These are some of the questions that I am asked frequently. However, if you have any other question or would like to discuss any other requirements, please feel free to contact me.
Why should I use your services?
Quite simply, I can make your business go further. Rather than just translating the meaning of the words, I translate cultures, adapting the content to the target market so you can engage with your Spanish customers and truly speak to them in their own language, thus increasing the sales of your products and services. My extensive experience in the translation industry and in-depth knowledge of the Spanish culture and market will help you communicate effectively and take your business to the next level.
I regularly engage in continuous professional development in order to improve my skills and keep abreast of any developments in the fields that I work in, ensuring I know as much as the professionals who work in those fields.
So whether you need your website localised and optimised to increase your market share in Spain, you need advice on how to close a deal with a Spanish company or you have some advertising material that needs to be adapted for Spain, I will help you conquer the Spanish market.
What kind of experience do you have?
I have over 14 years' experience in the translation and localisation industry, including 5 years working in-house in the localisation department of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, so you can rest assured you are in good hands. You can find more information about my background and experience here, or feel free to add me on LinkedIn.
What type of clients do you work with?
Primarily, I work with B2B clients. That means translation agencies, and public or private companies that wish to grow their business in Spain. Although I am based in Manchester, UK, I have clients all over the world, from Japan to the US.
What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
In a few words, translation is the art of conveying a written message into another language, whereas interpreting is the oral rendering of a message into another language. So let's say that you have some brochures, an employee handbook or a website in English and you need them in Spanish; in that case, you would need translation services. However, if had a meeting with some Spanish clients and you needed me to be present with you to enable communication between the two languages, then you would need interpreting services.
It is worth nothing that both translation and interpreting go far beyond replacing words in another language, they imply adapting a message to suit the target culture expectations and perceptions.
What do you mean by cultural awareness?
Cultural awareness is the ability to recognise the different beliefs, values and perceptions of a different culture. It is often overlooked in business, but it can make a huge difference and it can help you establish much more successful professional relationships and develop trust between the parties, avoiding miscommunication and cultural mishaps that may offend your counterparts. It can also help you market your products and services more effectively in the target country. For example, you could be heading to Spain for a meeting but you are unsure of what is the appropriate attire to wear in Madrid in the summer, when it's 40 degrees Celsius. Or you are planning to launch a new product in Spain but you are not sure how popular similar products are in the market. With my in-depth knowledge of the Spanish market and culture, I can help you navigate these situations and advise you on the best approach, which will allow you to take your business to the next level.
What languages do you work with?
I am primarily an English into Spanish translator, so that is the combination that I work with most of the time. Please note that most professional translators only work into their native language in order to ensure the best quality possible, so I do not carry out translations into English. In the localisation and marketing fields, I also offer the French into Spanish combination.
How much will I spend?
Every project is different, and therefore they are charged individually depending on the time and effort required to complete them. To obtain a free quotation, please get in touch at info@silviaferrero.co.uk and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
How can I pay you?
I accept payment in GBP, EUR or USD via bank transfer, PayPal or Skrill. After the project is completed (or once a month in the case of large projects), I will issue an official invoice where you can find my payment details.
How long will it take?
Generally, on average a translator can handle 2000-3000 words a day, although this can vary depending on the type of content. For instance, translating a press release can be much faster than adapting a brand slogan to the Spanish market even if the second only contains a few words. Also, it is highly likely that when you contact me I have other projects to work on already. For these reasons, the best approach is to send me your project to info@silviaferrero.co.uk and I will get back in touch soon with a delivery date.
Can I not use Google Translate?
Whereas free online translators can have their uses and might help you get the gist of a piece of text, they should not be used as a substitute for professional translation. Translation is an art and requires very special skills, so it should only be undertaken by a professional, qualified translator with experience and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter. I can produce appealing text that will sound great in Spanish, engage your audience and ultimately help you grow your business in Spain, and there is no computer that can do that.
I had a translation carried out by somebody else but I am unsure about the quality. Could you check it?
Yes, I can definitely help you check any translation carried out by someone else and provide feedback on the quality and fitness for purpose of the text.
Will you make sure all my material remains confidential?
I know that maintaining absolute confidentiality is of paramount importance and I take every measure to make sure your information is safe in my hands, always abiding to the Professional Code of Conduct. I am also happy to sign any NDA or confidentiality agreements that you may send me.