Back translation explained: what we do and what you get

Produced by Pacific International Translations – www.pactranz.com
The 3-step
Back Translation
method
- explained

Back Translation
is a 3-step
quality control method
applied to an
already completed translation.
2

Here’s a graphic of
the process:
Note: Both the first
step and the method
itself are called Back
Translation.
3

In each step we’ll explain:
 what we want to achieve
 how we go about it
 things to watch out for
 the documentation you get
4

Step 1 translates the completed
translation back into the original
language.
Objective:
To produce an
accurate translation.
Simple!
5
Step 1. Back Translation

What we do:
The same as any other translation job.
Except: the translator is told it’s a back
translation and produces a slightly more literal
translation than normal.
This makes the whole process more effective.
6

Things to watch out for:
1. A proven, competent translator is
essential.
Because any inaccuracy or loose
wording undermines the process
and causes more work.
7

2. The back translator shouldn’t be
the original translator or have
access to those files.
That’s so the original text can’t
influence the back translation.
8
Step 1. Back Translation: things to watch out for

Documentation:
A Word document of the back
translation.
But some clients don’t want it as
it’s only a means to an end.
9

Step 2 compares the original text and
back translation.
Objective:
To identify differences in meaning between
the documents.
Not superficial differences like word order,
phrasing, vocabulary, grammar.
10
Step 2. Comparison

But differences that matter.
Differences in:
 meaning
 concept
 function, or
 effect
11
Step 2. Comparison: objective

What we do:
Systematically compare the documents,
section by section from hard copies.
Highlight any differences and transfer
these to a spreadsheet.
12
Step 2. Comparison

If there are no potential issues, the
translation is confirmed as accurate
and the process is complete.
If there are, it’s on to Step 3.
13
Step 2. Comparison: what we do

1. Identifying differences that matter
isn’t always easy.
See our blog article for examples.
14
Step 2. Comparison

2. Choosing the right person is essential.
That’s someone who’ll disregard the
inconsequential and focus on the
essential meaning.
Linguists generally find this
easier than non-linguists.
15
Step 2. Comparison: things to watch out for

Documentation:
A spreadsheet of the apparent or
potential differences.
This is our Potential Issues report.
16
Step 2. Comparison

Step 3 reconciles the apparent or
potential differences.
Objective:
To make sure the final translation is
accurate.
Simple!
17
Step 3. Reconciliation

What we do:
1. Firstly, check that the back translation
was correct.
If it isn’t, we update it and repeat the
Compare step.
18

2. If it is, we review the translation to
see if it:
 has the same meaning as the
source text
 is clear and unambiguous
 reads well
19
Step 3. Reconciliation: what we do

3. If there’s an issue or potential
improvement, we amend the
translation.
Which means updating the back
translation and repeating the
Compare step.
20

4. If the translation is fine, we confirm this
and explain why.
See our blog article for an example:
21

5. We record the action taken on each
issue in the spreadsheet.
A senior translator or administrator then
reviews the changes and explanations.
22

1. The focus must not be on making the
back translation and source document
more closely match.
This will generally mean changing the
translation for the worse.
23

The back translation was just a means
to an end and is now put aside.
The sole focus is whether the translation
accurately reflects the source text.
24
Step 3. Reconciliation: things to watch out for

2. The review of the translation is best done
by the original translator.
They’re familiar with the entire text,
which will have influenced their wording.
A fresh translator lacking that overall
context may make ill-advised changes.
25
Step 3. Reconciliation: things to watch out for

Documentation:
The spreadsheet updated with
the action taken.
Optionally extracted into a
separate Reconciliation report.
Plus the final translation.
26

Brought to you by: Website: www.pactranz.com
Pacific International Translations Blog: www.pactranz.com/blog
Thanks for reading!
Click through to our blog article for:
 more depth, examples and graphics
 advice on managing back translation
projects
 the projects it’s best suited to
 our 2 Back translation videos
 our free 32-page e-book

Back translation explained: what we do and what you get

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