Why Editing & Proofreading Are Key for Accurate Language Translation

Perhaps you have seen the acronym TEP in the language services industry without knowing what it stands for. Or maybe you do know that it stands for Translation, Editing, and Proofreading, but you are still in doubt as to what these three stages are all about. Assuming you are familiar with the translation step, we will focus especially on the next two: Editing and proofreading as these will be like your safeguards to ensure that you receive an accurate language translation of your projects.

Both are subsequent levels of linguistic exchange, and although similar, they have somewhat different functions and specific objectives. However, both are encompassed under the same main purpose: To polish the translated content so that it is ready for release or publication.

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The TEP Process, Step by Step

Languages have become a fundamental aspect of all companies, especially for those looking to expand globally or diversify their talent base. With this fact under the spotlight, it is almost logical that high-quality language services have gained so much relevance and have almost become a trend. A trend that, in reality, has centuries of heritage, but today feels almost like a new discovery.

For these companies, the proper translation is already part of their business plan; it is key to success in foreign markets and to the growth of their customer network. But there is more to it. Above all, it is crucial to establish a solid brand reputation—and multilingual SEO services have a word to say about that. 

First and Basic Step: The Translation

We all know, at least vaguely, what translation is (apart from the T in our acronym TEP.)

But few people know that there are steps of translation as they involve more than just a mere word exchange (we will see in detail throughout this article.)

To be short: To translate is to make intelligible a written text or content that is originally in an unknown language. It is the act of passing the message contained in the text from one language to another (or several others) that is in the domain of the target audience. In a way, it is a kind of entry ticket to overcoming the language barrier. Or, as many say, a bridge between two cultures.

However, accurate language translation calls for much more than that. Otherwise, we would all be using machine translation today, and that would be the end of the discussion, right? As languages are deeply related to context and culture, it is not enough to look for equivalent vocabulary (which does not always exist.)

What is mandatory is an interpretative approach that goes beyond that and observes, without prejudice but with caution, what the original message means; this, with the ultimate goal to convey it in a second language in the most precise way possible.

However, although professional linguists have the tools and expertise at their disposal, even the most accurate translator cannot boast that their rendering is perfect. And this is where the next steps in the TEP process come in. We describe them below.

Second Step Towards Refinement: The Editing

Editing consists of making adjustments and corrections (if necessary), as well as offering suggestions to improve the overall quality of the translated text.

Accurate language translation aims not only to ensure that the texts are grammatically correct but also to avoid ambiguity and ensure consistency. It also takes into account adherence to style guides, glossaries, etc.

Other aspects editors pay attention to are the following:

• Readability
• Transition (between sentences, paragraphs, etc.)
• Punctuation
• Use and styles of quotation
• Paragraph structure
• Technical or specific terminology
• Clarity and cohesion
• Style and tone

As we will see in a moment, proofreading is closely linked to editing, as it depends on the adjustments made at that stage to make the final refinement. Moreover, both are essential steps in a thoughtful quality process that aims to deliver an optimal outcome.

#OptimationalTip: During the steps of translation that include editing and quality control, it is also significant to check if the content localisation is correct. After all, if the assignment specifically states, i.e., that the content should be localised into Canadian French, the linguists should comply with this requirement.

Last Step for Accurate Language Translation: The Proofreading

Is the content ready to be published or sent to target readers? No, not yet. But almost! All that remains is proofreading.

This stage has the purpose of fine-tuning the content, making sure that, from start to finish, it makes sense, is consistent, and is a true reflection of the original text. Therefore, this task should be carried out by a linguist other than those who worked on the previous steps, to act as test readers. Some aspects they look at include:

• Typographical and “cut and paste” issues
• Formatting problems
• Grammatical errors (which may have been missed by the editor)
• Overall consistency

What is this all for? Consider the following scenario. For a long or complex text, translation agencies rely on more than one translator—to speed up the first step. 

Consequently, the resulting content may have some slight differences, and although they do not affect the meaning, it is always better to achieve a uniform look and feel. Here is where the proofreader role makes the most sense as they will make the final tweaks and give the go-ahead.

#OptimationalTip: High-quality language services should always include these three stages. Proofreading may require less action on the part of the professional than editing, but it is equally important as it is, somehow, like a second editing level.

How to Choose the Right Partner for Accurate Language Translation and Editing

Now that we have seen how a complete translation process works, it is essential to know how to find a language partner who knows how to execute it and guarantee first-class results. However, it happens that this is not such an easy-peasy task, as there are plenty of language providers out there. And they are everywhere!

Here is a list that will help you identify where to focus your research efforts:

#1 Commitment to Quality

This must be their core value. Not in words but in actions. Therefore, they should offer the full TEP process for all the languages they translate into. In addition, they should be open to discussing how their strategy works (in detail) and demonstrate the reasons for the linguistic choices they make, in case of any questions or concerns you may have.

#2 Linguistic Know-How

The most accurate translator, editor, or proofreader should be an expert in their role. Preferably a native speaker of the target language who knows all the ins and outs and can reflect this knowledge in their work. Regarding the editor, they should be able to identify even minor issues that may not be errors but can jeopardise the smoothness of the speech.

#3 Relevant Knowledge

To provide its customers with an accurate language translation service, suppliers should be proficient linguists and need to be well versed in the project’s field of application. For example, is it a medical, legal, or automotive translation assignment? In addition, they should know how to leverage technological resources such as CAT tools, and quality control apps (such as X-bench), among others, that enable more efficient development of the tasks. Note that this is applicable to all steps within the TEP process.

#4 Experience in Accurate Language Translation and PM

Your language partner should have substantial, proven experience in translation project management. Additionally, their editing and proofreading team should have relevant expertise in what they do, and possess a critical eye, as an invaluable skill to resolve linguistic nuances.

#OptimationalTip: The three steps of translation (translation, editing, and proofreading) are what give direction and shape to a quality control and assurance process.

Machine Translation and Editing

Before we finish, let us look at this fairly common question—to solve it once and for all.

Do machine-translated texts need to be edited?

This is a big yes, in all respects. The translation machine has improved in recent years, which is undeniable. But it cannot understand the context, let alone the tone and intent of the speech. Ergo, the final quality is compromised, and an accurate language translation cannot be guaranteed without final editing and proofreading.

If we talk about Google Translate, for example, it still produces very literal (word-for-word style) translations with marked inaccuracies or garbled sentences.

On the other hand, this automated software does not focus on industry-specific jargon, which is often the decisive factor in opting for one term or another. Nor can it use glossaries, follow style guides, or benefit from the creation of translation memories for future projects.

Editing and proofreading of machine-translated texts are called post-editing (or MTPE), and qualified linguists carry out the process; they mainly focus on common machine-generated errors and ensure the adequacy of the text.

It is worth noting that this tool is not suitable for every type of text. For some, due to their nature and complexity, it is better to rely on human professionals to handle the whole process from start to finish.

An Accurate Language Translation Is Not a Single Task: Is a Process

The translation is a multi-step process in which editing and proofreading are as significant as the translation itself. Understanding this is critical if you want to obtain texts that are effective towards the project’s goal, accessible to the target audience, faithful to the source’s intention, and contribute to the brand’s value. Following these steps will ensure reliable results and make the target readers feel addressed.

At Optimational, we work with a comprehensive TEP process, which guarantees quality results and is up to the challenge. Yet, we also have an added value: Our flexibility. None of our processes remains rigid if it fails to serve the final goal. That is why we offer tailor-made linguistic solutions so that together with our partners we can develop a plan that meets any specific need.

Ready to start with your multilingual project? If so, contact us today. We will be pleased to share our process and develop a custom proposal.