3-Step Linguistic Process

To ensure the highest possible quality and consistency, Lingo Systems' standard procedure is to perform three separate linguistic steps on every project. Each step is performed by a different linguist, and each linguist is a full-time, accredited professional:

• Translation – The English source content is translated into the target language by the translator, who is also the "lead linguist". Project-specific glossaries, style guides, and do-not-translate lists are utilized whenever possible.
  
  
• Copy-editing – The copy editor reviews every word of the translator’s work, verifying the accuracy of the translation, and double checking it against the glossary, terminology list, and style guidelines that were developed at project start. Comments are sent back to the translator, who modifies the translation as needed.
  
  
• Proofreading – After a draft deliverable has been created by Desktop Publishing, a third linguist performs the proofreading step to make sure the final product stands on its own without reference to the original source content. The proofreader also looks for consistency, proper format, and flow of the language.

Multiple translators, copy editors, and proofreaders may be utilized to meet deadline requirements for large word count projects. If time permits, however, we strongly prefer a single copy editor, who has the additional role of editing the content into one voice, and a single proofreader to ensure consistency in translation style.

While we recommend the use of a three-step linguistic process for most commercial products, there are cases where this is "overkill". If you only need to have your content understood in the target language, the best solution may use just translation, or translation followed by either copy editing or by proofreading. A two-step approach is particularly useful for internal documents (e.g., training materials, internal memos, etc.).

However your project team is configured, the keys to obtaining an accurate, high-quality translation are: (1) using full-time accredited professionals for each linguistic step, (2) consistently applying an approved terminology list, and (3) having the final product read as one voice.