TRANSLATION CHECKING

Extracted text from checking.doc:

UBS TRANSLATION OFFICERS MANUAL TRANSLATION CHECKING 1. What is translation checking? A procedure that enables the translator officer to analyze a translation draft

2. Why do we do translation checking? To evaluate the quality of the translation To help the team improve the translation To train the team and thereby raise the quality of the translation 3. How do we do translation checking? Normally by analyzing back-translation of the translation draft -- oral procedure: face-to-face with translation team -- written procedure: via interlinear written, via e-mail transfer 4. Who answers in translation checking? Normally the translators answer in face to face checking Written back-translation normally provided by someone other than the translators N.B. Distinguish between checking and testing -- checking for accuracy and faithfulness -- testing for clarity and naturalness 5. Who records questions/answers/solutions in checking? Preferably the translators Secretary or keyboarder Translation officer for personal record and for follow-up communication N.B. Beware of the tyranny of technology (computer) and expertise 6. How much do we check? We should check as much as is required to achieve our purpose Therefore, we may spot check or we may check entire text (Portion, NT, Bible) 7. At what stage of the translation do we check? Early drafts -- to give guidance to translation team Later drafts -- to ensure quality of the translation Final draft -- to enable translation officer to approve final manuscript 8. Is manuscript examination translation checking? No; however manuscript examination may reveal translation problems Note: Translation checking is a monitoring and mentoring procedure, but it may also be perceived as an evaluation of translator integrity.