Translation direction shows which way the job flows, and this flow is not merely a technical detail. Translating a text into your native language and translating from your native language into a foreign language call for different skills. In corporate jobs this difference determines how the review steps will be set up.
Definition
Translation direction refers to the flow from the source language to the target language. The direction is a compulsory part of the job description. It is not left vague.
Translation into the native language
If the target language is the translator's native language, the text generally comes out more fluent. Writing competence is naturally high. This direction is preferred.
Translation out of the native language
If the target language is not the translator's native language, comprehension may be strong but expression weak. This direction requires additional review. The arrangement is set up accordingly.
The additional review read
In reverse direction jobs, a native speaker of the target language does the proofreading. This step raises quality markedly. It is added to the plan.
The dimension of understanding the source
Understanding the subtleties of the source language is a separate competence too. A command of the target language alone is not enough. Both directions are assessed.
The effect of subject knowledge on direction
In technical texts, subject knowledge sometimes takes precedence over the preferred direction. The decision is made according to the type of text. A balance is struck.
Variation by document type
In legal texts accuracy comes to the fore, in promotional texts fluency. The choice of direction is made according to this priority. The decision is deliberate.
Directionality of the memory
Memory records are directional and cannot be used directly in the reverse direction. A separate memory is needed for the reverse direction. Preparation is carried out separately.
Direction of the terminology list
Term renderings are directional too, and reversing them is not always correct. The list is kept per direction. The distinction is preserved.
Teams working in both directions
Some jobs require work in both directions, and the team is set up accordingly. Two directions with a single person may not be efficient. The arrangement is planned.
Two-way correspondence
In client correspondence the direction may change constantly. This calls for fast but careful work. Term consistency is preserved.
Consistency when the direction changes
The same terms are used in the two directions of the same job. Divergence makes the correspondence incomprehensible. A shared list is used.
Difference in capacity
In some directions the number of people able to work is small. This affects the turnaround. The limit is communicated to the client.
Effect on pricing
The direction may affect the commercial terms, because effort and capacity differ. The structure is kept transparent. The figures live in their own place.
Recording the direction
The direction is recorded for every job and tracked in the archive. The record feeds later assignments. Data accumulates.
Explaining it to the client
In reverse direction jobs, the reason for the additional review step is explained. This explains quality, not cost. Transparency builds trust.
The declaration and the direction
The language pair and the direction are stated in the translator's declaration. Missing information makes the declaration vague. The field is filled in.
What it is confused with
Translation direction is frequently thought to be a synonym of language pair. Yet the pair names the two languages, while the direction determines the flow. One pair produces two different job descriptions.