Corporate clients mostly want not a monolingual translation but a document that carries the two languages side by side. This layout makes comparison easier, but preparing it calls for separate care. The question of which language prevails also arises of its own accord in these documents.
Facing-column layout
The two texts sit side by side on the page in two columns, and the reader can compare them line by line. This layout is the one most often preferred. Alignment determines the whole value of the layout.
Consecutive-section layout
In some documents the whole of the text in one language comes first and then the other. This layout is easy to prepare but hard to compare. The choice is made according to how the client will use it.
The alignment problem
Because the translated text is longer or shorter than the original, the columns drift apart. As the drift progresses, comparison becomes impossible. Alignment is re-established at article or paragraph level.
Alignment by article
In contracts alignment is done by article numbers, and each article finds its own translation opposite it. This method is more robust than line alignment. The numbering is kept.
Prevailing text provision
Bilingual contracts generally determine in an article which language prevails in the event of a contradiction. This article is one of the most critical provisions of the document. It is translated with care and is not skipped.
If no prevailing text is stated
If there is no such provision, it remains uncertain which text is valid in the event of a contradiction. This uncertainty is not removed by translation. The situation is reported to the client.
Difference between the two texts
There may be a difference of meaning between the texts in the two languages, and this difference later gives rise to dispute. The differences identified are reported. Correction is the client's decision.
Table layout
In bilingual tables the language of each column is stated in the heading. When the heading is skipped, it becomes confused which column is in which language. Labelling is compulsory.
Page layout
In a two-column layout the page width is limited and long texts overflow. Font size and margins are adjusted accordingly. The content is not shortened.
Page numbering
In a bilingual document the page number is a single sequence and is common to both texts. Separate numbering creates confusion. The arrangement is kept single.
Alignment of headings
Section headings must sit level in the two columns so that the structure is visible. Drifting headings confuse the reader. The alignment is checked.
Shared elements
Tables, images and signature blocks are mostly common to the two languages and appear once. These elements are not repeated. Their positions are determined with care.
Signature block
In bilingual contracts the signature block is generally shared and stands at the end of both texts. The arrangement varies from document to document. The structure in the original is kept.
Printing behaviour
When two-column documents are printed the layout may break, and the columns may separate at page breaks. A test print is made before delivery. Problems are corrected.
Editable delivery
If the client is going to update the bilingual document later, it asks for an editable format. In that case the alignment structure is built soundly. It must be possible to update it without the structure breaking.
Update behaviour
When the text in one language is updated the other must be updated too, and if this is neglected the two texts diverge. The process takes this into account. A version record is kept.
Cost of preparation
A bilingual layout requires more layout effort than a monolingual delivery. This effort is included in the job description. The expectation is clarified from the outset.
Delivery check
Before delivery the alignment of the two texts is verified section by section and the prevailing text provision is checked. A drifting alignment lowers the value of the document. The check is not skipped.