Unit 1: The E.R.
E Process (Evaluating-Revising-Editing)
Unit 1. File 36 - How To Evaluate Translation Quality: 8 Point Checklist
Liraz Postan, October 9, 2023
Due to my experience in the translation industry, I am frequently called upon to
review others’ work and to help train other translators in how to evaluate and
review an initial translation.
The first thing I do when evaluating a translation is to read the source text Liraz Postan
completely, focusing on the message and the delivery style. Next, I compare International SEO and
Content Expert
the translation to the source text to verify that the same message and delivery
style was carried over into the target language as closely as possible.
Once I have completed these two tasks, I then go back through the translated text word by word looking
for the following:
How To Evaluate Translation Quality
1. Did the translator comprehend the source text?
The translator’s comprehension of the source text is the foundation of a successful translation process.
Without a clear understanding of the source material, it is virtually impossible to produce an accurate and
meaningful translation. Comprehension involves not only grasping the literal meaning of the words but also
understanding the context, nuances, cultural references, and the author’s intended message.
The impact of a mistake in this aspect is profound. Misinterpreting the source text can lead to
mistranslation, loss of important details, and even the transmission of incorrect information to the target
audience. It can cause confusion, and miscommunication, and damage the credibility of the translated
content.
2. Does the translation flow naturally in the target language?
Natural fluency in the target language is vital for ensuring that the translated content is not only accurate
but also easy to read and comprehend. The goal is to make the text feel as though it was originally written
in the target language, seamlessly blending with the cultural and linguistic norms.
A mistake in this area can make the translation feel awkward, stilted, or disjointed, leading to a lack of
engagement from the audience. Readers may struggle to connect with the content, ultimately
undermining its effectiveness.
3. Is the translation correct & localized for the intended audience?
Localization is the process of adapting content to suit the cultural, linguistic, and social preferences of the
target audience. It goes beyond mere translation to ensure that the content resonates with the audience,
taking into account their unique sensibilities.
Failure to localize properly can result in cultural insensitivity or offense. For example, humor that doesn’t
translate well or references that are unfamiliar to the target audience can cause confusion or even
alienation.
4. Is the text consistent? Were words and phrases consistent throughout the translation?
Consistency is crucial to maintain the integrity of the translated content. It ensures that terminology, style,
tone, and other elements remain uniform throughout the translation, creating a coherent and cohesive
reading experience.
Inconsistencies can confuse the audience and disrupt the overall message. A single translation error can
introduce inconsistencies, weakening the overall impact and causing frustration or mistrust among readers.
5. Accuracy of the translated text
Accuracy is the bedrock of any translation effort. An accurate translation is one that faithfully conveys the
meaning of the source text without introducing errors, omissions, or distortions.
The impact of inaccuracies in translation can be severe. In fields like medicine or law, errors can have life-
altering consequences. Even in less critical contexts, inaccuracies can lead to misinformation, damaged
reputation, or lost business opportunities.
6. Are numbers and measurements translated correctly?
Precision in translating numbers, units, and measurements is vital, particularly in scientific, technical, or
financial content. Mistakes in this area can lead to costly errors or even pose safety risks.
For example, in engineering documents, a mistranslated measurement could result in structural failures,
while in financial reports, incorrect currency conversions could lead to financial losses or legal issues.
7. Are names, trademarks, and other non-translatable words preserved from the source text?
Preserving non-translatable terms such as proper nouns, brand names, trademarks, and specific cultural
references is essential for maintaining clarity, consistency, and legal compliance.
Failure to preserve these elements can lead to confusion, mistrust, or legal disputes. In the case of brand
names or trademarks, it can also harm the reputation and identity of the products or services involved.
8. Was proper punctuation used for the target language?
Proper punctuation is crucial for ensuring clarity, readability, and the intended meaning in the target
language. Incorrect punctuation can alter the interpretation of a sentence or make it difficult to understand.
In legal documents, for example, a misplaced comma or an incorrectly used semicolon can change the legal
implications of a contract. In marketing materials, punctuation errors can affect the persuasiveness and
professionalism of the message.
Source: https://www.getblend.com/blog/evaluate-translation-checklist/
