> Languages > Arabic Translations

There are no particular issues or difficulties involved in translations between Arabic and English, either for translations into Arabic from English, or translations into English from Arabic. Nevertheless, the differences between Arabic and Western traditions, thought and culture do create challenges when dealing with certain concepts and subject areas. However experienced Arabic-English translators are familiar with the techniques and approaches needed to overcome these issues.

Arabic is written from right to left – the opposite direction to English. Most Arabic letters are attached to one another, even when printed, and their appearance changes depending on which letters they are connected to.

Several Arabic fonts are supplied with Windows 2000 and XP, so Arabic translations can be supplied as standard Microsoft Office documents – Word, Excel, PowerPoint. However due to Arabic running from right to left and therefore being mainly right justified, our experience is that the formatting of documents can sometimes change from computer to computer and system to system. For this reason Arabic translations created in Microsoft Word are generally also supplied as pdf files.

Arabic Typesetting

The immediate issue in typesetting Arabic is that English graphic design programs cannot take Arabic fonts, and Middle Eastern versions of the programs are required. Arabic typesetting for English language clients is therefore normally provided as outlined eps files placed in the English design file.

The other immediate issue with Arabic typesetting is that because the language reads from right to left, the order and/or layout of English artwork frequently needs to be amended prior to typesetting an Arabic translation.

Beyond these issues Arabic typesetting is relatively straight forward, although space can become a problem as Arabic has both superscripted and subscripted diacritics, meaning lines of Arabic text require greater leading and take up more vertical space than English text.

The International Language Company Advantage:

The Best Translators

We use only experienced, professionally qualified Arabic translators with a proven track record of consistent professional-quality work.

Quality Assurance

All translations undergo full checking and proofing procedures to ensure accuracy and eliminate ‘human error’. All typesetting is double checked and subject to translator sign off before delivery.

Confidentiality

Full confidentiality of all material is guaranteed at all times.

Experience!

We have over 18 years experience translating and typesetting all types of materials in over 80 languages.