We are all fond of formulas and shortcuts, simple steps or methods that would get us what we want. This is because laying out a process in a simple step-by-step process makes it clearer and easier to manage. It also saves a lot of energy and time that would have been spent trying to figure things out midway.
In the same lines, language translation quality can also be assured if one conscientiously follows these 2 steps –
The Process of Translation
Get an experienced and professional language translation provider, whether it’s an agency or an individual. Experience combined with a good track record is a sign that the translation provider is aware of the various elements that can affect a language apart from its script, vocabulary and grammar. Always get your work done from translators who specialize in the area for which your source document has been prepared.
Editing & Proofreading
If you have carried out the first step perfectly then you might not require to bother with this step, but depending upon the value of your original document and its complexity, you might just want to get it edited and proofread by a translator other than the one who originally worked on your document. This process would include revising the translation and comparing it with the original document to make sure that it has been translated accurately, it does not have any errors, and the style and use of terminology (especially in the case of a technical document) is consistent.
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2 Comments
I agree. Having a trusted translation company or freelancer at your disposal can save you time and money with hiring another party to proofread your document.
Most professional companies do the proofreading themselves; one team/person does the translation and another does the editing.
- Joshua Mcshane
I really like Josh’s comment that professional companies have two different teams perform each function. It’s easy to miss your own mistakes because you are familiar with the intent of the translation, so it’s better if the “writers” don’t do their own editing for translated documents. So maybe that should be a preface to these two steps? Otherwise people could technically complete both steps but not necessarily have the best quality.