1. Definition
1.1 Translation
For the purposes of this document, translation means the conversion of a written message and the subsequent checking of the text by the same human translator. Proofreading by a second translator or proofreader is charged separately.
1.2 Language proofreading
Proofreading refers to linguistic corrections (spelling, typos, etc.) without taking the source text into account.
1.3 Independent proofreading
Independent proofreading is the checking of a translation prepared by another translator, taking into account the source text. The client provides the proofreader with the source text. If the translation requires independent proofreading in the form of a substantially revised text, it is recommended to use an hourly rate for each hour of work started.
1.4 Post-editing
Post-editing (revision) of automatically translated text means checking and adjusting the output from a machine translator. Translation, proofreading or post-editing activities may be collectively referred to below as translation / translating / translation act.
2. Basic provisions
2.1 The translator performs her work independently to the best of her knowledge and conscience and with all due professional care.
2.2 All information obtained by the translator during or in connection with the translation task and which is not demonstrably of a public nature is considered strictly confidential.
2.3 The translator shall respect the principles of professional ethics, including in the field of intellectual property protection. If she uses electronic word processing tools in her work, she shall ensure that their use does not conflict with the principles of data protection. In doing so, she shall be guided by the Code of Ethics of the Union of Interpreters and Translators.
3. Recommended contract terms
3.1 Unless otherwise agreed, the basis for determining the price for a translation service is per word of the source text. A minimum of 250 source words is charged. The translator and the client may also agree on another method of calculation, e.g. per standard page (SP) of the source or target text (1,800 characters with spaces) or per line (60 characters with spaces).
3.2 The usual time frame for producing a translation is 2,000 source words to be translated in one working day. The day of receipt of the source text from the client and the day of delivery of the translation to the client do not count towards this limit.
3.3 For terminologically demanding assignments, the client will provide the translator with the contact information of a specialist terminology consultant, or a terminology dictionary/glossary.
3.4 Translations, proofreading and post-editing are remunerated according to the level of effort, knowledge, ingenuity and tools required to complete them. The standard price for a translation task is used if the source text is a common, easily understandable, readable text in an editable file and if a translation is required in a standard format and within a standard time limit. In the case of long-term cooperation or a more demanding task, it is recommended to adjust the rate as a percentage of the basic rate. The complexity of the task is mainly influenced by the following aspects:
– narrowly specialised content,
– poorly readable source text (e.g. small font, faint or blurry print, handwritten or corrected text, incorrectly or poorly scanned text, defective formulation of the source text in terms of grammar, style or meaning),
– text submitted on paper or in a non-editable file,
– complex formatting that requires special editing (e.g. lists, tables),
– demanding stylistic editing (especially for speeches and other texts intended for public presentation),
– studying binding terminology and adhering to specific procedural, stylistic or typographic requirements, instructions or style guides required by the client,
– advertising texts,
– submission of a translation memory (TM),
– express translation (more than 2,000 words/day, or short delivery time),
– translation on weekends and holidays,
– translation from audio and video recordings,
– translation of presentations.
For translations in files that are difficult to edit (e.g. PDF, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and DTP formats), an hourly rate can be used for each hour of work started.
3.5 For post-editing (revising) of machine translation (PEMT/MTPE), it is also appropriate to use an hourly rate. Before accepting the order, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the quality of the output from the machine translator. The outputs of machine translators that are provided free of charge are considered unsuitable for post-editing, or rather, its complexity increases.
3.6 When using computer-aided translation (CAT) tools, it is recommended to agree in advance on the method of calculating the translation volume (e.g. data from a text editor or CAT tool). In the case of using CAT analysis for determining the price calculation, a partial match (fuzzy match) or a perfect/exact match may not be a reason for reducing the rate.
3.7 If a translator sets up a translation team, she becomes the team leader. For this, she is entitled to a reward for organizational work. If she is not separately rewarded by the client, she may demand up to 10% of her colleagues' reward.
3.8 Translation work at the client's workplace is usually charged at an hourly rate. The client will ensure suitable working conditions and technical equipment.
3.9 The creation of a terminology glossary is charged at an hourly rate.
3.10 For larger orders or for unknown clients, the translator is entitled to request a deposit before delivery of the translation, or for long-term translations, to arrange for the gradual invoicing of partial parts of the translation. If the client is more than 10 days late with the payment of the deposit or invoices for partial deliveries, the translator is entitled to suspend the delivery of services until the full settlement of the payable obligations.
3.11 The order for the job is only valid after confirmation of acceptance by the translator.
3.12 If the client is an agency (or other intermediary), the translator is entitled to payment of the fee regardless of whether the end client has paid the agency.
3.13 If the client cancels the translator's services for the period agreed upon in the order and under the conditions stated therein, he must pay the translator the agreed fee for the part of the translation that has already been demonstrably completed, as well as all demonstrably incurred costs.
