What makes a great translation? Obviously, opinions differ from country to country, with cultural factors coming into play. However, there are key elements on which most people agree.
Understanding the Audience: Translating novel is a very different undertaking to translating (for example) a social media advert where the desire is for the reader to take a particular action. In these situations, the definition of a successful translation will differ. A good translation also reads as though it was written for the target audience. The fact that it has been translated should not be visible. How in tune the translator is with the content and the author’s tone can have a major impact.
The Human Touch: While machine translation has come a long way, the human touch is still essential. Translation tools can make translation faster and, when used correctly, more accurate. However, machine translation cannot yet compete with the skill and nuance that human translators offer.
ISO 17100:2015: Translation services can use ISO 17100:2015 to demonstrate the capability and robustness of their processes and resources. This provides clients and potential clients with confidence in the company’s services.
ASTM F2575-06: Standard Guide for Quality Assurance in Translation is the American translation quality standard. It “identifies factors relevant to the quality of language translation services for each phase of a translation project”.
CAN/CGSB-131.10-2017: The Canadian Language Industry Association launched this translation quality standard to define, “the requirements for the provision of translation services by translation service providers”. It’s applicable to individual translators and organizations.