Many translation companies give their customers the opportunity of having their translations proofread. Some companies always include it, others do not, but what does it really mean and how do you know if you need it?
What is additional proofreading?
Additional proofreading is carried out after your document has been translated from the source language into the target language. The first translator will always proofread their own work to make sure the translation is accurate and free from errors, but additional proofreading goes that bit further and consolidates the first review.
Importantly, additional proofreading is carried out by a second skilled translator, which brings a different perspective and a fresh pair of eyes. While translators take every care to deliver translations of the highest quality, they are human and errors can happen. Furthermore, a proofreader can help to polish a document to make it more targeted to its intended audience.
In my practice, if the source is handwriting like an old birth certificate with names and places, I don’t know, I always ask the client to proofread the document before I certify it and notarize it. In the case of an essay or article translated from Spanish to English, I always ask a native English speaker to proofread the material to insure correct grammar and avoid literal translation.
I also proofread documents translated by other translators and my fees are lower than if I have done the original translation.
Are proofreaders also translators?
In order for a proofreader to accurately review a translation, they need to have a detailed understanding of both source and target languages and have the skills and experience to render the source language into their native tongue. Typically proofreaders are very experienced translators, well rehearsed at both language translation and proofreading, unless they are checking just for correct grammar usage and possible misspelling, in which case they should be native speakers of the target language.
Do I need additional proofreading?
The answer to this question is simple: it depends. In some situations it is strongly recommended that additional proofreading is included as part of your translation project. For example marketing documents, brochures, websites, leaflets and press releases are often intended to increase sales and raise awareness. A highly-polished proofread translation will have been reviewed by a second translator thus ensuring it is stylistically appropriate, error-free and with maximum return on investment potential. Also, as I pointed out earlier, in the case of handwriting documents, those are difficult to read, and long articles that might need a second person to polish the translation.
Conversely, in other situations it is not necessary for a document to be reviewed by an additional linguist. It is very important to stress that a translation can still be of high quality, even without additional proofreading (unless of course the original translator was bad at what they do). The initial translator will always thoroughly review their work and in many situations this is perfectly adequate. It is also worth remembering that a professional translation agency employs highly-skilled translators with formal linguistic education and many years of experience.
In summary, additional proofreading can add value to a translation but it is not always necessary. If you are unsure whether you need it for your next translation project, let me know so I understand your requirements, and I can assure your document will meet your exact needs.
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