Revision

interlanguage ensures that ALL translations undergo revision before delivery to the customer. A good translation is not produced by a translator working in isolation but is the outcome of teamwork involving revisers, terminologists and project managers.
After delivery by the native speaker translator, an expert linguist, also a translator, revises the text, checking for:

• Spelling mistakes: checked for using IT tools and visually. Word processor spell checkers are not always able to detect mistakes of this kind, making expert verification essential.
• Completeness, meaning that no parts of the text have been omitted: numbers, units of measurements, initials and names have been copied correctly; geographical terms and the names of administrative, political and cultural bodies have been translated where possible; and translations have been provided for captions in non editable images where required. In the case of documents intended for judicial authentication, the completeness check also has to include rubber stamps and signatures.
• Correct syntax, grammar and punctuation.
• Style, to check that the translation’s linguistic register is appropriate (formal/informal, for laymen/specialists, technical/legal, etc.)
• Terminology: compliance of the terminology with the glossaries and translation memories, reference materials supplied by the client or reliable terminology sources.
• Interpretation: ensuring that the meaning of the translation is the same as that of the original text, correcting any misreadings by the translator.
• Conformity with the client’s style guide or specific corporate language, if available
• Layout: in most cases, the translation is typed over the original text. The original layout therefore has to be complied with exactly.

Revising is a very important value added in terms of translation quality. Since revisers look at texts from a different, more detached perspective, they are able to identify points requiring more work more easily than the original translators, who will tend to assume their previous decisions are correct.
Obviously, though, translation is a subjective undertaking, and if a number of translators are asked to translate the same expression they will produce different solutions, probably all perfectly acceptable. Therefore, a translation that delivers full satisfaction can only be provided with input from the client, the only one able to assess whether the text produced is in line with his corporate style.
The interlanguage staff of revisers and project managers work in close contact with our clients to discuss changes, provide explanations and check technical terminology. This constant collaboration establishes a relationship of cooperation and trust with the client that enables us to offer translations closer and closer to his wishes and expectations.