This question may come up in the minds of those who translate in a language their not natives in.

Therefore, here are some items you should check before submitting any translation:

• always keep the styles from the original

• turn off track change option and delete all comments (in the reviewing toolbar, press Delete All Comments

• do not add color or highlighting

• check the spelling. Do not check Detect language automatically (does not work properly)

• make sure everything is translated and there is no other language present (unless functional, e.g. publication titles). To make sure you’ve done this, scroll through the document and also keep in mind that spell check can help you detect non-translated parts

• preserve numbering of titles and headings

• preserve the number of paragraphs and articles

• the number of footnotes should be identical to the original

• translate the text from pictures and tables

• translate the table of contents

• check the translation against the source for any missing text or formatting issues.

The dictionary is not you only friend, as many people make mistakes by choosing the wrong entry from the dictionary. Use any reference material, style guides, glossaries and terminology databases. Do not ignore the glossary that has been sent to you.

A word for word rendering of the text is not really a translation. Try to convey meaning as precisely as possible, and also the tone, for the translation to read well. Rearrange sentences to achieve well-expressed ideas. Yes, this is an art form.

The step you might take to make sure that your translation is accurate is to seek out a native speaker of the language you are translating into. Well, this may be an extreme solution. Look for an individual who is an industry specialist to be able to check the readability issues. Anyhow, a non-specialist native speaker will do in most cases. Remember: perfection is desirable, but not always achievable. Translation is a learning experience; so do not be afraid to ask for advice, because no translator should work in isolation. Avoid being called a prima donna (even though the phrase is true for most translators who do not take criticism very lightly).

It is a good idea to start building a terminology list that can help you prevent future mistranslations. Anyhow, do not attempt to translate texts of a technical nature unless you are familiar with or willing to spent a considerable amount of time to research the topic.

Note: Translation is a first step in the process known as TEP (Translation-Editing-Proofreading).