Translation does not end with carrying over words; finding the right equivalent of the organisation names, legislative references and technical concepts in the text is part of the job too. Even so, this research has a limit: translation does not audit the content of the document. This page describes both the method and the limit.
What is researched
Organisation names, legislative references, standard numbers and subject concepts are verified. These are not written by guesswork. Verification is part of the job.
The official equivalent of organisation names
If organisations have a name they themselves use in the target language, that name is used. A free translation makes the name of the organisation unrecognisable. The official source is sought.
Verifying the names of legislation
The names and numbers of regulations are confirmed at their source. Without the number, which regulation is meant becomes unclear. The two are given together.
Standard numbers
References to standards are verified with their number and year. A wrong year points to a different version. A check is made.
Reliability ranking of sources
There is an order of priority between primary sources, subject sources and general sources. The one higher up wins. The order is clear from the outset.
Preference for the primary source
An organisation's own publication takes priority over third-party texts written about it. An intermediary source may carry errors. The original source is consulted.
The date of the source
An old source may not reflect current naming. The date of publication is checked. If it is old, it is used with care.
Recording the source
The source used for verification is noted and shown when needed. A choice without a source cannot be defended later. A record is kept.
Conflicting sources
If sources give different equivalents, the situation is passed on to the client. Silently choosing one is risky. The decision is shared.
Consulting a subject-matter expert
On technical matters an expert can be consulted, and this is done within the confidentiality rules. The content of the document is not shared more than is necessary. The question is made abstract.
A factual error in the source text
During research an error may be noticed in the source text, and it is not corrected in the translation. The client is told about the situation. The decision is the client's.
The reason for the ban on correction
A fact corrected by the translator becomes a piece of information that is not in the document. This means altering the document. The limit is absolute.
Limits of research
Research is for the accuracy of the translation, not for auditing the content of the document. The two purposes are not confused. The limit is explained to the client.
Time management
Research is not unlimited, and at some point it gives way to asking a question. Excessive research uses up the turnaround. A balance is struck.
Limits on the use of free services
General background research can be done, but the content of the document is not uploaded to any free service. The two situations are different. The distinction is kept.
Sharing the research results
The equivalents found are entered in the terminology list and opened to the team. Information that stays in a personal note is lost. Sharing is regular.
Accumulation for later jobs
Verified equivalents accumulate in the archive and need no fresh research in later jobs. Over time this accumulation speeds things up. Order is kept.
The next step
Once the research results have been applied, the text is prepared for the review stage. The uncertainties are closed. The order is kept.