How We Work Across Multiple Languages
In the field of translation and interpreting, a professional’s language combination defines which languages they work with — and in which direction. This structure is essential to ensure linguistic accuracy, cultural fluency, and client satisfaction.
At ITMC LTD, we work with multilingual agents and interpreters across Europe, and we organize our language capabilities based on international standards of active and passive language use.
🎯 Understanding Language Combinations
Language combinations are typically divided into three categories:
Native or Dominant Language (Target Language)
This is the translator’s or interpreter’s mother tongue or a language spoken at native-level proficiency. All professional translations are done into the A language, ensuring natural flow and accuracy.
Example: A native English speaker translates into English from other languages.
Active Foreign Language
The interpreter or translator is highly fluent in this language, though it may not be native. They can translate both into and from this language when required.
Example: An English-native translator may also translate into Spanish if they have strong command of Spanish.
Passive Working Language
This is a language the professional fully understands but does not translate into. They only translate from this language into their A or B language(s).
Example: An interpreter may listen to German (C), and interpret it into English (A), but not the other way around.
📌 Example Combination in Practice
An interpreter at ITMC LTD has:
- English (A) – native language
- Spanish (B) – active second language
- German (C) – passive language
💡 What They Can Do
- Interpret from Spanish & German into English
- Interpret from English into Spanish
- But not from English into German
✅ Why Language Combinations Matter:
They define the scope and direction of work, influence
quality control, and help clients understand exactly what
language coverage we can offer.
🌍 Languages We Work With
Our teams currently offer services in:
- English (A/B)
- German (A/B/C)
- Swedish (A/B)
- Norwegian (A/B)
- Albanian (A)
- Spanish (C)
- Italian (C)
Additional languages available upon request.
📩 Need multilingual coverage for your customer service, sales, or interpretation project? Let ITMC LTD connect you with the right language professional – based on your needs and the right combination.
Contact ITMC LTD →
