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T&Cs, FAQs and Tips


Language School


Translation


Interpreting


How do I get a quote?

Complete this form for us. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Or give us a call at + 43 1 406 66 60.

How can I enroll for my class?

Complete this form for us, stop by, write us an e-mail or give us a call at 406 66 60.

How do I pay for my class?

As a rule, courses are payable in cash in full in advance. Just stop by in person.

Where is your office?

Parkring 4/1d, 1010 Vienna. For detailed contact information and directions, click here.

Where are the classes taught?

Classes are taught in our centrally located classrooms at Parkring 4/1d, 1010 Vienna. Our entrance is located between the "Weinbörse" pub and the "Billabong" restaurant.

Who can take language lessons at Brainstorm?

We would like to satisfy the special wishes of each and every customer. If you need anything that is not in our course program, please complete this form, contact us by e-mail or call us (+ 43 1 406 66 60) to arrange a custom solution.

How old do children have to be take language lessons?

We offer language courses for children age 3 and up.

Who are your teachers?

Our teachers are trained language instructors or have many years of teaching experience.

Can I book a course that isn’t offered on the Brainstorm website??

You can inform us of your special needs at any time. We would be happy to provide you with an individual solution.

Does the price include course materials?

Course books, materials and certificates are not included in the price of the course, unless specified otherwise in the cost estimate.

When do I have to enroll for a class?

As early as possible, so that we can plan better and confirm early enough whether the minimum number of students has been reached for a certain course.

What happens if the minimum number of students for a class is not reached?

In principle, classes are not held if the minimum number of participants is not reached. If a course cannot be held, we will gladly make you an alternative proposal on different terms. Brainstorm reserves the right to cancel, cut short, or postpone classes.

How do I get the course materials?

We will supply you with your course materials and we will be happy to give you information in advance by phone about the type and cost of the course materials.

Is there a certificate of attendance at the end of the course?

At your request, for a fee of EUR 10.00, you will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the course.

Can I get certified translations from Brainstorm?

Yes! Click here to get a quote.

How much does a certified translation cost?

The price of a certified translation depends on the length of the text. In addition to the cost of the translation, there is a separate fee for certification of the translated document. Just drop by and leave us the document or send us an e-mail attachment or fax (+ 43 1 406 66 60-15). We will tell you asap how much the translation will cost.

Does Brainstorm do interpreting for weddings and in court?

Yes! Click here to get a quote.

What is translation?

Translation is the written transmission of texts from the source language to the target language.

What languages does *Brainstorm offer?

*Brainstorm offers all languages.

How much does a translation cost?

The price of a translation depends on the length of the text, the degree of difficulty, and the deadline (nights, weekends, holiday supplements). Send us your text file by e-mail or fax (+ 43 1 406 66 60 15). We will tell you asap how much the translation will cost.

There is a minimum fee for short translations.

Special text types may be subject to special fee arrangements, e.g., advertising texts, texts to be published in books or performed (flat rate fees, standard pages, royalties, profit-sharing).

Hourly rates shall be charged for proofreading, making later changes to already translated texts, proofreading of galley proofs, translations from or to tape, and special graphic layouts.

If you are interested in long-term cooperation, there is the option of signing an outline agreement offering attractive price options.

What is consecutive interpreting?

Consecutive interpreters work without special interpreting gear by interpreting after the speaker pauses. In the case of lengthy passages, special note-taking techniques are used as a memory aid. This technique approximately doubles the required discussion time, so it is best suited for use in small groups, after-dinner speeches, or negotiations.

How long is the workday of an interpreter?

Interpreters generally work six hours a day not counting breaks.

What is interpreting?

Interpreting is the oral transmission of speech from the source language to the target language. It may be either simultaneous, consecutive, or whispered, as needed.

How many interpreters are needed per conference language?

Number of conference languages

2

3

4

5

Number of interpreters

2

4

8

10


More interpreters may be needed than indicated in the table when conferences require unusual language combinations.

Please bear in mind that the interpreter generally speaks more than all the other conference participants put together. So please don’t forget to provide something to drink (if possible, mineral or tap water).

What techniques of interpreting are there?

Depending on your requirements, you may need simultaneous, consecutive, or whispering interpreters.

 

 

 

Decision-making factors

Special equipment

Other requirements

Number of listeners

Simultaneous interpreting

no time wasted

no limit to number of  languages possible

special equipment needed

minimum of 2 interpreters,

with the total depending on the number of language combinations

simultaneous interpreting equipment

recording system

wireless microphones for

discussions

with audience

booth(s) in the room,

if needed, technicians for the duration of the event

unlimited

Consecutive interpreting

no special equipment needed

practically doubles the discussion time

makes sense only when there are no more than two working languages

none

seat and something to write on for interpreters

recommended for small groups only, because of the additional time required

Whispered interpreting

no time wasted

no special equipment needed

can be disturbing (increases the noise level in the room)

usually only in one direction, sometimes in combination with consecutive interpreting in the opposite direction

none

strategically placed seat for interpreter

max. 2-3

What is whispered interpreting?

The interpreter transmits speech into the target language “simultaneously” but in a whisper and without any special equipment. This technique is appropriate for situations in which no more than 2 or 3 people require interpreting.

Whispered interpreting increases the noise level in the room.

What is simultaneous interpreting?

Simultaneous interpreters work in a booth, listening to the speakers on a headset while simultaneously translating into the target language and speaking into a microphone. To hear the interpreter, the listeners also need headsets. During podium discussions, where contributions from the audience can be expected, a wireless microphone should also be provided.

Simultaneous interpreters need to listen, analyze the contents, anticipate what is to come, translate into the target language, and speak all at the same time. This requires the highest degree of concentration, so at least two interpreters are necessary per language pair who alternate in half-hour shifts.

How should the booths be set up?

Mobile interpreting booths should be set up so as to give the interpreter an unobstructed view of the speakers, the podium, the screen for overheads, etc. Above all, the interpreter’s line of sight must not be blocked by rows of seats, doors, etc.

What do interpreters need to prepare for the conference?

In order to allow for optimal preparation, the client should send us background documents in a timely manner (generally speaking, the sooner the better). Aside from the agenda and presentation documents for the upcoming conference, it is also helpful to send the minutes, programs and agendas of past meetings, company brochures, in-house glossaries and, in general, any type of background information.

How is a microphone used?

The speaker’s microphone is the most vital connection between him or her and the interpreter. Please bear in mind that the interpreter’s most important working materials are the voice and hearing. So please do not tap on the microphone or blow on it in order to test it. And speak directly into the microphone so that your voice will be carried well without any ambient noise.

Why do interpreters need the presentation notes?

They are the most important source of information for your interpreters, especially when presentations are not improvised but read from the notes. Written texts obey different laws from normal speech: the sentence structure is more complex, the sentences are often more intricate. Reading aloud is a mechanical process without pauses to think. Interpreting, on the other hand, is a complex process of analysis and formulation that takes a certain amount of time and can never be performed in a purely mechanical manner.

What is the proper speed of presentation?

When a speaker talks too quickly, his words can only be summarized. There is a risk that essential information will be omitted, leading to confusion or loss of logical structure.

It is therefore important to speak at a moderate pace. The notes must always be given to the interpreter early enough to allow for sufficient preparation and, even if time is in short supply, the text should not be read “at breakneck speed”. Moreover, at every big event, somebody familiar with both the program and the speakers should be put in charge of passing along the notes for all the speeches to the interpreters.

*Brainstorm
Parkring 4 / 1d, 1010 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 406 66 60
Fax: +43 1 406 66 60-15
info@brainstorm.at
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