A Way With Words
Frequently Asked Questions
In Germany the word Igel doesn't mean the masterful creature we would assume to be the eagle. Instead it's the common prickly garden animal, the hedgehog.
What if I do not require the translation to be checked because we have our own checkers?
PLEASE BE AWARE OF OUR IMPORTANT NOTES FOR THE CHECKING/EDITING OF TRANSLATIONS
You have declined First Edition's offer of a checking/editing stage by a second translator or a copy-editor because you have access to native speakers who will do this for you. Please make sure that your checkers/editors are aware of their responsibilities by giving them a copy of this document.
Although First Edition employs translators of the highest calibre, a checking/editing stage is essential for any translation that is for dissemination, publication (on paper or electronic media) or for legal use, in order to obtain the best possible result.
The checker may be employed by the translation agency or by the agency's client. In the latter case, the checkers may not be trained translators or editors; they may not have a good understanding of the source language and make changes that deviate from the original. Such changes may be perfectly valid and necessary but are outside the remit of the translator.
The checker may work from a hard copy (printout) and mark the text by hand, or on-screen, using a word-processor's "Track changes" facility. The checker should:
- 1. Check the translation against the original for possible omissions and errors.
- 2. Check the technical terminology to make sure it conforms to that used by your company.
- 3. Check for consistency in use of terminology, spelling, presentation (e.g. abbreviation of measurements etc.) by referring to the client's style sheet or reference material.
- 4. Assess the style of the translation, taking into account its end-use and the style of the source text, and edit language quality without changing the meaning.
- 5. Mark changes to the translated text which are not present in the source text, and which reflect the checker's requirements or personal preference, differentiating them clearly (e.g. by colour), as these clearly do not reflect the quality of the translator's work.
- 6. Check that the layout and presentation is in accordance with the client's requirements – including use of bold and italics and small capitals.
The incorporation of client amendments after the checking stage is not the responsibility of First Edition Translations unless specifically agreed beforehand.