Professional text revision is one of the most important aspects of translation when it comes to procuring an excellently translated text. Despite its importance, it's no surprise that many have never heard of this lesser-known branch of translation.
The importance of professional text revision
Translation remains a human activity and, consequently, is susceptible to errors from time to time. The native staff at translation and interpretation agencies can make mistakes when transposing words and context from one language to another. They may incorrectly interpret the meaning of a sentence, mix up constructions or idioms, use the wrong term (especially when it comes to highly technical or specialized texts), or even make a grammatical or spelling blunder.
It is for this reason that text revision is crucial. Revision involves another group of native linguists taking a second or even third look at the text to search for any possible errors. These linguists specialize in concrete projects and knowledge areas, meaning that they have the proper training in the subject matter and are qualified to correct the terms and context of the text in question.
In addition to the aspects mentioned above, the team of linguists can also work to ensure the texts are coherent and salient. It is important for the text to contain information that is of interest to the reader, as well as to maintain proper structure in terms of its ideas and lines of argument.
In short, professional revision is a service that ensures that the quality of the corrected work is in line with the client's wishes. The result will be an improved text in terms of fluidity and naturalness, and any errors or typos will be removed.
Proofreading and validation as supplementary services to text revision.
Proofreading is the perfect addition to any professional revision service. This procedure checks that the texts intended for communication have the correct fluency, legibility, and naturalness. Proofreading involves a monolingual examination of the text that does not compare it to the source text, as is the case with a standard revision (in the latter, the linguist performs a bilingual examination with both texts). In other words, the style is revised so that the text reads as pleasantly as possible.
For its part, validation would be the last stage within a revision process. In this final procedure, a native linguist who is an expert in the subject matter analyzes the text to see that it matches the client’s intentions. Furthermore, he or she alters it to fit the context (graphic or otherwise) in which the text appears, keeping an eye on technical criteria such as character limitations. Being aware of the context is a fundamental aspect of any of the three procedures used in professional text revision. Remember that the only way to guarantee a quality result is by hiring a professional translation agency.
