For this reason, it is essential that target-language texts are produced to the highest standards of quality. However, quality is often difficult to define in this context and varies greatly depending on the individual requirements that a translation must fulfill. To ensure quality, however, there needs to be certain criteria that serve as a guide. So which factors determine the quality of a translation? How can they be measured, and what quality assurance methods can be applied? Read on to learn the answers to all this and more.
What does translation quality actually mean?
For a translation to fulfill its purpose, achieving the highest possible quality is the top priority. Correctly communicating the meaning of the source content and ensuring linguistic accuracy are the basic requirements. However, depending on the type of text, these two criteria may not be sufficient on their own to be able to speak of a good translation result.
The definition of quality is also highly dependent on the intended use of the translation. Depending on the industry and sector in which the client operates, there may be strict specifications concerning:
- Text length
- Terminology
- Target group-specific requirements
In this context, we can speak of insufficient quality if one or more of the aspects defined in advance have not been implemented or have not been implemented properly.
The most important prerequisite for achieving high translation quality is therefore to define all the requirements for the desired translation in advance.
A benchmark for translation quality and quality assurance can only be developed on the basis of clearly defined specifications. For this reason, close cooperation and regular dialog between the client and the translation service provider are crucial from the outset.
The provision of reference material and availability in the event of queries are also important criteria for quality assurance and thus contribute to high translation quality. The quality of the source text is also crucial for the translation result. While a complicated and ambiguous text can lead to errors in meaning, a clearly and comprehensibly written source text can avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations from the outset.
Professional translators will also often use so-called CAT tools (Computer Assisted Translation Tools) to help ensure translation quality. They allow translators to quickly and easily access customer-specific terminology during the translation process and, if necessary, provide previously produced translations as a reference to ensure consistency. CAT tools automate many of the processes involved in translation, speeding up the translation process while guaranteeing quality assurance and cost efficiency at the same time.
CAT tools should not be confused with machine translation (MT). While machine translation is used to create translations without any human intervention, CAT tools serve as an aid in the translation process to ensure consistency and compliance with terminological specifications. When CAT tools are used, the translation is produced by a person who is supported by software in terms of quality assurance as well as time and cost efficiency.
In addition to quality assurance of the translation itself, there are other features that are decisive for the quality of a translation. These relate primarily to the service provided by the commissioned translation service provider. Quality-related criteria include:
- Adherence to delivery deadlines
- Communication
- Regular contact between the client and the translation service provider
- Qualifications and skills of the translators used
Translation quality vs. quality of a translation service provider
In addition to the quality of the end product, the quality of the translation service provider is also a decisive criterion for high translation quality. While the factors defined above are decisive for the quality of a translation, the quality of a translation service provider can be proven on the basis of industry-specific and general standards, which can be regarded as indicators of high-quality providers. These standards define certain processes that ensure efficiency and traceability and are therefore dedicated to quality assurance and continuous quality control. The two standards relevant to the translation industry are ISO 17100 and ISO 9001.
The ISO 17100 standard relates to the quality of translation services. It sets out requirements that all certified translation service providers must adhere to when processing translation orders. These include:
- Definition of a core process
- Comprehensible documentation of the translation project process
- Use of suitable translators depending on the type of order
- Continuous improvement of processes
The ISO 9001 standard, on the other hand, relates to quality management and is completely industry-independent. The introduction of a quality management system makes it possible to increase customer satisfaction and continuously improve internal communication within an organization as well as its existing processes. Working in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard also leads to transparency and consistent, clearly defined processes, which minimize or completely eliminate sources of error.
Both standards are used for quality control and quality assurance towards internal and external stakeholders, and are proof that work is carried out to a high quality standard. An annual audit is required to maintain certification for both standards. When selecting a suitable translation service provider, it is therefore important to ensure that the company is certified to these two ISO standards.
Evaluating translation quality as a customer
It is often difficult for clients to assess the quality of a translation, as in most cases they are not familiar with the language of the target text. So how can customers assess whether their translation is of a high quality? Translations can be considered of high quality if the following criteria are met:
- The desired requirements were defined and uncertainties clarified before the start of the project.
- Availability, speed, and punctuality were guaranteed at all times.
- The order was handled in compliance with standardized processes and quality assurance criteria.
- The translation was carried out by a translation team suitable for the subject matter.
- If possible, feedback was provided as part of the review or in-country review by the branch in the target language country.
- Customer feedback was passed on to the translation team and documented for future orders to prevent further complaints.
