WHY TRUST SIGMALINGUA?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

At SigmaLingua, we understand that our industry's terminology can be confusing. We have addressed these common questions to help you make the best decision for your organization.

What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator? 

It's simple: an interpreter is the voice in real-time (meetings, conferences), while a translator works with written documents (manuals, contracts). If you need a conversation to flow, you need interpretation; if you need precision in a document, you need translation.

TECHNICAL GUIDE TO INTERPRETATION SERVICES

What types of interpretation are available, and when should they be used?

1. Simultaneous Interpretation with Booth 

The gold standard for corporate events. Interpreters work from soundproof booths, listening to the speaker through professional headsets and transmitting the message in real-time. The audience receives the translation instantly via wireless receivers.

• Ideal for: Board meetings, congresses, and training courses.

• Key Advantage: It does not interrupt the flow of speech and saves 50% of the session time.

2. Simultaneous Interpretation with Portable Equipment (Body-pack) 

Works just like simultaneous interpretation but without the booth structure. Both speaker and interpreter use transmitters and headsets, allowing for full mobility. This agile solution allows the interpreter to transmit the message while the speaker talks, and the audience listens via individual receivers.

• Ideal for: Plant tours, dynamic workshops, or venues with limited space.

3. Consecutive Interpretation 

In this modality, the speaker talks, and then pauses for the interpreter to deliver the message in the target language. No technical equipment is required, as the interpreter relies on advanced note-taking and memory techniques.

• Ideal for: Interviews, bilateral negotiations, field audits, and small group events.

• Note: As it requires constant pausing, it doubles the session duration.

4. Whispering (Chuchotage)

The interpreter stands next to the client and whispers the translation directly into their ear (without technical equipment). It is limited to a maximum of two people to avoid interfering with the room's ambient sound.

• Ideal for: Business dinners, diplomatic meetings, or private guided tours.

5. Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) 

Conducted via specialized platforms (such as Zoom). The session is configured with independent audio channels for each language: users select their native language and hear the interpreter's voice in real-time while viewing the speaker on screen.

• Technical Recommendation: To ensure clarity, each participant should use a USB headset (avoiding built-in laptop microphones).

• Strategic Advantage: The most efficient option for connecting global teams, completely eliminating travel expenses, per diems, and physical equipment logistics.

6. Relay Interpretation 

The modality used for events involving three or more simultaneous languages. When an interpreter does not directly master the speaker's language, they use audio from a colleague who does (the "pivot") to retranslate it into a third language. At SigmaLingua, we coordinate this communication chain to ensure the message reaches the entire audience without delays or distortions.

• Ideal for: International summits, global congresses, or negotiations where languages such as Italian, French, English, and Spanish are spoken simultaneously.

• Key Advantage: It enables audiences from different countries to understand one another in real-time using a centralized technical infrastructure.

Why is simultaneous interpretation (on-site or remote) always recommended? 

The reason is operational efficiency. In the corporate world, time is the most expensive asset. Simultaneous interpretation allows communication to be natural and dynamic. Without pauses, audience engagement remains high and executives' schedules are optimized, allowing a 4-hour meeting to be concluded in just 2.

Do you provide services outside of Mexico City or remotely? 

Yes. We offer nationwide coverage for on-site events and have the technological infrastructure for high-quality remote interpretation, connecting your global teams regardless of distance.

Why are two interpreters recommended for a simultaneous session? 

It is a technical necessity, not a luxury. Simultaneous interpretation demands extreme cognitive effort; after 20-30 minutes, precision begins to decline. We work in pairs to rotate turns, allowing one to speak while the other monitors terminology and technical data, ensuring the message never loses quality or fidelity.

Why is a professional interpreter more expensive than someone who is simply bilingual? 

A bilingual person communicates; an interpreter protects. The cost of an error in a multi-million dollar negotiation or a safety inspection is infinitely higher than the investment in a professional with an academic degree and decades of experience.

How far in advance should I book an interpretation service? 

For interpretation events, 2 to 3 weeks is ideal. This allows us to perform "terminology safeguarding": studying your technical glossaries and specific protocols to ensure flawless execution from minute one.

Do I need to rent special equipment (booths, headsets)? 

You don’t need to worry about logistics. We provide "turnkey" solutions, managing everything from senior interpreters to the necessary technical infrastructure, ensuring you can focus solely on your business.

What happens if the event audio is poor? 

Interpretation depends 100% on the quality of the source audio. Therefore, we advise your IT team or audio providers to ensure that the sound reaching the interpreter is crystal clear. Poor audio can compromise message accuracy; we prevent this risk starting from the planning phase.

Who covers travel expenses for on-site services outside of Pachuca or Mexico City? 

Services outside our usual coverage area include personnel logistics such as transportation, lodging, and meals. We manage these under an optimization criterion to ensure the team's punctuality and availability at the lowest possible cost.

GUIDE TO TECHNICAL & CORPORATE TRANSLATION SOLUTIONS

Why is it not recommended to use free tools or Artificial Intelligence for translation? 

AI lacks technical judgment and legal accountability. In certification processes (such as ISO or FDA), a contextual error can lead to a rejected permit or a failed audit. SigmaLingua provides the human "shielding" that technology cannot yet replicate.

What is the real difference between AI and SigmaLingua’s translation? 

AI translates words; we translate intent and risk. AI does not understand the legal implications of a Mexican contract versus a European one, nor the rigor of a COFEPRIS audit. Our process includes human curation involving an analysis of context, intent, and industry-specific terminology, ensuring the final document is legally sound and technically accurate.

How do you ensure terminological consistency in high-volume projects? 

For companies with extensive manuals or multiple contracts, we develop Proprietary Corporate Glossaries. This ensures that, regardless of project duration or if it is translated in stages, key terms (part names, legal concepts, brands) remain identical throughout, protecting your brand identity and clarity.

What file formats can you process? 

We are not limited to plain text. We can work with technical manuals in PDF, executive presentations, complex spreadsheets, and training materials, respecting the original layout so your documents are ready for immediate use or printing.

Do you offer translation services for regulatory procedures (COFEPRIS, Audits)? 

Yes. We specialize in translating technical dossiers for sanitary registrations and international standards compliance. We understand the rigor required by regulatory authorities and deliver documents with the terminological precision needed to avoid delays or rejections in your procedures.

What is "Localization" and why does my company need it? 

Translating is not just changing the language; it is adapting the message to the target region. A contract for Spain is not the same as one for Mexico or Argentina. At SigmaLingua, we "localize" your content so that the tone, units of measure, and idioms are natural for the local reader, avoiding confusion and projecting greater professionalism.

GUIDE TO STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS

What if my topic is extremely technical or confidential? 

That is our specialty. We are accustomed to handling sensitive information under strict codes of ethics and confidentiality. Our experience in the pharmaceutical and aeronautical sectors ensures we master your technical language.

Do you handle service contracts and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)? 

Absolutely. As a professional firm, we formalize every project through clear contracts and are accustomed to signing strict NDAs. Your information is a critical asset, and we provide the necessary legal treatment for your total peace of mind.

I have a complex project. What is the next step? 

Schedule a complimentary Diagnostic Session, and we will analyze your project to recommend the most efficient solution, avoiding unnecessary expenses on services you don't require.