LingPerfect

At this stage we analyse the files to determine the total size of the job (word count) and to resolve specific issues, such as: matching the method of recording dates, weights and measures, proper nouns, etc. to the job’s specific target language and culture.

Also, thanks to the use of the TM (translation memory) systems, our team can determine how much of the text to be translated contains some repeated content.

Translation of such repeated content is covered by a much lower rate and therefore means a significant decrease of the overall cost and duration of the translation. While the two stages described above are carried out as part of our preliminary pricing estimation of the job, the client’s final approval of this information is important to us before the actual commencement of work.

We then decide whether to “pull” the text out of the received files, or to leave it to be translated as it was sent by the client. Depending on the source file format, the translation can often be performed directly in the source files.

In other cases, e.g. when translating the DTP (desktop publishing) files containing a lot of graphics, we prefer to “pull” the text out of them and work on it in a different, simple format. We would like to highlight that apart from linguistic knowledge and expertise, the technical abilities of our translators undergo careful assessment as well prior to them starting to work for us, so that to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the formats of all translated files.

This stage ends with the creation of a special package for our translators, consisting of files, detailed instructions, style guidelines and, last but not least, the precise work schedule.

Depending on the size and nature of the job, before the translation we often offer our clients to create and validate a glossary or terminology list.

There are three main benefits in doing this:

1. It helps to solve potential problems with the unique or client-specific terminology.
2. It allows to use consistent terminology in all jobs executed for the client.
3. It allows to spot and eliminate potential misunderstandings and mistakes.

The created glossary is sent to the client for validation. All ambiguous words and phrases are explained in order to develop the final list of terms. Once this is achieved, we can begin the translation.

At this stage our translators (according to the guidelines set at the analysis stage) translate the text into the target languages.

The goal here is not to translate every word literally, but to create the text that optimally conveys the meaning of the original text and resembles similar text types in the target language.

Maintaining consistency is equally important in this process. The translation memory systems (TM) are of great help here.

They work on the following basis: while the translator is performing their work, each sentence that they translate is saved in a bilingual database together with the original one. Each time this sentence or — more commonly — a part of this sentence appears in the text, the program automatically suggests a translation that has been stored in the database - the TM. In this case, if it is a 100% match (the sentence in the text is exactly the same as the one in the database), the translator can accept the TM’s suggestion or change the translation to match the given context. As one might guess, this greatly reduces the time needed for translation of repeated content and ensures terminological consistency throughout the whole document, as well as in the subsequent materials yet to be translated.

Translation analysis for text repetitions often means significant savings for our clients.

The translated files are being edited, which means checking whether the files were translated accurately and whether the quality of the translation meets our standards.

Editing is done by comparing the source text to the target text, line by line, while at the same time grammar and syntax correctness checks are run. After completing this process and applying the final corrections, the final version of translation is entered into the translation memory.

After translating a small portion of text it, is delivered to the client for an internal assessment of the translation. This initial assessment allows the client to determine whether the translation meets the internal standards of the company and whether it presents the client’s products or technologies in the professional manner. The sample allows also the early identification of any potential problem areas and addressing them in the appropriate manner.

After translating and subjecting the entire text to editing as well as receiving client’s validation of the sample text, the translated text is inputted into the source files — if necessary — while keeping the original formatting, thus creating the final product.

Text layout, graphics, specific localization issues set out in the analysis stage and all other issues described in the initial guidelines are taken into account so as to create the final product in the target languages.

Once the final product has been created, one more evaluation is carried out in order to ensure the complete correctness of the localization. All necessary technical tests are performed at this stage as well. Their types depend on the scope of the project and are determined at the Analysis stage.

For example, typical tests for a website translation include evaluating the functionality of the links, presentation of graphics, displayed captions, image descriptions and other interactive elements.

Once the final tests are performed the localized product is delivered to the client for assessment and validation. The delivery method depends on the client’s requirements. Smaller projects are usually delivered as ZIP archives in an e-mail attachment, while larger ones are placed on our FTP server or delivered on a CD.

Once our clients have received the files they have a certain amount of time to conduct internal language and technical analyses. The timeframe depends on the project’s size and nature and is specified in the contract. All technical and linguistic changes deemed necessary by the client and falling into the original scope of work are applied by LingPerfect free of charge, thus ensuring the client’s complete satisfaction.