To do this, reviewers are used. Reviewers can come in all shapes and sizes depending on the type of project or its size, but typically there is at least one reviewer involved in the translation process. Sending out a translation with a review is a sure way to ensure that the deliverables are in good order and shape. A reviewer is equally if not more important than a translator because they act as the final defense line against quality errors and even more importantly, they increase quality in discourse and presentation. There are reactive and proactive approaches to a translation process.

A reactive approach simply means that when the reviewer finds an error, they will correct it and submit it. Then the vendor (a translation company) might send it back to the translator to make sure that what the reviewer corrected was not a problem. Then if the translator finds an error in the review, they will correct it, which will prompt the vendor to send it back to the reviewer. This process could potentially go on for a long time if there are no measures in place for a more proactive approach.

This is why a more proactive approach is encouraged where there are set processes in place. Expectations are laid out beforehand, and everyone involved receives metrics to help translation and reviewing become more efficient. It also will help to eliminate any potential back and forth that might occur between different people involved. Of course though, the training involved is necessary to make sure that everyone is caught up and on the same page regarding their expectations.  A proactive approach in a translation process keeps projects in control. It’s especially valuable for large projects that involved many resources. A proactive process saves costs and headaches down the road.

Finally, client reviews, if those occurred, are looped back to the reactive and proactive approaches mentioned above. Usually a successful project is the end result of dedications from both the client side and the translation company side. Working closely together with the client is the most enjoyable part for us and that guarantees quality translations every time!

For example, even within English, there are regional differences that can sometimes prevent fellow English speakers from having the same understanding of even simple conversations. Winter can get cold, and when that happens, people in the United States (US) might want to buy a sweater. However, in the United Kingdom (UK), if you asked for a sweater, you might be met with some confusion. Sweater is not the common word that people in the UK would use. Instead, they would use the word “jumper.” Conversely, if you asked for a “jumper” in the US, you would be met with a lot of confusion because the word “jumper” is typically reserved for people who do such activities as jumping.

Moreover, word for word conversion is the number one killer in rendering translation and interpretation. Often times, target audiences have no idea of what a translation is trying to say is because of that. For example, we often have to adjust English to Chinese translations done by other people, and to make the focus of each point clear and to be sure it’s easy to read and understand. The issue is that the original translation was literally written in a way that followed English words and grammar too closely. Unfortunately, Chinese grammar is not the same as English grammar. Therefore, ideas/points were not communicated easily and clearly for Chinese readers.

Another tough aspect to deal with is related to cultures. Many translators or interpreters struggle to find a perfect fit to certain idioms or phrases that might be frequently used in one country, but not in another. For example, in Japan, every time they eat, they have a small ritual of expressing gratitude for the food both before and after eating the food. In most other cultures, there is no such ritual, so it is hard to perfectly translate it. In general, there are many phrases in Japanese to show respect that would not translate easily into other languages without the same kind of rituals. Instead, translators and interpreters will have to skirt around and find similar phrases or words that will be “good enough” to convey the meaning.

Culture is a big part of what makes languages end up having such a big gap in phrases and words, and because of that, a one to one translation is virtually impossible for languages. There will almost always be at least some tiny nuance that is lost in translation. Even so, translators and interpreters do their best to minimize these bumps in the road. Translators and interpreters ensure that even if nuances are lost, an understanding is still able to be passed on, which in our opinion is the essence of translation and interpretation.