Why follow a methodology when revising a translation

Revising a text after translation is a must. Translation, as with any other task performed by a human, is susceptible to typos and errors. Establishing a translation revision methodology is fundamental to guaranteeing service quality, and controlling the process in each stage is essential for the best possible outcome.

See how professional translators examine and validate texts translated to other languages and why these techniques are so important.

Why apply a translation revision methodology

It's not always easy to adhere to the original message. One simple error in word choice can modify the meaning of a text. What's more, if the error occurs in a medical report, a scientific article, or a patent, the seriousness is multiplied. Working with a revision protocol provides security and eliminates any type of risk.

 

What can lead to errors when revising a translation?

If your company publishes content with translation errors, it could face much more than a little criticism. Imagine that the description in French of one of the products sold by your company says that a cosmetic is free of parabens when, in fact, it is the opposite. What would happen if a person with dermatitis or rosacea purchased it and applied it to their skin? At minimum, you’d receive a complaint and lose not only a customer but also credibility. Regardless, your brand would be negatively impacted.

 

What happens if you overlook one of the steps in the process?

The validation process is fundamental; if you skip any of the steps, the translation will suffer. Let’s say, for example, you overlook the stage in which a person specializing in the subject matter is designated to revise the text. Certain technical terms translated imprecisely will make their way into the final translation, creating ambiguity in the respective sections. Only someone with profound knowledge on the subject matter, beyond the language itself, is capable of precisely depicting what is said.

 

What does the translation revision process involve?

The stage mentioned above, involving a person specializing in the subject matter, is only one of two: another revision will have been performed beforehand to correct any obvious errors, where applicable. It is also important to remember that corrections need to be justified, especially when they involve significant changes. In other words, revisers must not change a text if they don’t have good reason to do so. For example, a reviser may make a change in order to better tailor the text to the target audience.

As you can see, the translation revision methodology is fundamental for producing a text that is faithful to the original text, which is why it is essential to work with native linguists specializing in the pertinent subjects. They are trained to correct errors and also provide fluidity and a natural rhythm to translations. Make sure you work with text validation experts for professional results and companies that offer services that match your needs. 

 

At Linguaserve, we offer a range of revision services: from simple revision (bilingual examination of a translation in terms of suitability for intended purpose, comparing the source and target texts), proofreading (ensuring naturalness and legibility), or expert validation (examination of a translated target text in its graphic context).