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When a client assigns a translation job to a vender, has he/she realized the mistaken script or words underlying in original file to be translated? Should the assigned translator just translate loyally to the original script or words or converse the errors to correct ones according to 3 ways which the author suggests?

While we talk about the translation quality, recognition of errors in original presents great importance for a quality translation work. As we know, the translators are supposed to be the discerning readers who pursue refinement more than literacy. So when we take the recognition of original mistakes as an important factor for perfect performance. The assigned translator should emphasize on the interrelationship and coherence of the source language text and never draws an imprudent conclusion without any supporting proof. However, simple mistakes such as typing error, the slip of the pen and some factual mistakes could also be detected by an experienced translator. Actually, it is not rare to make such mistakes in the source materials unless the translator regards himself a first-hand information extractor instead of a literal translation operator. Also, the lack of the comprehension about the background, culture can make his translation no sense. In addition, sentence structure or arrangement is sometimes involved in careless original writing materials. The following examples might cast a light on common mistakes.

A sentence quoted from a report that related to ethnic investigation: “Among the informants, the percentage of race of Han is 97.5% while the ethnic races only share a percentage of 25%”. Evidently the data should be 2.5% instead of 25%. The publisher would lose fame for such a stupid mistake.

Let’s give another example about Chinese legal system history with such a statement in an original text: The modernization period in China lasted almost a century, from 1860 to 1949. The ages before the year 1910 is defined as Chinese feudalistic legal system time and the period after that till 1924 is called western modern legal system introduction and imitation period. After 1924, Chinese legal system stepped the stage of party regulating period….. However, the fact is Chinese feudalistic legal system doesn’t end in the year but in 1900. By checking and confirming, the translator changed the number after the communication with the writer of the text for translation.

In the process of translation quality control, recognition of original mistakes and handling with them should be paid great attention to by almost every translator. In despite of different translation constitutions, the methods to handle original mistakes can be roughly summed up to the following:

First, try to give correct translation directly followed by informing the writer to adjust the source edition.

Second, let the text provider know the factual mistake and continue the translation work after the writer has modified the text.

The third way is to translate the problem part into target language giving the correct information and to offer the relative notes or marks. However, the third way is only limited on the situation that the original writer is unavailable.

Case Study translation quality

We usually hear clients complain that the translation company’s work fails to meet their requirements. In fact, some failures have taken place even before the translation project is to be assigned officially. The lack of communication of their cooperation leads to the client’s discontent on the translation result.  What’s the cause of such discontent? The answer lies in some way of communication and cooperation between translation companies and the clients. This article shows some tips clients should pay attention to before contracting with the company.

First, before the client makes a decision to choose a proper translation company as his service provider, he’d better do a survey to investigate credit standing of translation companies, the number and qualifications of staff in the company, and what the most important is to make sure whether the company has the translators with the specialty that can meet his requirements. Take engineering translation for example, the translator who has professional engineering knowledge and the fittest expression ability for target language is an ideal candidate.

Second, once having chosen the company, the client had better provide some background information and references to the company as ample as possible, including the previous translation texts, technical terminology, communication purpose, target audience and so on. Because every profession has its particularity, the translation company isn’t able to be accomplished in every field. A well-defined original document will give the opportunity to guarantee a satisfying translation and make translators go directly on the right way such as context style, format, and typesetting. This can be trouble-saving if the client explains his requests of needs clearly to the translation company.

Third, the client should set up quality criteria together with the translation company for the client’s final review and approval of the translation work. The layout request should also be made clear to the vender according to its publishing situation. If the client has specific requests, he should clarify them and put forward to his vender at first. The quality criteria should include technical terminology, consistency, veracity of expressions and readability.

Forth, as to the pricing, there is general average pricing in the translation industry with varieties from one company to another. Some clients hold the view that the company charges high may produce translation with better quality. In some situations the client just compare different quotations makes them neglect the quality result that should be got by the client’s specific demands.

Fifth, the deadline is supposed to be fixed according to the agreement by both sides. If it is not in emergency, the client should give as much time as possible to the vender. Translation is a complicated and laborious work. Even for the most experienced translator, the workload of 2500 words per day is a limit for a good quality work. The client’s consideration can help the vender devote enough time and energy to the working process.

Sixth, the client is suggested to make clarification of the service responsibility on the translation vender. If the translation company cannot accomplish the work on time, or if the final work doesn’t meet client’s demand, what responsibility should it take? If upfront deposit has been paid, Should the client be refunded? All these need to be discussed by both parties.

All in one, a good communication at the very beginning is a guarantee to a qualified translation. It is highly suggested an agreement signed for the benefit of client. A detailed contract consists of the requirements of client for the translation work such as the layout, format, pricing, payment method, compensation for failure and the deadline.

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