Translation Quality Management: Principles and Methodology

From the day we receive your source files to the day we deliver the completed technical translation, Language Scientific’s unsurpassed measure of translation quality control is evident throughout the translation process.

Translator Selection:

The most important determining factor of translation quality is the expertise of the translators. Translators must understand the subject matter they are translating at least as well as the audience the documents target. In the case of technical, scientific and medical translation the target audience often has MD or PhD degrees in the sciences—and our translators do, too. In addition to their subject matter expertise, Language Scientific translators must have all the basic skills required of all professional translators—the ability to write clear, comprehensible prose, excellent language and translation skills and native-level command of the language into which they are translating.

Language Scientific requires the following qualifications from all candidates for accreditation with us:

  • An advanced degree in the subject matter to be translated (MD, PhD, MSEE, etc.)
  • Extensive work experience within the relevant field of science, engineering, medicine or law
  • At least 7 years of experience translating technical documents in the language pair and subject to be translated

At Language Scientific, we hold fast to the principle:

If you do not understand it, you cannot translate it.

Follow these links to obtain more specific information about Technical Translator Qualification Requirements and the Language Scientific Program for Accreditation of Technical and Medical Translators.

Translation technology:

Using the most advanced Translation Memory (TM) tools such as Trados™ and SDLX™, the same phrases are translated identically and the terminology is used consistently even if different translators work on different portions of the document. TM tools also decrease translation time, giving you faster turnaround and lower costs.

Our editing process:

To minimize the chances of an error or omission in language or information, Language Scientific requires that three pairs of expert eyes look at all content from beginning to end: translator, editor and proofreader. Each is a professional full-time translator, a native speaker of the target language, and meets the translator qualifications specified above.

Translation Project Management:

Language Scientific assigns a dedicated Project Manager as the single point of contact for each client. Our Project Managers always take the time to understand your technical requirements, writing style and communication strategy. They:

  • Customize translation process workflow based on your specific needs
  • Prepare and monitor quality assurance checklists
  • Communicate proactively with you at each milestone to resolve linguistic issues and technical problems
  • Maintain multilingual glossaries and translation memory specific to your projects
  • Document individual project history

The Project Managers may ask for your input at different stages of the translation process and offer Language Scientific’s opinions where, in their judgment, they will be helpful.

Language Scientific’s Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17100:2015 certified.