In work with international organisations the most decisive rule is this: the organisation's own terminology takes precedence over general language preferences. If the equivalent of a concept that is common outside differs from that organisation's established usage, it is the organisation's usage that applies.
The organisation's own terminology
Every organisation has an established term set. The set may differ from general usage. Priority lies with the organisation.
Priority of the term source
The glossaries and guides the organisation publishes are taken as the basis. The common equivalent outside comes second. The order is preserved.
Designated languages
The organisation's designated languages are defined. Documents are published in these languages. The structure is built accordingly.
The equivalent text principle
Versions in different languages may be deemed equivalent. In that case every version is binding. Fidelity increases.
Version logic, not translation
Texts may be treated not as translations but as language versions. The approach changes accordingly. The distinction is understood.
Document numbering
Organisations number their documents with codes. The codes are preserved exactly. The system stays intact.
Decision and recommendation texts
Decisions may be binding, recommendations advisory. The distinction is preserved in the text. The modality is not changed.
Convention and agreement texts
International agreements carry established formulas. The formulas are preserved. No free rendering is made.
Article and paragraph structure
The numbering order is preserved. Cross-references are checked. The structure stays intact.
Abbreviations and names of organs
Names of organs and abbreviations are written in the form the organisation uses. An invented equivalent is wrong. The source is the organisation.
Country and region names
The formal naming the organisation uses is followed. This matter is sensitive. The list is taken as the basis.
Reports and monitoring documents
Country reports are produced regularly. The structure is fixed. A template is used.
Indicator tables
Reports are dense with numerical indicators. The fields are verified. A layer is added.
Project and funding documents
Organisations may provide funding and impose an application format. The specification is read. The format is followed.
Accreditation files
Institutions that will work with the organisation prepare an accreditation file. The list is published. The scope follows from it.
Event and meeting documents
Agendas and minutes are produced. Requests are periodic. Capacity is reserved.
Style guide
Organisations usually publish their own writing guide. The guide is followed. The preference is applied.
Confidentiality and publication order
Unpublished documents are sensitive. Access is narrowed. The rule is applied.
Relationship with translation units
Large organisations may have their own translation units, and the external supplier follows their rules. The guide is obtained. Compliance is ensured.
The lasting value of the organisation's resources
When the organisation's glossary, guide and earlier documents are brought together, a permanent reference set emerges and all later jobs rest on it; a translation made without this preparation, even if correct, remains foreign to the organisation's language. The resources are gathered at the outset. This is how compliance is achieved.
Limits of liability
What is described here is for information purposes and does not replace a legal opinion. Assessment belongs to the competent units. The limit is stated.