By Anjali Chawla

Video: How to Guarantee Quality in Your Translation Projects (Modlingua Live)

Translation quality means more than a document without obvious errors. The result should convey the source meaning, fit its purpose and use consistent terminology. Anjali Chawla's discussion of quality management points to a practical way to check those aims before a project is delivered.

Set the brief before work starts

Agree on the language pair, intended readers, subject, format and deadline. Give the translator reference material and preferred terms where available. A clear brief helps prevent mismatched expectations between a client and a language team.

Build review into the process

Choose someone with the right language and subject knowledge. Use a terminology list and check names, numbers, omissions and formatting. A second qualified reviewer can catch problems the first translator missed. Feedback after delivery helps the next project run better.

Standards can guide a process, but a label alone does not prove a document is right for its audience. For legal, technical or personal documents, ask how the work will be reviewed and delivered. Learn about Modlingua's quality translation services.