5 Best Practices to Ensure Translation High Quality

One constant challenge for companies operating in international markets is dealing with the complexity of translation and localization processes. Without being an expert or at least having extensive experience in fulfilling translation and localization projects, it can be difficult to understand exactly what is going on and in contrast be easy to get lost in translation.

In order to ensure high-quality translations, the focus must be shifted from quality checking (checking for the actual translation mistakes) only; to a process of continuous ongoing quality improvement.

For this reason, we’ve developed 5 best practices that should be followed to help ensure high-quality translations. These best practices include:

1. Establish Project Evaluation & Review

Generally, for project evaluation and review, it’s most efficient when two points of contact are established. An account manager (AM) assures that a relationship is established between linguists and other project collaborators. A project manager (PM) provides additional expertise in the technical aspect of the process. These relationships help develop appropriate project evaluation and review.

2. Implement Multilingual Glossaries & Develop A Style Guide

Creating a multilingual glossary for linguists to reference when translating content is extremely beneficial. Linguists are better able to ensure that key terminology is used in a consistent and appropriate manner. This may include words or phrases that your brand decides to keep in its native format (for example product names or company slogans).

A style guide takes the glossary a step further to ensure that branding is kept the same in translated materials. The utilization of these two tools provides key consistency in high-quality translation.

3. Designate Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) & Provide Reference Materials

Reference materials and SMEs provide an essential groundwork for linguists to build on. When translating technical content, which is content targeted toward special audiences (think legal or medical), having a subject matter expert review the translated content can assure the context in which the content was translated is correct.

Reference materials are essential to a linguist’s success. They provide examples for linguists to emulate in their translation. They can be made up of previously completed translations that meet client quality standards. Their primary purpose is to offer a linguist insights and perspective into the client direction (messaging, intent, meaning, etc.) regarding translation.

4. Don’t Forget TEP - Translation - Editing - Proofreading

Translations are never going to be perfect, but they can be excellent. It is a best practice to have linguists review and edit their own work. As they are editing, it is best that at some point they take a break, or “step back” from editing, so that they can come back to it with fresh eyes later. It is also important that during the proofreading process that linguists read the translated material separately from the source material. This will ensure that the translation is a high quality, stand alone output.

5. Conduct SME Reconciliation

It is important that SMEs and linguists work together hand in hand to further the quality of the translated content. SMEs will provide suggestions as to how the translation can be further improved. Linguists then have the opportunity to take their suggestions and make updates to the content.

Deliverables

Depending on the type of translation, at the end of the process, delivered translations may be handed off to have a number of other tasks applied to them. Things like formatting documents, subtitling videos, or applying a voiceover to recordings, are all completed to improve the overall quality of the translated product. Project managers will ultimately gather all of the materials involved in the translation project and assure that the end product is high quality in all aspects.

By following these best practices, localization teams will avoid proverbially “getting lost in translation” and increase the overall quality and consistency of translations.

About inWhatLanguage

inWhatLanguage is an innovative language technology and services company specializing in creating native brand experiences across cultures. We provide expert human-based translation and localization services in over 180 languages for enterprise organizations. Contact us today to learn more.

Cyle Adair, InWhatLanguage.com

1-801-618-3450