Certified translation
What is a certified translation in the UK?
A certified translation is a complete English translation that the translator signs to confirm it is accurate. Here is what it must include, and when you may need more.
4 min read
Guides
Guides to translation, documents and interpreting
Short, practical guides written from everyday experience with certified translations, official documents and interpreting appointments. Each one takes a few minutes to read.
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Certified translation
Certified translation
Is there a sworn translator in the UK?
Many countries appoint sworn translators. The UK does not, so here is what UK organisations accept instead, and what to do when an authority abroad asks for a sworn translation.
3 min read
Certified translation
How much does a certified translation cost in the UK?
Most personal documents have a simple, fixed price. Here is what it includes, what changes it, and a few worked examples.
3 min read
Certified translation
Urgent and same-day certified translation in London
Short personal documents can often be ready the same or the next working day. Here is how to make that possible.
2 min read
Certified translation
Official translation in Iran and certified translation in the UK
Looking for an official translation office in London? Here is how official translation works in Iran, what UK organisations ask for instead, and how to avoid paying twice.
2 min read
Certified translation
Certified, notarised or apostilled: which do you need?
Certified translation, notarisation and an apostille are three separate steps. Here is what each one does and how to find out which you need.
3 min read
Certified translation
How to send your documents for a translation quote
Clear copies and a few details are all I need for an accurate quote. Here is how to photograph, scan and send your documents.
2 min read
Documents from Iran, Afghanistan and Kurdistan
Farsi (Persian)
Translating an Iranian birth certificate (shenasnameh)
What a certified translation of an Iranian shenasnameh covers, from the later pages and notes to Solar Hijri dates and names that match your passport.
3 min read
Farsi (Persian)
Translating an Iranian marriage certificate
An Iranian marriage certificate holds far more than two names and a date. Here is what a complete certified translation includes, and what to send.
2 min read
Certified translation
Translating divorce and death certificates
These papers are often needed at hard moments: to remarry, to settle an estate, or to update a pension or a bank. Here is what to send.
2 min read
Farsi (Persian)
Translating Iranian degree certificates and transcripts
Applying to study or work in the UK with an Iranian qualification? Here is how your degree and transcript are translated, and what to check first.
2 min read
Farsi (Persian)
Translating Iranian bank statements and financial documents
Bank statements and letters of financial standing are full of figures, and every one has to be right. Here is how they are translated.
2 min read
Certified translation
Translating medical records and doctors’ letters
Test results, discharge letters and vaccination records from home can help your doctors in the UK. Here is what is worth translating, and how it is done.
2 min read
Certified translation
Translating work references and employment letters
Employers and professional bodies often ask for proof of your experience. Here is what these letters contain, and how to have them translated well.
2 min read
Certified translation
Translating school reports and certificates for UK schools
Moving to the UK with children? Their previous school reports help a new school understand where they are. Here is what to translate, and how grades are handled.
2 min read
Dari
Translating an Afghan tazkira for UK applications
What to expect when you need an Afghan tazkira translated, paper or electronic, including dates, names, Afghan wording and why I ask for a photo first.
3 min read
Kurdish (Sorani)
Documents from the Kurdistan Region: what to send first
Documents from the Kurdistan Region are often bilingual, in Kurdish and Arabic. Here is what to send first, and how I keep names and places consistent.
2 min read
Languages, names and dates
Kurdish (Sorani)
Sorani and Kurmanji: what’s the difference?
Sorani and Kurmanji speakers often find each other hard to follow. Here is how the two largest varieties of Kurdish differ, and how to book an interpreter who speaks the right one.
3 min read
Dari
Farsi and Dari: one language, different words
Farsi in Iran and Dari in Afghanistan are the same Persian language, but many everyday words differ. Here is what changes, and why it matters on documents and in interpreting.
3 min read
Farsi (Persian)
Solar Hijri dates on Iranian and Afghan documents
Iranian and most Afghan documents are dated in the Solar Hijri calendar. Here is how it works, and why every date needs careful conversion.
3 min read
Certified translation
Spelling names consistently in translated documents
Mohammad, Mohammed or Muhammad? Here is why names change spelling from one document to the next, and how to keep every translation consistent.
2 min read
Working with an interpreter
Interpreting
How to work well with an interpreter
Simple habits that make interpreted conversations clearer, fairer and more natural for everyone involved.
2 min read
Interpreting
Booking an interpreter: the details to send
A checklist of the details that help your interpreter prepare properly, so the session can start smoothly.
2 min read
Dari
Dari or Pashto? Booking the right interpreter for Afghan clients
Booking the wrong language wastes an appointment. A few simple questions tell you whether an Afghan client needs Dari or Pashto.
2 min read
Interpreting
Consecutive or simultaneous interpreting: which do you need?
Choosing the right kind of interpreting saves time and money. Here is how each one works, and when to use it.
2 min read
Interpreting
Can I have an interpreter at the GP or hospital?
You do not have to rely on family or friends to interpret at medical appointments. Here is what the guidance says, and how to ask for an interpreter.
3 min read
Interpreting
Working with an interpreter in legal meetings
In legal work, every word can matter. Practical steps for meetings with solicitors and advisers, from booking the interpreter to signing a statement.
2 min read
Interpreting
Phone and video interpreting: tips for a clear session
Practical set-up tips for interpreted calls by phone or on Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.
2 min read
Recordings, subtitles and publishing
Recordings and subtitles
Transcribing and translating recordings for evidence
What a careful transcript and translation of a recording used as evidence usually includes, and how to prepare the recording.
2 min read
Recordings and subtitles
Kurdish and Farsi subtitles: what to know before publishing
The practical points that make Kurdish and Farsi subtitles easy to read: right-to-left text, file formats, line length and fonts.
2 min read
Localisation and publishing
Translating leaflets and public information into Kurdish, Farsi and Dari
Information only helps if people can read it. Practical steps to make translated leaflets, letters and web pages clear for Kurdish, Farsi and Dari speakers.
2 min read
Send your document today
A clear photo is enough for a free, fixed quote. Interpreting? Tell me the date, place and subject.