Quality Assurance Processes | Language Translation Services

Companies spend a lot of time creating their written materials; messaging, documentation, manuals, advertising, etc. Materials are written, edited and rewritten several times to get the words and the message just right. When these materials are sent for translation, just as much care should be taken to make sure the words and message say and convey exactly what they should.

Professionaltranslators know how much time and care was put into creating the original messages and materials. It is their job to make sure that they convey the same message in the new language. This can be achieved in several ways. But when your reputation is on the line, you may want to consider spending a little more time and money to get it right.

 

Proofreading

Just like a copywriter will proofread their own work to make sure it is grammatically correct, flows well, uses appropriate words, and conveys the right message, a professional translator will do the same. A high-quality translator will convert the material to the new language while paying attention to grammar as well as meaning. If they run into words they cannot translate, or statements that could have two or more meanings they will contact the client to clarify how these situations should be handled. Finally, once complete the translator will proofread - make a final pass through the material, just like the copywriter did, to make sure the translated copy is grammatically correct, flows well, uses appropriate words, and conveys the right message. Also, part of the final proofread is to make sure the new material is culturally sensitive to the target audience.

Review

When a translation company refers to a “review” or “internal review” what they are referring to is the process of sending the proofread translation to the client who then has a bilingual speaker of their choice (an employee, a colleague, a distributor, etc.) review the translation for edits. The customer’s internal reviewer will track edits on the document then send it back to the translation company’s original translator for a second review. The translator will either agree or disagree with the edits and will address any disagreements with the client to explain their position and discuss the options. It is ultimately up to the customer to decide which version will end up in the final document.

Here are some tips about “review”:

•          Make sure the reviewer is fully bilingual - Use a reviewer who is truly bilingual. Taking Spanish in High School does not make a person qualified to review your translation for accuracy.

•          Make sure the reviewer is familiar with your company and industry - The reviewer needs to be familiar with standard terminology and jargon in order to provide a precise and accurate review.

•          Track all edits - Keep track of all changes when editing the original copy to make it easier for the translator to see the changes. This will save time and costs.

•          Writing is subjective - Make sure the reviewer is looking for errors, mistakes, accuracy of terminology and quality of meaning. Writing is subjective and so is translation. If the translation is correct, but not the same writing style as the reviewer, do not allow style changes to the wording.

•          Keep the meaning the same - If you are going to allow the reviewer to change the translation to another meaning which the employee feels are more appropriate, make sure the changes are agreed upon with the material’s original writer, the translation company and the translator.

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