In the Türkiye subsidiary of a multinational group, the job met most often is preparing policy texts that come from the group headquarters for local use. What is done here is not pure translation: because some provisions conflict with local legislation, adaptation is needed, and this distinction has to be defined at the outset.
Group policies
The group headquarters issues common policies for all subsidiaries. The texts come in for translation. The flow is regular.
Types of policy
Codes of ethics and information security and purchasing policies are typical examples. Each carries a different set of terms. The list is separated.
The need for localisation
Some provisions may conflict with local legislation. In that case adaptation is needed. The need is seen at the outset.
The distinction between translation and adaptation
Adaptation is a change of content and is outside the remit of translation. The decision belongs to the legal and compliance departments. The line is drawn.
Reporting the conflict
A conflict noticed during translation is reported. Carrying it over silently produces risk. Notification is made.
Mandatory texts
There are texts that must be announced to employees. The language of these texts must be intelligible. Plainness is observed.
Employee announcements
Announcements reach a wide audience. The style is kept corporate but intelligible. A balance is struck.
Training materials
Compliance training produces texts and presentations. The content may be interactive. The format is handled separately.
Attestation texts
Texts that the employee declares having read produce legal consequences. They are carried over exactly. Care is increased.
Reporting packages
Reports sent to the group headquarters are written in group terms. The set comes from the headquarters. The list is applied.
Group termbase
The group headquarters often imposes its own termbase. The list is followed. Deviation is reported.
The need for local terms
The local equivalent of some concepts is not found in the group list. The gap is reported and the list is fed. A cycle is set up.
Trade marks and product names
Group trade marks are not translated. The usage guide is followed. The rule is preserved.
Internal communication texts
Newsletters and announcements flow regularly. Capacity is set aside. The flow becomes predictable.
Audit and compliance documents
Internal audit reports carry sensitive information. Access is narrowed. The rule is applied.
Supplier contracts
Group templates are adapted for local suppliers. The texts are formulaic. A template is used.
The data transfer aspect
Sending documents to the group headquarters is a transfer operation. The conditions are assessed. No step is skipped.
Central purchasing
The translation service is often under contract at group level. The local need is met within this framework. The structure is central.
The value of local knowledge
A team that can see the points where texts from the group headquarters do not fit local legislation provides not only translation but early warning too; this contribution directly reduces the group's compliance risk and moves the relationship from supply towards partnership. The contribution is reported regularly. The value is made visible.
Limits of liability
What is described here is for information purposes and does not replace a legal opinion. The compliance assessment belongs to the authorised departments. The limit is stated.