5 smart questions to ask before you sign the contract
Hiring a translation agency isn’t like choosing a coffee shop. It’s more like hiring someone to speak on your behalf — in another language, in another culture, and often, in another legal system. So how do you choose the right one?
Here are 5 questions to ask yourself (and the agency) before making the leap:
1. Do they offer more than just “language”?
Translation isn’t about swapping words. It’s about conveying meaning, tone, legal nuance, or cultural context. Whether you’re translating a birth certificate or a business proposal, you want a partner who understands what really needs to be said — and how to say it so it works.
At Lingonika, we don’t just translate. We ensure your message lands exactly the way you intended.
2. Are they certified — and accepted by official institutions?
If you need a certified translation, it has to meet legal standards — not just look official. We’ve seen clients come to us after paying hundreds of pounds for documents the court rejected. Our certified translations have never been refused. That’s a track record that matters.
Tip: Always ask who accepts the agency’s certified translations (courts, Home Office, universities?).
3. Do they have experience in your field?
A good translation agency should know your industry’s lingo. Legal? Medical? Marketing? Each has its own terminology, tone and risk of misunderstanding. One wrong word can change a diagnosis — or a deal.
At Lingonika, we work with expert linguists who understand the sectors they translate for.
4. Can you speak to a real person?
You should always be able to talk to someone who understands your needs. Whether it’s a tight deadline or a sensitive project, communication is key.
We’re based in the UK, and yes — you’ll speak to an actual human (usually Monika or Agnieszka!).
5. Do they have values you respect?
For us, translation is about building bridges. It’s about clarity, accuracy, and respect for both language and people. That’s why we don’t overpromise, we don’t cut corners, and we never run your text through a machine and hit “send.”
Our clients trust us because we care about what we do — and who we’re doing it for.
✅ In summary:
Choosing the right agency means choosing someone who understands language and understands you. If you’d like to work with a team who will treat your words as carefully as you do — let’s talk.
📩 Drop us a message: office@lingonika.com
We’d love to hear from you.