Why have a translation proofread?
Have you ever needed reassurance that this text derived from languages unknown is not only as accurate as possible, but also as polished as it can be? Bilingual proofreading does just that! Like a gentleman getting dressed up for dinner, every translation goes through at least one bilingual proofreading process. If it goes through two, however, it is sure to impress the guests with its extra gentlemanly refinement. The two main bilingual proofreading processes are proofreading by the original translator and proofreading by a second translator.
Bilingual Proofread by Same Translator
A bilingual proofread of a translation by the same person who translated it is included standard with every translation. Once the translation has been completed, the translator will let it sit for a while. This allows the translator to gain distance from their work so they can look at it with fresh eyes during the proofread. They will then return, reading through and comparing the translation side-by-side with the original to ensure everything was translated properly and there are no linguistic errors. During a bilingual proofread, the translator will check for:
Mistakes in spelling, grammar, etc.
Formatting errors
Parts of the original text that have been omitted from the translation
Parts of the original text that have been translated incorrectly
Opportunities to enhance the translation and make it shine even more than before
Why is it important?
Any time something is written, whether it be a regular document or something that has been translated, the first draft will always be a little rough around the edges. It is important for the author to go through and make sure their ideas have been expressed in a clean, concise, understandable way that reflects the true message. Going through the text again also gives the author an opportunity to correct small mistakes. Translators are very similar in this respect. The only difference is that with a translation, the writer is making sure they have expressed not their own ideas, but the original author’s ideas in a clean, concise, understandable way that reflects what that author really intended to say.
Bilingual Proofread by Different Translator
Bilingual proofreading by a different translator is a layered approach to ensuring translation quality. First the original translator will translate and proofread the text. The text is then given to a second translator to be proofread again with fresh eyes. This second translator will go through the exact same process as the first one, with the difference being that the second person is new to the text. In the absence of the familiarity the original translator may have developed with the text, the second translator may catch mistakes that the original translator missed and see new opportunities for enhancing the document. During this proofreading process, the second translator will check for:
Mistakes in spelling, grammar, etc.
Formatting errors
Parts of the original text that have been omitted from the translation
Parts of the original text that have been translated incorrectly
Opportunities to enhance the translation and make it shine even more than before
Why is it important?
This kind of proofreading is especially important when the document will be published and viewed by the public. Just as publishing houses and newspapers have most of their publications proofread by a separate proofreader to ensure the highest quality, you will want to do the same thing with your translations. As the saying goes, “two heads are better than one” and the same is true for translations. The synergy of two professionals applying their expertise to your document is sure to yield a well-written and accurate text.
Questions?
Not sure if the translation you have is accurate? Have me proofread the first page of a translation for free!