Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The cost of translation varies depending on several factors, so each project is priced individually. Factors affecting the price may include:

• Text length and word count
• Source and target language
• Subject matter and specialised terminology
• Urgency and desired delivery time
• Formatting or other special requirements

If you would like a quote, please contact us and, if possible, include the text or a sample of it. This allows us to assess the scope of the work and provide an accurate price and delivery schedule.

I specialise in translations between Finnish and English in both directions. For English translations, I can arrange native-speaker proofreading if needed, ensuring the highest quality.

In addition, I sometimes translate into Finnish from French, Swedish, and German.

Other language pairs may also be available through my professional network – feel free to ask!

A translator works with written texts, translating from one language to another (e.g., books, articles, instructions, or website content). Translators often use dictionaries, translation software, and other tools. The work is written and usually not under immediate time pressure, allowing careful consideration of word choice and sentence structure.

An interpreter, on the other hand, works with spoken language in real time – for example, in meetings, conferences, medical appointments, or court settings. Interpreting requires quick thinking, excellent memory, and fluency in both languages. Interpretation can be:

• Simultaneous (at the same time as the speaker, e.g., through headphones)
• Consecutive (after the speaker has finished a section or the entire message)

A certified translation is one confirmed by an authorised translator. It is legally valid and typically includes the translator’s stamp and signature to verify accuracy.

Certified translations are usually required when submitting documents to authorities. Common examples include:

• Certificates and diplomas (e.g., school or university records)
• Civil registry documents (e.g., birth, marriage, and death certificates)
• Legal documents (e.g., judgments, powers of attorney, registry extracts)
• Immigration or relocation documents

If you are unsure whether a certified translation is needed, check with the authority or organisation that will receive the document.

In Finland, authorised translators are certified by the Examination Board of Authorised Translators, operating under the Finnish National Agency for Education. The register of authorised translators is maintained here: https://akr.opintopolku.fi/akr/etusivu.

Translation is not simply a mechanical process of swapping words between languages. Words can have broader or narrower meanings in different languages. Language is always tied to culture, so texts may contain cultural references, idioms, and subtle tones that even advanced AI cannot fully understand.

AI works based on probabilities. Despite its name, it does not truly think, nor can it interpret what is implied “between the lines.” AI can be a helpful tool, but a human translator is still needed to check and refine the output. AI assists, humans take responsibility.

Think of it like flying a plane: modern aircraft can fly automatically, but a pilot is still needed in the cockpit. The same principle applies to translation and communication.