Last updated on Jul 21, 2024

You're facing discrepancies in translated materials. How can you effectively address quality control issues?

When you discover inconsistencies in your translated materials, it can be quite alarming. These discrepancies can lead to misunderstandings, loss of trust, or even legal issues, depending on the content's purpose. The key to addressing these quality control issues lies in a systematic approach that identifies the root cause and implements corrective measures. Whether you're working with legal documents, marketing materials, or technical manuals, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of translations is of paramount importance. You might be wondering how to tackle such challenges without compromising deadlines or budgets. This article will guide you through practical steps to effectively manage and resolve quality control issues in your translated materials.

1 Identify Errors

The first step is to thoroughly review the translated content and identify all errors. This includes linguistic mistakes, such as grammar and spelling, as well as contextual inaccuracies that could alter the intended meaning. As you examine the material, take note of any patterns in the errors, which could indicate systemic issues with the translation process. By pinpointing the exact nature of the discrepancies, you can begin to understand their causes and work towards preventing them in the future.

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Mosaed Rumman

Certified Senior Translator-Translation Unit Manager at Ministry of Economy and Planning - MEPsaudi
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In translation, rushing to meet deadlines can sometimes lead to overlooked errors. To prevent this, start with a review by the translator, then have a fellow translator do a second review, and finish with a final proofread by an experienced proofreader. This approach is for translation teams and especially important when handling texts in specialized fields such as medical, legal, or technical content. For individual translators who may not have the luxury of second reviewers, leveraging the editing tools available in CAT tools or using AI-based writing tools can help identify and correct errors.

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Jingqiu Chen

Supplier Qualification and Mangement, WuXi Biologics European
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One other possibility may be that the description in neither language is accurate. In this case, it may first require a thorough understanding of the contents.

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Translator / Writer

English to Bulgarian Translator / German to English Translator
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1. Initial Review and Identification of Errors Read Through the Translation: Perform an initial read-through of the translated material to get a sense of overall quality. Look for obvious errors in grammar, syntax, and coherence. Compare with Source Text: Line-by-line comparison with the source text helps identify discrepancies. Pay attention to accuracy, consistency, and completeness. Use Quality Assurance (QA) Tools: Utilize translation QA tools and software that can automatically detect issues such as untranslated segments, terminological inconsistencies, and formatting errors.

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2 Assess Impact

After identifying the errors, assess their impact on the overall message and usability of the material. Some discrepancies might be minor and not affect the reader's comprehension, while others could lead to significant misunderstandings. Understanding the severity of the issues will help you prioritize which errors need immediate attention and which can be addressed in a subsequent review cycle. This step is crucial for managing resources effectively and ensuring that the most critical errors are corrected first.

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3 Source Evaluation

Evaluating the source of the translation is critical. If you used a translation service or software, consider whether it meets your quality standards. For human translators, check their qualifications and areas of expertise. Sometimes, discrepancies arise due to a lack of subject matter knowledge or a misunderstanding of the source language's nuances. By scrutinizing the source, you can determine if additional training, better tools, or a different service provider is needed to enhance translation quality.

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Jingqiu Chen

Supplier Qualification and Mangement, WuXi Biologics European
(edited)
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There might be cases that no exact matching words can be found in the other language. Some creativity can be used as long as the meaning is precisely conveyed, and the definitions of such descriptions/words introduced are clearly stated in the Terms section of the document.

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4 Process Review

Reviewing your translation process can reveal inefficiencies or gaps that lead to quality issues. Analyze each step, from initial translation to final proofreading, to ensure best practices are followed. It might be necessary to introduce additional review stages or to involve subject matter experts. A robust and well-structured process is essential for producing high-quality translations consistently and can help prevent errors from slipping through to the final product.

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5 Feedback Loop

Creating a feedback loop with your translators or translation service provider is essential for continuous improvement. Share detailed information about identified discrepancies and their impacts. Encourage open communication to understand why errors occurred and how they can be avoided in the future. This collaborative approach not only helps in resolving current issues but also builds a stronger relationship with your translators, leading to better results over time.

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6 Ongoing Training

Investing in ongoing training for your translators or anyone involved in the translation process is a proactive way to maintain high-quality standards. Ensure they are up-to-date with linguistic developments, cultural nuances, and industry-specific terminology. Regular training sessions can enhance their skills and knowledge, which in turn reduces the likelihood of discrepancies occurring in your translated materials.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're facing discrepancies in translated materials. How can you effectively address quality control issues?

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1 Identify Errors

2 Assess Impact

3 Source Evaluation

4 Process Review

5 Feedback Loop

6 Ongoing Training

7 Here’s what else to consider

Translation

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