects the specific needs of your industry and is consistent with your company's brand identity.

The time needed to complete a translation depends on a few things, including the length and complexity of your document, the subject matter, the file format and whether any additional research is needed.

Where possible, it is best to allow enough time for the translation to be completed to a high standard. This includes any necessary research, proofreading and follow-up questions to ensure everything is clear.

If you're working to a tight deadline, a quicker turnaround may still be possible, depending on the nature of the project and the translator's availability. Just get in touch to discuss your deadline, and we will do our best to accommodate it.

• How do we go about having our website translated?
  The first thing to think about is which parts of your website really need translating. Content written for a French-speaking audience may not always work as well for an English-speaking one and vice-versa.
  It's worth taking a little time to think about who you want to reach, which market you're targeting and what content will be most useful to your new audience.
  We can then look at your website together and work out the best way to approach the translation.
• Should I give my translator access to my website?
  Yes, if possible! Seeing your website in context helps your translator understand your content and find the right words to convey your message.
  If your website is still being developed, access to the version you want translated, even before it goes live, can be really helpful. It allows your translator to see how the text, images and layout all work together. If your website is already live, access to the current version or an earlier one can also be useful, especially if you're planning a redesign.
  The more context your translator has, the easier it is to produce a translation that feels right for your audience and reflects your brand.
• How do I get a script or video translated?
  Simply send us the script you would like translated. If the translation needs to be synchronised with the video, please include the video file in MP4 format, along with a script showing the start and end times of each section.
  Don't have a script? No problem! We can also transcribe your video and provide subtitling services to suit your needs.
  Please contact us to discuss your video project and find out how we can help.

ART4U can help. Get in touch so we can discuss the purpose and context of your international call.

Depending on your needs, we can arrange a conference call for you to take part in, or contact the person you need to speak to directly on your behalf.

Miranda Joubioux has many years of experience working in France and a strong understanding of French business culture. She can support you with business meetings, telephone calls and trips to France, stepping in whenever you need a helping hand. 

Whether your call is for business or personal matters, Miranda Joubioux will help make communication as straightforward and natural as possible.
 

• How do you use my personal data?
  ART4U uses the personal data you provide solely to respond to your enquiry, manage your project and, where applicable, administer our business relationship.
  ART4U processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection law, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
  The personal data we collect may include your name, contact details and any information needed to deal with your enquiry.
  Your personal data is treated as confidential and used only for professional purposes. We will not use it for any other purpose without your consent or another lawful basis for doing so.
  Under the GDPR and the French Data Protection Act (Loi Informatique et Libertés), you have the right to access and rectify your personal data and, in certain circumstances, to request its deletion.
  If you have any questions about how we handle your personal data, please contact ART4U:
  
  ART4U
  1 impasse Pierre de Francheville
  Bâtiment B
  56370 Sarzeau
  France
  
  Email: contact@art4u.fr

 

• How are the documents I provide handled?
  Documents you provide as part of a project are treated as confidential and used solely to deliver the agreed service.
  If your documents contain sensitive or confidential information, please let us know when you contact us so that we can take this into account when organising the project.