Translation Quality Procedure

Translation, being a subjective affair, requires stringent practices and procedures in place to ensure the translation is as best as it can be. Although an end user may not be 100% happy with a translated file due to linguistic variations or personal preferences, having a quality management process in place limits liability and demonstrates due diligence.

The following three steps explain the simplest procedure for ensuring translations are carried out well, checked and delivered back to the client looking their best. These are translating, editing, internal QA and proofreading.

Step One – Translation

Source material should always be translated by the most appropriate translator. This will always be a native speaker of the language but other factors also need to be taken into consideration such as the translator’s background, skills, country of residence and experience in the subject matter. Translations should always be natural and sound as if the text was originally written in the language rather than being a stiff translation from another language. It should also be stylistically in keeping with the tone, specifications and target audience identified in the client's brief.

Step Two – Editing

Editing of a translation is carried out by a second independent translator who has no ties to the translator. This ensures impartiality. They will ensure that the translation is accurate in terms of grammar, spelling, syntax; that it accurately conveys the message of the source document and that it meets the client's style requirements.

The editing stage should then result in a completely polished text.

Step Three - Internal Checks

The third step involves an in-house check of the final document. This process involves thoroughly checking the document for factors such as missing sections, figures, dates/times, page number consistency, images, etc.

This three stage process is a proven way of ensuring natural, accurate and persuasive translations.