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French

We can help you with French translation and interpreting services.

As a busy translation agency, we often translate documents into French and provide interpreting and transcription services for clients. If you need assistance, contact us today at 01727 812 725, use Live Chat, or email team@atlas-translations.co.uk.

Read our latest blog post about the French language and how we can help your business grow with native knowledge and accurate localisation.

French Language Around The World

French is the official language in 29 countries and is spoken by over 200 million people globally. Known as “la langue de Molière,” it is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world. Due to French colonialism in the 17th and 18th centuries, the language spread across multiple continents. Before English became the dominant language, French was widely used for international relations and diplomacy. Today, French remains one of the top three most important languages for international business, alongside English and Mandarin.

A Bit of History

Do you think French is hard to learn? You might be surprised to know that 29% of English words come from French. English history has been shaped by interactions with France, influencing both language and culture. Since the Norman invasion in 1066, many French words have been introduced into the English language and changed its development. William the Conqueror brought Norman French out of France, quickly becoming the language of the court and upper classes.

This also explains why French terms are common in luxury, military, and religious contexts.

French Words and Phrases That Can’t Be Translated

  • Passer du coq à l’âne: To change topics randomly. The literal translation is to go from rooster to donkey.
  • Donner sa langue au chat: To give up on a riddle or to give one’s tongue to the cat 🙀
  • Empêchement: An unexpected schedule change preventing you from attending a previously planned event. In other words, a Zoom call that should have been an email.

Famous Non-native French Speakers

Samuel Beckett, the Irish writer, lived in Paris and wrote several of his works in French.
Celebrities like Bradley Cooper, Emma Watson, and Jodie Foster are fluent in French. So are Timothée Chalamet, Tom Hiddleston, Gordon Ramsay, and Jack Black.

Need Help with French Translation?

We’ve been providing French translation and interpreting services since 1991, helping clients with various language needs. Our network includes over 4,000 linguists worldwide, proficient in 340 languages and dialects, including French (obvs). All our translators hold professional qualifications and possess expertise in the industry, with many DBS-checked.

Call us at 01727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk, and we’ll respond quickly. You can also use Live Chat or request a callback in just 27 seconds—yes, it’s really us!

If you’d like to meet us face to face, learn more about our translation and language services, or deliver documents, please email or call us to arrange a meeting.

Can I Trust Atlas Translations?

Yes, you can! But if you’re after something a little more concrete, here’s some info:

Atlas Translations holds two ISO certifications — ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 17100:2017 (Translation Services).

If the project is highly confidential, we can sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for added peace of mind.

Are you wondering if we’re up to date on privacy? We registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) over 20 years ago and have always placed a high importance on data protection.

You can read more about our commitment to quality here.

Atlas Translations prides itself on providing fast, friendly, and high-quality language services. But don’t just take our word for it—see what our clients are saying about us.

We’re also on TrustPilot, and you can read our reviews here.

Global Voice, Local Touch

If you’re looking for some top tips for partnering with Atlas Translations, we have some top tips to share! We answer 25 of our clients’ most frequently asked questions, ranging from typesetting queries to discussing reference materials.

Click to download Global Voice, Local Touch

ISO 17100 – ISO 17100:2017 for Translation Services (since this standard began, in 2008, externally audited annually).
Mindful employer

Mindful Employer Plus – As a Charter member, our team have access to an Employee Assistance Program with 24/7/365 support, as we work toward achieving better mental health at work.
Federation of Small Businesses and the Self-Employed

A proud member of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), a dynamic and inclusive not-for-profit membership organisation. FSB is dedicated to supporting and empowering small businesses across the UK and is committed to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and succeed.

Atlas Translations has been accredited by the Fair Tax Foundation since February 2024. The Fair Tax Foundation is a not-for-profit social enterprise developed by a team of tax justice, corporate responsibility, and ethical consumer experts. It was launched in 2014.

We’ve been registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) since 2004. Go to https://ico.org.uk/ for more information.

We hold a full membership in the Association of British HealthTech Industries. The ABHI supports the HealthTech community by providing products and services that help people live healthier lives. As the voice of the industry, we show the value of health technology and overcome barriers to people benefitting from it now and in the future.

Certified since 2003, externally audited annually. ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), applicable across all sectors. ISO 9001 provides a framework to respond to changing quality requirements in line with changing demands across society, economics and the environment.
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Disability Confident Committed is creating a movement of change, encouraging employers like ourselves to think differently about disability and take action to improve how we recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. Being a DCC employer is a unique opportunity to lead the way in our community and show that we’re a disability inclusive employer.

Corporate membership of the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) since 1994. Corporate Member of the Year 2021. ITI is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and all those involved in the language services sector.

CIEP: We’ve held Corporate membership Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading since 1993. CIEP are an international membership organisation that offers training and community for editorial professionals (copy editors and proofreaders) while helping members develop business confidence.

ATC: We hold full membership with the Association of Translation Companies, a trade association representing the interests of language service companies in the UK and internationally. It is the leading voice for companies operating in the UK’s language services industry.

Living Wage Employer: As a living wage employer, we believe our staff deserve a wage which meets every day needs. The Living Wage Foundation has a mission to encourage employers to play their part in tackling in-work and post-work poverty and provide a decent standard of living by paying the real Living Wage, adopting Living Hours and Living Pensions as well as wider good employment practices.
4-day week

Proudly a 4-Day Week Employer since 2019. Amongst other items, the 4-Day Week initiative calls for a reduction to the maximum working week from 48 hours per week to 32 hours per week by 2030.

 
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A member of the Good Business Charter since 2022. The GBC is a simple accreditation that organisations of all sizes in the UK can apply for in recognition of responsible business practices.
PIF

We’re a proud member of the Patient Information Forum (PIF), a membership organisation for anyone producing health information and support. PIF promote access to trusted, evidence-based health information for patients, carers, the public and healthcare professionals.

The Fair Payment Code (FPC) sets standards for best payment practices and is administered by the Small Business Commissioner on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The Gold Award is awarded to those paying at least 95% of all invoices within 30 days.