The translation and proofreading go parallel. All type of content that is translated, edited, or worked on requires the task of proofreading. Every translation vendor follows certain practices to contribute to quality work. Most translation agencies follow the two-part process that includes translation and proofreading whereas editing is also important. People often assume editing and proofreading as the same process. However, it is significant to understand the difference between editing and proofreading in the first place.
A Misconception about Editing and Proofreading
People often have this misconception about the task of proofreading. Proofreading addresses the issue of correcting mistakes if there are any in the document. However, it has nothing to do with the editing of the whole document. The style guide and stylistic choices rest with the translators. These should be of the proofreader’s concern only if any translated content is not getting along with the requirements of the text and its format.
Proofreading does not imply that the translator has made mistakes or is prone to errors and mistakes. Rather it talks about ensuring that he has done maximum work to reduce errors for the better. This approach favors both parties including the target audience and the client.
The purpose of both practices whether it is editing or proofreading is the same and that is to achieve accuracy and quality translation. Therefore, the use of these terms interchangeably is also not much surprising. However, there is a significant difference between both processes and thus both should be treated as different processes.
Editing
Editing deals with a process that is about implementing the changes to translation and suggesting to improve overall quality. This helps translation to get better, consistent, and error-free.
Proofreading
Proofreading on the other hands’ talks about the correction of superficial errors in the already translated content such as spelling or grammar errors, formatting, punctuation, etc. It occurs in the final process and thus the proofreader has to go through the whole content and try to make sense so that the final draft is good enough before it is sent back to the client.
Four Eyes Principle
The four eyes principle is a quite popular and significant principle of translation. The experts use it and suggest it for quality proofreading. The basic idea is about two people checking the same content so that there is a better evaluation of the content. Two or more two people check the content and scan and evaluate it for better. The process of proofreading is evident to address these three main concerns
- Security
- Accuracy
- Ethics
This is why it is vital to use the four-eye principle to ensure accuracy in the content.
What is the Four-Eyes Principle?
Professional proofreading services are now acquired by translation agencies too. They get the translation from their in-house team of translators and often outsource the proofreading services. People when writing to publish professionally they are relying big time on the proofreader to check and scan their work. Therefore, proofreading is a must in the process of translation too and they conduct it to check the multiple aspects of the translated content such as
- Typos
- Mistranslation of text
- Eliminations from the original document
- Inconsistency in the translation of words or phrases
Proofreading is vital in the process of translation so that it can address the important issues of translated content. This practice may include terminology choices, phrasing, and looking for references for the piece of content.
Tools for Proofreading
Translation and interpretation services are now more popular than ever. There are modern tools available that are used to facilitate the process of proofreading. The main tool is computer-assisted translation also often referred to as CAT. CAT tools work systematically. The terminology database is created through translation memory. Translators and proofreaders often take support of these tools to speed up the work and ensure consistency.
Moreover, the tools which translators use for linguistic quality assurance include spell checkers by Google and Grammarly with a few others. They use these tools to detect errors.
Significance of Human Proofreaders
Recent technology has made translation tools advanced. They have come a long way and proofreading tools are constantly evolving too. However, the human touch and role in translation, editing, and proofreading can not be replaced. The human element is evident to make sure that the text is accurate and readable. Moreover, though CAT tools help in translation and post-translation practices including proofreading, these need linguistic quality assurance tools too. Both of these can work together, however, they cannot detect typing errors and can create hurdles and suggest wrong placements, even when the sentence is already accurate and correct grammatically. Therefore, a second set of eyes can help to improve the quality of the content. Hence, it is important that you do not rely on technology totally for work. These also play a key role in making transcription services better.
Important to Achieve the Highest Quality Standards in Translation
Different translation theories keep on floating in different regions. However, this process requires a more practical approach and work and fewer theories. Proofreading ensures that the translated text gets right and achieves higher standards of quality in the translation. Also, it is a straightforward process and requires the experts on board to achieve accuracy, precision, and flow. The companies should make sure that they discuss the needs of the clients and suggest solutions accordingly. They should also put great focus on discussing the needs, language pair, and deadlines are also important in order to carry out the whole process efficiently.
Conclusion
Proofreading is vital in making a translation project a huge success. People often assume that editing and proofreading as the same process. However, these both are separate practices that experts carry out in different stages of translation. Proofreading is extremely crucial to achieve the highest quality translation.
