Q: Who can submit a project for translation or interpretation?
A: We welcome non-profit organizations or other agencies that work with multilingual populations and may not be able to afford professional translation services. We’ve also provided translation services for U of M faculty and staff from a variety of departments and schools within the University.
If you feel unsure about the nature of your translation request, please email us at lrc.langbank@umich.edu for further assistance. We will try our best to answer any questions you may have.
Q: Is there a charge for this service?
A: No, all work is done on a volunteer basis.
Q: What kind of documents can be submitted?
A: Here are a list of some of the types of translations we prioritize:
- Nonprofit efforts, social justice efforts
- ex) social, local food banks, centers for underprivileged individuals
- Translations that further a client’s understanding of a personal history, used for personal and non-legal/official means
- ex) adoption papers used to further understand a child’s history, birth certificates used to answer client’s questions on family heritage, student or professors’ projects in which translations are credited
Since our translations are provided on an unofficial basis, they should not be used for any legal or official purpose. We are unable to accept requests for any binding legal documents. We will also generally refuse requests for the translation of medical records.
Here is a list with types of documents that we are unable to accept:
- Legal documents and other high-risk documents
- ex) birth certificates, marriage certificates, driver's licenses, documents dealing with legal processes such as incarceration and immigration
If we are unable to accept your project, we will help you find alternative options.
Thank you for your understanding!
Q: Can you provide certified translations?
A: Unfortunately, no. Since all of our translators work as volunteers, we are unable to provide any certification or warranty for our translations.
Q: I have a tight deadline for my project. Can I still use the Language Bank?
A: We will do our best to accommodate deadlines, but we can’t promise that your request will be filled within a short time frame, or before a hard-and-fast deadline. It takes time to match a translator with each project, and because our translators are volunteers they may not be able to devote enough time to the Language Bank to complete a project within a short time period. Additionally, the ease with which we are able to find a volunteer varies throughout the academic year. It is more difficult to find volunteers to work during the busy exam periods at the University, and during the summer when many volunteers travel or have other responsibilities.
Q: What languages does the Language Bank offer?
A: At present we have over 20 languages represented in our volunteer base. If we’re unable to match your project with a volunteer from our database, we can redirect you to professional translators.
Q: What if the Language Bank can’t fulfill my request?
A: We have compiled a list of professional translation services in the Ann Arbor area. Some LRC language tutors are also available to translate on a freelance basis.
Q: How does the process work?
A: When a translation or interpretation request is submitted to the Language Bank, we will send out a description of the project to all of our volunteers who have the language skills required. Those who are interested write back to claim the project. We will then put the volunteer(s) directly in touch with you, so that they can ask clarifying questions about the project and so you can check in with them as needed. Once the volunteer has completed their translation, they will send the translation back to us for proofreading if necessary, or simply send the final copy directly to you.
Q: What are the expectations for Language Bank clients?
A: Participating organizations and individuals should expect to communicate with their volunteer translators to clarify the expectations and requirements of a project. Language Bank and LRC staff will offer whatever support we can, but it helps the translators to be able to contact the author of their original document to understand its context and intended audience better. It is also helpful for the volunteers to get some feedback on their final translation. Many of our volunteers, particularly those who are students, participate in the Language Bank in order to put their language skills to good use. Providing some feedback about how the document is being used and whether it’s serving its purpose helps the volunteers to grow as translators and language students.
