LanguageLine Translation Services for Research
To support inclusive research practices and reduce barriers to participation, U-M has partnered with LanguageLine to provide campus wide access to professional document translation services for research.
This service is available to all U-M researchers, including those outside of Michigan Medicine, and is intended to help ensure study materials are understandable to diverse participant populations, in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
What is LanguageLine?
LanguageLine is a professional translation and interpretation provider offering services in more than 240 languages, including the most frequently requested languages at U-M: Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. Under a new master agreement, researchers across U-M can now access LanguageLine’s secure, high-quality translation services for research documents.
What Can I Use LanguageLine For?
Common use cases include:
- Consent documents
- Recruitment materials
- Surveys and interview guides
- Study instructions and follow-up communications
Key Features:
- Fast turnaround times to meet research deadlines
- High-quality translation by trained professionals, with optional proofreading
- Translation memory to reduce cost for recurring content
- Secure access via an online portal, email, or phone
- Central billing through U-M’s master agreement – no need for individual contracts
Who Can Use This Service?
Any U-M researcher (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or Flint campus) conducting human subjects research is eligible. This includes faculty, staff, students, and research administrators.
How Do I Get Started?
- Review the quick-start guide (PDF)
- Log in to the translation portal
- Submit your documents following the step-by-step instructions
- Use a valid shortcode for billing
For assistance with your first request, contact LanguageLine or U-M Procurement Services.
FAQs
You can submit documents such as:
- Debriefing materials
- Informed consent forms
- Recruitment flyers and materials
- Surveys and questionnaires
- Study instructions or participant communications
- Debriefing materials
No. This agreement is intended for research-related translations only. If you have non-research needs, please consult Procurement Services for alternate vendors.
Yes. Charges are based on word count, language, document type, and whether proofreading or certification is requested. However, pricing is negotiated through a universitywide agreement to ensure competitive rates.
You’ll provide a valid shortcode when placing your order. Charges will be processed through the centralized contract and appear on your unit’s statement of activity.
Yes. LanguageLine uses a translation memory system, which stores previously translated phrases or sentences. If similar content is submitted later, your cost is reduced.
Turnaround time depends on the length and complexity of the document, but most translations are returned within 3–5 business days. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
Secure online portal (add link once available)
Email: [email protected] or Phone: 1-800-752-6096
A step-by-step Quick-Start Guide will be made available at launch
Yes. LanguageLine follows strict confidentiality and data security protocols, and U-M Procurement has reviewed the agreement for compliance.
LanguageLine offers translation in over 240 languages, including the most commonly requested at U-M: Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic.
Yes. Certified translations can be requested when needed for IRB or sponsor documentation requirements. Additional fees may apply.
If the language you need is not shown or available at the time of request, contact LanguageLine for guidance or alternatives.
Questions?
For questions regarding LanguageLine, contact Jason Seldon at [email protected].
For questions regarding billing, contact U-M Procurement Services.