Word Works: Types of Translation and Their Global Standards

Types of Translation and Their Global Standards

Madrid, 21/01/2025

Translation is more than just converting words from one language to another; it's a process that requires different approaches and standards to ensure top-notch quality and accuracy.

Let's dive into the various types of translation and how they're applied according to well-known international standards like ISO 17100, ISO 18587, and other specific guidelines.

1. Translation + Revision, According to ISO 17100:

This service follows the ISO 17100 standard, which sets the requirements for both translation and revision processes.

Initially, a native linguist translates the text, followed by a thorough review by another language expert.

This two-step process ensures high quality and consistency, making it ideal for documents that need precision and clarity, such as legal or scientific texts.

2. Standard Translation:

Here, the translator alone is responsible for converting the original text into another language. This method is common for general texts but may not have the rigorous review process included in ISO 17100.

3. Post-editing According to ISO 18587:

Post-editing involves correcting texts generated by machine translation systems. ISO 18587 provides guidelines for human translators to refine and improve these texts. This service is particularly useful for reducing delivery times and costs while still incorporating a human touch. It's often used for legal texts or technical manuals with straightforward terminology.

4. Post-editing + Proofreading:

Combining post-editing with a second review by another linguist strikes a balance between efficiency and quality. This approach is perfect for technical manuals where accuracy is critical and must align with the original content.

5. Sworn Translation:

In legal contexts, sworn translation is vital. Certified translators perform these translations, guaranteeing that the translated document is faithful to the original. This type of translation is common for legal and official documents.

6. Certified Translation:

Like with sworn translation, certified translation is endorsed by a professional translator and can be used in more general contexts where a quality guarantee is required.

7. Transcreation:

In the creative field, transcreation goes beyond simple translation to capture the tone, style, and cultural nuances of the original message. This service is essential for advertising campaigns and marketing materials.

Every translation service has its specific role and purpose. Understanding the differences and applications of these methods allows translation professionals to choose the best approach for each project's unique needs. This way, we ensure that the original message is conveyed accurately and effectively in any language.

At Word Works, we pride ourselves on offering tailored translation solutions that meet the highest international standards, ensuring your message resonates with your audience, no matter the language.