Written Translation

Written translation means turning a text or document into another language in written form. A contract, a report, a diploma, a catalogue, a web page: if the source is written, it falls under this heading. That makes it a broad starting point, so the first step is to work out what kind of document you have and who will read it. Ziya Group has been in business since 1985, and Ziya Translation is its translation brand, working in more than 50 languages from four branches in Istanbul. Send your file by WhatsApp or e-mail, or drop it off at a branch.

Which written translation service fits your document?

Find your job in the table, then read the details on the matching page.

Standard or sworn translation?

This is the first decision when you place an order, and in Turkey it often surprises newcomers. A standard translation carries no sworn translator's signature. It is meant for understanding a text or using it inside a company. With a sworn translation, a sworn translator signs the work, and any notary approval is then based on that signature. To decide, look at who will receive the document rather than how important the text feels.

• A standard translation is usually enough for internal reports, supplier correspondence, presentations, research texts and marketing content.
• A sworn translation may be needed if a notary, consulate, university, court or other official body will receive the document. That body decides which level of approval it accepts.
• If you are not sure, forward us the message or letter you received from the office and we can work out the right type together.

Document translation for business

Companies working across borders need offers, draft contracts, tender files, product descriptions, balance sheets and formal letters translated. Accuracy is only half of the job here. Your company name, product names and units have to stay the same in every document. If you have earlier translations or a glossary, share them when you order. Marketing copy is a different case: what counts is the effect on the reader, and a text may need to be rebuilt for the target country rather than followed word by word. Companies can ask for a confidentiality agreement.

How to check the translation you receive

You do not need to know the target language well for a basic check. Look at these points:

• Do names, dates, amounts and numbers match the source?
• Is the same term rendered the same way throughout?
• Have headings, tables and footnotes kept their layout?
• Are stamps, signatures and handwritten notes indicated in the translation?
• Does the tone suit the reader: formal for a contract, fluent for a brochure?

How the fee is calculated

Volume is the main factor. The unit may be words, characters or pages depending on the job, and your quote will state it. Other things that change the amount:

• Language pair. Rates can differ where translators are harder to find.
• Subject. Legal, medical and technical texts call for specialist knowledge.
• Deadline. A tight schedule changes the planning.
• Approval. A sworn signature, notary approval or apostille may be added.
• State of the file. Handwriting or a faint scan takes more effort than clean text.

What affects the timing?

The same factors apply, plus one more: whether the text is final. If the source changes while the work is under way, part of it has to be redone, so send the finished version. On long jobs, delivery in stages can be discussed. Your quote will give the date once we have seen the document.

Which file should you send?

An editable file makes it easier to count the volume and keep the layout. If you only have paper, a legible scan or photo is a good place to start. Which file type suits your job depends on the document and will be clear in your quote.

Common mistakes

• Ordering a sworn translation for everything. If the office does not need it, the extra approval only adds cost and time.
• Bringing an unsigned translation to an official office. If it is refused, the work has to be done again.
• Not naming the target country. The same language varies by place: US and UK English, Brazilian and European Portuguese, and the Spanish of Spain and Latin America differ in spelling and terms.
• Forgetting text inside images. Say at the start whether words in charts, tables and logos should be translated too.

What to tell a translation office in Istanbul

1. The source and target languages.
2. Where the text will be used and who will read it.
3. The name of any approval the office has asked for.
4. Your delivery date.
5. Earlier translations, a glossary or sample texts, if you have them.

With these details, your quote comes faster and you are less likely to end up with the wrong type of service.