Skip to content

Internal review process 4: the importance of a close relationship…

As we mentioned in previous installments in this series, in order to achieve optimum results the first time around, a client must establish a clear and defined line of communication with their language service provider. Both parties must be in no doubt about what is expected in each circumstance (with regard to tone, technical terminology, personal preferences and so on).

But even more important than the individual reviewer to the project’s success is the relationship that the LSP has with him or her. We have seen again and again and again that if a reviewer has had no contact with the LSP, he or she will tend to cover the translation with (metaphorical) red ink.

If, on the other hand, the LSP and the reviewer have communicated – even if it is just through a phone call or a few emails – the number of ‘corrections’ the reviewer makes drops off sharply.

There are undoubtedly profound psychological reasons for this. If the reviewer is able to connect the translation in front of them with an individual, they are more likely to trust that individual’s judgement and expertise.

Indeed, a successful relationship between LSP and reviewer often depends on an awareness of the difference in expertise between the reviewer and LSP. This means choosing the appropriate reviewer for each specific document.

Related Posts