Skřivánek is EN 17100 certified and provides translations in accordance with this standard, which sets out specific requirements for translation service providers and the translation process, and makes proofreading a compulsory part of it.
Proofreaders play an essential role not only in the process of continuous quality control, whose main aim is to check the quality of the translation before it is submitted, i.e. to check whether the translation is accurate, comprehensible, grammatically correct, terminologically consistent and fit for purpose. In addition, proofreaders are involved in the evaluation of the entry tests of candidates for a job at our translation agency. And, no less importantly, by making corrections, they also provide valuable feedback to our translators and help improve methodological materials and terminology reference sources for individual specialisations and disciplines.
Skřivánek is EN 17100 certified and provides translations in accordance with this standard, which sets out specific requirements for translation service providers and the translation process, and makes proofreading a mandatory part of it. The standard works with the terms ‘revision’, which refers to the comparison of the target text (translation) with the source text (original), ‘proofreading’, which only checks the target text, and ‘review’, which is a review of the suitability of the target text for the given purpose and respect for the conventions of the given field by an expert in the given field.
According to the standard, the full translation process includes the following stages: translation, verification (revision by the translator), revision (by the proofreader), review (if required), proofreading (by another proofreader, if part of the job) and final verification (by the project manager). Unfortunately, the terms used in this standard do not fully correspond to the established practice and therefore there is still no uniform terminology for the individual proofreading services, with each translation service provider basically using their own terminology. Skřivánek tries to use descriptive terms and explains them on its website so that clients know exactly what they are ordering, or what we recommend depending on the purpose of the translation and the target group – language proofreading, which is done by a linguist and is aimed at correcting common spelling, grammatical and typographical errors, typos and minor stylistic inaccuracies, meaning proofreading, where the proofreader is a specialist in the given field, compares the translation with the source text and ensures it is also checked in terms of meaning, content and terminology, or pre-press proofreading, which is done after the translation is graphically processed, and also checksthe correct display of all characters and images, or a combination of several proofreading procedures, where, for example,one proofreader is a linguist and the other an expert on the subject. More information is available here.
In order to determine the overall process of the ordered translation, ensure adequate quality and the optimal price of the translation, it is important to know the purpose of the translation. Depending on the purpose of the translation, the style, the way of expression, the vocabulary and the length of the sentences vary (e.g. we adopt a different approach for the translation of a website, a sales catalogue, an advertising leaflet, company documentation, an article in the press for the general public or an article in a scientific journal). Then we identify whether the translation is merely an informative translation or a translation for publication or for the press, and whether the translation is intended for the general or professional public. An informative translation will be accurate and of high quality, correct in terms of subject and language, but without stylistic and graphic editing – i.e. it will fulfil its purpose wherever it is just a matter of transferring the information correctly from one language to another. On the other hand,a translation intended for publication will be a stylistically adapted translation intended for representation and use, especially by native speakers of the target language. It is a text whose linguistic and stylistic level is intended to have a direct or indirect impact on the target reader, is intended to represent, sell, persuade and impress, and it is necessary that it is not possible to recognise that it is originally a translation (in addition to the language, it takes into account the cultural nuances of the country, the use of synonyms, etc., which only a native speaker is competent to do). Such a translation also requires more intensive cooperation with the client (e.g. terminological and stylistic consultations) and, when it comes to the format of the assignment, typically also high-quality DTP processing, or pre-press proofreading of the completed pdf copy of the translation before it is released for printing. Proofreading a translation of a text that is intended for client representation and marketing purposes is of great importance and is intended to enhance its persuasiveness for the recipient. However, regardless of where and how translated texts are to be used, they all undergo our careful internal checks after delivery by the translator.
You as a client can also influence the quality of the translation. Quality suffers most when there is no exchange of information. It is therefore important for everyone to be aware of this and to work together to ensure that all the necessary information is provided and passed on to the translator and proofreader so that they understand the full meaning and context in detail. Therefore, we always ask if the client has reference materials, established company conventions and terminology, a translation memory for the use of translation tools (CAT), or other supporting materials. We also offer the possibility of creating and regularly updating a terminology dictionary or a style guide for longer-term cooperation to ensure consistent use of terminology in all translated documents. We closely engage the client in the entire process to ensure the highest quality – we ask about any uncertainties that may arise during the translation process, or point out inconsistencies in the original that need to be clarified in the translation.
Our careful selection of vendors and their regular evaluation and methodological support, precisely defined processes, the use of modern translation technologies and careful consideration of the purpose of the translation and the target audience guaranteesquality services and customer satisfaction.
Mgr. Petra Sendlerová, Translation and Interpreting Methodologist