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The Babel fish is small, yellow and leechlike, and probably the oddest thing in the Universe. It feeds on brainwave energy received not from its own carrier but from those around it. (….) The practical upshot of all this is that if you stick a Babel fish in your ear you can instantly understand anything said to you in any form of language. (Douglas Adams, A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)

We do not travel the galaxy but live on earth. And here on earth, language services are not provided by fish but by people: translators and interpreters. As a customer, you obviously expect these people to deliver a good job - but what actually makes a translation excellent?

	It is correct in facts, wording and grammar.
	The terminology has been thoroughly researched.
	It should not have a 'translated' feeling to it but render style and nuances of the original in the target language in an authentic, natural way. The resulting text should be easily readable.
	Play on words and allusions to current or historic persons and events are adapted to be understood in the target country.
	The customer's wishes regarding layout and terminology are fully implemented.

And what can you expect from a professional interpreter?

The preconditions for successful interpreting are extensive experience, careful preparation and thorough knowledge of the specialist terminology.

What type of interpreting best suits your situation? This depends on the location and the number of people involved.

	To support an individual in a conference, an interpreter whispers the translation simultaneously to the customer; interpreting for small groups is done consecutively with or without microphones.
	For court hearings or appointments with a notary, an experienced certified court interpreter helps you to understand all nuances of what is being said.
	At larger events, simultaneous interpreters ensure that all attendants can follow the speaker without delay, interruptions or repetitions.
	Speeches and presentations can be interpreted with or without microphones, depending on room size and number of participants.

Just give me a call or send an email – I will be glad to give you some advice on interpreting for the event you are planning, and submit a fixed quotation without obligation.