Maintaining consistency in translation is undoubtedly very important. Having different translations of the same source word at different places in one translated text might not only confuse but might also make the translated text look unprofessional. A translation company may assign the translation project to one translator to avoid such inconsistency, but this might not work for all translation projects. A professional translation company will adopt more efficient ways to assure consistency, including but not limited to creating a glossary, using translation memory, proofreading, and so on, 5 Ways to Maintain Consistency in Translation.
5 Ways to Maintain Consistency in Translation
Here are five ways to ensure consistency in translation:
1. Set a Glossary
One way to ensure consistency is to set a glossary for your project. Create a glossary of commonly used words that every translator, working on the project, can access and update. The glossary might consist of terms related to an industry, a product, a service, a business, or even words that are commonly used throughout the content. Definitely, adhering to this glossary will increase consistency and save both time and money. The terms and words of the glossary will then be added to a translation memory to use during the project. Remember that without this glossary, the translators can potentially use different target words for the same source word leading to the inconsistency of the final content.
2. Use a Translation Memory (TM)
Translation Memory is a database that stores texts and corresponding translations. TM helps translators to ensure consistency from not only the terminology level but also the sentence level, sometimes the paragraph level. During translation using the CAT tool, the program gradually saves each original sentence and its corresponding translation. In this way, it creates a database of translated expressions. For each new translation project, a check is performed to determine any similarity between the new content and the translated phrases already in the TM. When there is a match, the previously approved translation is used. This can lead to increased quality and consistency and decrease the project time and cost.
3. Allow Translators Communication
Sometimes, several translators have to deal with one translation project. So, there must be communication among translators who are translating the same tasks. Because different translators may give different expressions for the same words or sentences. Allowing translators to discuss some uncertain words, phrases, and sentences as a way of Communication will produce a final high-quality translation Moreover it will maintain consistency for your translation.
4. Include Proofreading
Proofreading is the most critical step of the translation process. It’s not just about checking grammar and making sure there are no spelling errors; it ensures that the essence of the text is conveyed clearly, the most appropriate words are used and the content follows any style guides and thus maintains consistency of the text.
5. Perform In-context Review
Clients put their trust in translation companies or translators to ensure that they are able to mirror the original document and transmit the intended messages into the target language. The translated text must make sense in its context. During the in-context review step, the text is reviewed in context to fix any errors. Then the text goes to the final check. This process assures a high level of consistency and quality.
Conclusion
Following the above steps will help you maintain consistency in your translation project.
Now, share with us other ways that help to maintain consistency in translation.
