_______________ Translation Instructions ______________
Introduction
If you claim a translation task, we expect that a translator can read and fully understand the source text and recreate it in the target language fluently, accurately, and naturally, in line with the target language expectations. The main objective for the translation is to communicate the information in the source text in the target language with the audience in mind. This means that the translation communicates the same ideas as the source text.
If anything is unclear or you have issues with a fully translated text, make sure to seek clarifications and support from the Community Forum or directly from the Project Officer.
Instructions
Preparation
Before you start a translation task, the translator should check whether there are any specific resources associated with the project and any instructions or information provided by the project officer or the NGO partner. A few examples include:
Source text in the online translation tool
Language style guides
Translation memories and term bases
General instructions included in the project’s forum thread
As a first step, the translator reads and fully comprehends the source text, and then (1) correctly renders the source text into the target while strictly following instructions and the resources, (2) adheres to the target language quality aspects in terms of fluency, accuracy, terminology, style and design, and (3) includes the correct tags and formatting in the target language. This will help you to deliver a translation that meets the quality standards that we expect.
Process
Throughout the translation process, the translator reads the source segments to ensure the translation follows the criteria below:
In terms of the linguistic quality (accuracy, fluency, terminology, style, and design), the target:
- Communicates the meaning of the original text correctly and precisely, without the addition or omission of any information.
- Adheres to the standard (correct and generally accepted) spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Contains the keywords and phrases, which is also maintained in the entire target text.
- Is of an acceptable level of naturality and formality, and considerate for the target audience.
- Meets the basics of the language style guide.
In terms of the technical quality, the target segments:
- Maintain the same tags and format to the source segments.
In terms of the project’s special requirements, the target segments should:
- Correspond to the project-specific instructions provided (e.g. the translation of the acronyms, bibliography and references. etc).
- Follow the existing translation memories.
- Include the terms provided in the termbases/glossary while translating.
You should always follow the above list, and that while doing the task, you confirm the translated segments so that they are saved.
After the translation process is completed, you are required to run a QA check. This step is necessary to detect unsolved issues such as missing terms, spelling errors, extra spaces, missing punctuation, un-identical numbers, tags, and formatting errors. You need to check the QA list to solve these issues, and go through an eventual reading to finalize the translation. Once satisfied that all looks good, you can mark the task as completed.
Once the task is marked as completed, the task is inaccessible unless the project officer opens it again.
Pre-delivery checklist
Completed the translation of the source text considering all categories detailed in the process above (project’s special requirements, linguistic quality, and technical extensions)
Ran a QA check and solved the flagged issues
Performed a final reading of the document
Reached out to the Project Officer to clarify any open points before delivery