Translation, editing, and

proofreading. A “must” for good

translation?
Translation, editing, and proofreading (TEP) are the main stages of the translation
process. These three consecutive steps often ensure the best translation quality. Still,
many professionals argue that TEP are not necessary for proper project outcomes.

For example, some industry professionals say that translated text is acceptable so long as
clients are satisfied. Another group considers translation quality is acceptable if the t ext is
“good enough” for the people who will read it. Such editors correct the text only if it is
necessary for reader satisfaction.

Whatever concept we accept, it is important to remember about the main steps of the
translation process – translation, editing and proofreading (TEP). Revision or editing is
the phase that follows translation. Editors check the target-language content against the
original, and ensure that the message from the source text delivers the intended idea
accurately. After this bilingual check, they make sure that the paragraphs read smoothly
and are clear. Proofreaders work only with the target text, checking that the translation
does not have any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

TEP: translation editing

Readers want to be able to grasp the subject matter easily, without having to go over a
sentence several times to get the point. Editors smooth the text and polish sentences. They
establish a clear structure that ensures consistent information flow and focus.
To adjust vocabulary and sentences to fit readers’ needs, editors need to be able to
imagine the readers clearly.

Is the text for professionals in the field or for laypeople? The latter will need any difficult
concepts and terms to be explained. On the flip side, specialists will prefer content that
includes the specific terminology and less explanation. Otherwise, they may doubt that
the text is written for professionals.

What is the level of readers’ education? This is especially important in text that aims to
convey crucial information to the public (e.g., public-health and bank-services
documents).

Are the readers native speakers? Many foreigners will be unfamiliar with slang or
metaphors based on local sports, like the idiom from cricket to get knocked for six.
Are the readers American? If so, then editors have to eliminate “Britishisms,” for
example changing revise to review and flavour to flavor.
Is the text a newsletter for employees or a brochure for prospects? This may affect
whether its style should be conversational or more formal.

What is the purpose of the text? For example, it might be to provide enjoyment to convey
instructions, to help readers make a decision, or to inform them.

Where will the text appear (for example, on a mobile app, in a newspaper, on a sign-
board, or in presentation slides)?

Answers to all these questions are essential in order to make reasonable corrections to
translated texts.

TEP: translation proofreading

Proofreaders check grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. These

specialists also review typographical and layout features, such as style of headings and
paragraphs.

Misspellings and typos might seem minor and unimportant, but they can make a negative
impression on the readers, who may subconsciously lose confidence in the content of the
work. Typos may even affect the meaning (compare confirmation and conformation).
Native speakers usually do not make idiomatic or syntactical mistakes. But if
proofreaders are new to a field, they can have problems with specific phraseology. In
his book, Brian Mossop gives an example of the meteorological term summer severe
weather. An inexperienced proofreader may be tempted to change this to severe summer
weather. But these are different concepts in the field of metereology: When a severe
weather event occurs in summer, it is summer severe winter; when it occurs in winter, it
is winter severe weather.
Correct punctuation is a vital component of a successful translation project. Punctuation
rules differ between languages, so translators may inadvertently use commas, periods, or
quotation marks incorrectly. Proofreaders have to pay special attention to small details,
such as the different lengths of a dash and a hyphen.

Consistent terminology and style need special attention, especially if several translators
are working on one project. Some organizations even prepare style and terminology
guides. These documents give instructions on spelling (advertise or advertize),
capitalization, hyphenation, numerals (2,000 units or 2 000 units), acronyms, quotations,
and much more. They can also provide information on how to address the readers of the
text—in the second or third person, and in the passive or active voice. For example, each
of the phrases “sign the document,” “the document must be signed,” “the employee will
sign the document,” and “let’s sign the document” would lend the text a different tone.

Translation tools

Editors and proofreaders can use technology for their work. Some tools are made to be
used by the public, while others are developed for professionals. Simple Google search
can help the translator and editor to know how words can be combined idiomatically. By
entering the expression in a search box, we can get a large number of instances within
seconds. Editors can also use glossaries or bilingual databases such as Linguee.
Professional translation tools—e.g., translation memory and translation quality-assurance
software—can help translators, editors, and proofreaders. Translation QA tools can spot
the inconsistent translation of terms, and untranslated passages. They can also find some
proofreading errors, including checking paired punctuation marks (parentheses and
quotation marks), the correct transcription of numbers, etc. Using these tools during the
quality-control phase may support linguists to catch formatting errors that the human eye
may miss. However, software is never a complete substitute for the skill of professional
editors and proofreaders.
What is your experience with TEP? Do you prefer to follow this procedure or stick to the
concept of “good enough” translation quality? What does “high-quality translation” mean
for you? Do share your experience with us in the comments section below.