How do I assess Style?

At CLEAR Global / Translators without Borders we assess quality using the harmonized Dynamic Quality Framework - Multidimensional Quality Metrics (DQF-MQM) error typology.

We use a simplified version of this error typology with five error categories. Each category includes specific issues that should be considered when we work on a project.

Find below more information on how we score for style.

Style. We want to see a text that is appropriate for the readers and we want the target audience to relate to it in terms of language and culture. The style should give the target audience the same meaning and feeling that the source text gives its readers.

:mag: Here are some of the most relevant style issues:

  • there are specific style guides, either from CLEAR Global / TWB or from the Partner and those were not followed,

  • we have a style mismatch between the source and the target text,

think about a humorous advertising campaign that is translated into a serious target

  • there is an awkward style and though the text can be understood, it reads very odd, to a point it is difficult to follow,

  • inconsistent style, where we jump from one style to another without apparent reason, so the text is difficult to read.

:heavy_check_mark: How to score style?

Make sure you are classifying the issues in the correct category and consider the impact those issues have on the target text. Are they significant? How do they impact the understanding by the target audience?

Keep in mind you are scoring your colleague’s whole chunk or translation. It is important to provide a fair assessment of the complete work.

Make sure you praise exceptional work! :hugs:

:busts_in_silhouette: :speech_balloon: It is also important to leave a comment about the category together with the score, so your peer can understand the feedback. This is particularly vital when leaving low scores. If you were to receive that score yourself, you would surely appreciate a colleague who also took the time to be helpful!

We know this is not easy, so we put together a few ideas on what each level might mean to guide you on how to decide on a score:

:star::star::star::star::star: 5 Stars: Excellent. There might be a minor slip or two, but no major issues with style choices or consistency, and overall tone.
:star::star::star::star: 4 Stars: Good. Overall, style was consistent throughout the text. Just some minor slips, and the occasional issues with choices.
:star::star::star: 3 Stars: Satisfactory. The translation followed the correct style for the most part but there were a few issues. Some areas of the style guide might not be followed. A final re-read would have been advisable to polish the translation.
:star::star: 2 Stars: Needs work. There were numerous issues with style that impacted target translation. Stylistic choices were not consistent throughout the text, and only minor sections of the style guide were implemented…
:star: 1 Star: Poor. The appropriate style was not used. The style guide was not followed.

This is meant as guidance, and there will be situations where not all conditions apply. You should always look at the specific case in front of you to decide!

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