Frequently Asked Questions

Who is wintranslation and what do we do?

Wintranslation is a Canadian language services provider based in Ottawa, Ontario. With over 28 years of experience, we help governments, non-profits, businesses, and community organizations communicate accurately across languages and cultures. Our services span document translation, interpreting, localization, transcription, and specialized Indigenous language translation.

Why should I choose wintranslation over other translation agencies?

At wintranslation, we stand out for three main reasons: deep expertise in Indigenous languages through direct collaboration with Elders and language keepers, strong specialization in Canadian French, and a full-service project management model where every client gets a dedicated project manager. We also back our work with a free revision guarantee and third-party audits if quality concerns persist.

What types of translation services do you offer?

We offer a comprehensive range of language services, including document translation, website translation and localization, audio and video translation, transcription, interpreting, terminology management, multilingual desktop publishing (DTP), and Indigenous language dialect consultation.

What languages do you translate?

We support over 100 languages, with specialized expertise in Canadian French and Indigenous languages of Canada. If your language isn’t listed on our website, contact us directly to confirm availability.

Do you translate Indigenous languages?

Yes. At wintranslation, we have extensive experience with Indigenous language translation and dialect consultation. All Indigenous language work is performed exclusively by Indigenous language keepers, community members, and Elders—never by AI or machine translation tools. This ensures linguistic accuracy, cultural meaning, and community trust.

What industries do you serve?

We work with clients across government and public services, healthcare, education and training, non-profits and charities, arts and culture, natural resources, marketing, technical communications, Indigenous rights and advocacy and other sectors.

What file formats do you accept?

We work with multiple files format included, but not limited to  Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe files (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, FrameMaker, PageMaker), and web and software formats including HTML, XML, and JavaScript.

Do you use AI or machine translation?

For French and international languages, we offer Machine Translation with Post-Editing (MTPE) on request, combining automated translation with professional human review to ensure accuracy. For Indigenous languages, wintranslation never uses AI or machine translation—all translations are completed by qualified human speakers with deep cultural expertise. See our AI Policy HERE.

How do you ensure translation quality?

At wintranslation, every project follows a structured quality process. A dedicated project manager oversees each job, linguists are selected based on subject matter expertise and cultural knowledge, and all translations go through multiple rounds of proofreading and revision. We also use glossaries and translation memory tools to maintain consistency across documents and projects.

What is a translation glossary and why does it matter?

A translation glossary is a standardized reference document that defines key terms for your project—including brand names, technical or clinical terminology, acronyms, abbreviations, software navigation text, and terms that should remain untranslated. It ensures consistency and accuracy across all translated materials, especially for large or ongoing projects.

How do you protect confidential documents?

All translators and project managers at wintranslation sign strict confidentiality agreements. Sensitive materials are handled through secure systems and encrypted workflows to protect your data at every stage of the project.

How do you ensure cultural accuracy in Indigenous language translations?

We collaborate directly with fluent community members, language keepers, and Elders who bring both linguistic fluency and deep cultural context. This community-based approach ensures our translations reflect local meaning, usage, and values—not just word-for-word equivalents.

Can you provide examples of your translation work?

To respect our clients’ privacy, we only post limited samples online, some of them and case studeis can be found under Our Work. However, we can provide information or sample excerpts for specific projects upon request. For audio or voice projects, we can also share voice samples to help you choose the style and tone for your project.

How much does translation cost?

Our pricing depends on several factors: the language pair, subject matter, project size, complexity, and turnaround time. Because every project is unique, we provide customized quotes. You can request one through our website or by phone.

Do you offer translation discounts?

Yes. At wintranslation, we offer discounts for high-volume projects, repeated content, and fuzzy matches for French and international language projects. Contact us to discuss pricing for your specific needs.

How long does translation take?

Turnaround time depends on language, volume, and subject matter. As a general benchmark, a professional translator handles approximately 1,500–2,000 words per day, while an editor can review around 6,000–8,000 words per day. We have a minimum two-day turnaround on all projects to protect quality. For Indigenous language projects, timelines are estimated individually due to the limited number of available qualified translators.

How do you manage large or multi-language translation projects?

Large and multi-language projects are coordinated by a dedicated project manager who oversees all translators, editors, and reviewers. We use translation memory tools to ensure consistency across languages and keep projects on schedule and within budget.

How do I get a translation quote? You can reach us in three ways: fill out the quote form on our website, call us toll-free at +1 (877) 742-5982 (Canada and US), or call locally at +1 (613) 686-1278.

Where is wintranslation located? We are located at 1505 Laperriere Avenue, Suite 102, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We serve clients across Canada and internationally.