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Translation Methodology

In search for a realistic, yet rigorous and practical translation methodology we have selected what we believe to be the most useful concepts set forth in the existing UNI 10574 and DIN 2345 standards, and in the European draft standard prEN-15038, as outlined in the Translation Standards section.

These concepts have been incorporated into our Translation Methodology, outlined below.

Workflow and Service Level

1. Receipt of translation or quotation request from prospective client, or customer
   This stage involves the examination of the request, the assessment of the technical feasibility of the project, also taking into account the deadline requested, and of course drawing-up the quote. At this stage we only contact the prospective client our customer if a specific requirement is not clear, or if we need additional information, e.g. on the availability of glossaries. In general, we will be able to make a precise estimate without needing further information.
2. Acceptance of our quote, acceptance of the translation assignment
   This is when the real work can begin. We assign an in-house translator or outside colleague to your project. It goes without saying that the translator will always be a native speaker with experience in your technical field and/or affinity with the subject matter. Additionally, any special technical or other resources that might be required are gathered, set-up, or possibly purchased.
3. Compilation of multilingual terminology list
   This terminological database is primarily destined for internal use, to ensure the consistency of technical terms within the translated document(s), as well as in future translation projects. At this stage we may ask the customer to validate some terms that will be used in the target document. Work on the terminological level is mostly carried out in parallel with the actual translation. This is the process that ensures compliance with our quality criterion of terminological consistency.
   Many customers also ask us to leverage terminology from previously translated documents, online sources, printed manuals or brochures, etc. In so far as this terminology extraction or alignment work is justified given the value of the assignment, this is carried out at no extra charge. We can however also provide terminology extraction, multilingual database compilation, alignment, and technical terminology management services independently of translation jobs.
4. First spell checking and "revision"
   Spell checking is an easy, but all-important step in any serious translation process. After spell checking, the translated document is now ready for the so-called "revision" (as defined in § 5.3.4. of the European draft standard prEN-15038). The translator revises his work, i.e. compares the source and target texts, checks the consistency of the technical terms used, checks the register of language, and addresses style issues. This is the process that ensures compliance with our quality criterion of accuracy.
5. "Review" by a second translator and final spell checking
   After the revision round, during which all specific translation and language issues are resolved, the text is passed on to another translator, who performs a "review" (as defined in § 5.3.5. of the European draft standard prEN-15038). This quality control step involves a monolingual review aimed at correcting errors, typo's, or technical issues that the translator might have overlooked. The reviewer will also focus in particular on the legibility, and fluidity of the translation, so that it reads like a native text rather than like a translation. The review is normally carried out without the original document, and is followed by a final spell check after all corrections have been entered into the text. This process is mainly concerned with ensuring compliance with our quality criterion of legibility.
6. Delivery of the translated documents
   After a final check to ensure all documents, text elements, text-in-figures, etc. have been translated and are adequately formatted, the translation is now ready to be sent to the customer.
7. Archiving the source and target documents
   The source and target texts are archived for future reference, together with the glossaries of technical terms compiled during the translation process. That way we are well (and always better) prepared for your next assignment.