Everyone in the business of translation knows that language is not always straightforward. Nuance, context, client preference, and many other variables can affect whether a translation is considered right or wrong. An incorrect translation in one instance can be completely accurate in another. Preferences and shades of grey are rampant in translation memories. Capturing the relativity of the translation experience has always been a struggle, and introducing technology is an added layer of complication. That’s why the introduction of our newest technology tool—the Mistranslation Check—is so exciting.

“Checking Off” Mistranslations

The latest addition to the Transcheck report, the Mistranslation Check, is a lexicon of commonly misused words linked to the language setting of each project. The Mistranslation Check’s true beauty is that, unlike glossaries and blacklists, it’s not about capturing client preferences but addressing universal language needs. This powerful check flags prevalent, incorrect terminology within any given material type taking into account the surrounding context. It improves our internal and Freelance Expert’s quality control capabilities by purposely targeting human errors—often an umbrella term for seemingly micro errors that have macro quality implications! The Mistranslation Check is not housed in the cloud, and doesn’t require downloading translation memory links, but is present in the Transcheck itself.

TransPerfect is fired up about launching a tool that requires zero external links for it to be utilized to its fullest capacity. This Mistranslation Check falls in line with TransPerfect’s constant efforts to provide tech solutions that are universally available to our trusted team of quality vendors.

Red Flags “Checked” – What Can the Mistranslation Check Catch?

This tool works best for catching the following error categories:

• Opposite words. For example, if the source has the word for “black” vs. the word for “white”.
• Commonly mistaken words, such as “tablespoon” vs. “teaspoon”. Just imagine perfect cupcakes being ruined because of a measurement mess!
• Frequently misspelled words that exist in the given target language. For example, the often misused “your” vs. “you’re”. Using the Mistranslation Check, you would be able to see that the target word is wrong, even if spellcheck doesn’t flag it, as both words would be spelled correctly, but being used incorrectly in context.

Another Reason to Embrace TSO and Wordfast 5

The Mistranslation Check is only supported in TSO (Translation Studio Online) and Wordfast 5. In its correct form, the Mistranslation Check supports these target languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. These languages are just the beginning. Because TransPerfect’s Tech Solution department is top notch, they have integrated this tool as default in projects processed through Project Director (PD). Understanding that many of our vendors prefer to use TSO we knew it was important that our newest tech solution configured well within that feature, and we are excited to continue giving our linguistic family more reasons to use it!

Exclusivity – Why TXLF is the Only Option

The Mistranslation Check does not work with TXMLs. TransPerfect’s position on tech solutions is to offer the best, and TXLFs have higher capabilities when compared to TXMLs. It was a natural fit to offer this tool on TXLFs’ platform only.

Know When to Hold Them, and When to Fold Them – Understanding the Parameters of the Mistranslation Check

When would the Mistranslation Check be applicable?

1. For terms relevant to most projects
2. For common or easy-to-mistake terminology within any given language pair

When would the Mistranslation Check not be applicable?

1. If the term in the given language is client-specific and would not pose an issue for most projects/clients (it would be better to include these terms in a client-specific glossary/blacklist using our terminology management server)
2. If the term causes too many false positives reports (usually words that are too ambiguous in the source language)

For example: If the English word ‘back’ is used mostly in phrasal verbs, and less often as the opposite of ‘front’.

Consider this the re-branding of mistranslations, evolving the concept from a negative to an opportunity for improvement. Understanding what is and is not applicable when it comes to the Mistranslation Check will help our Freelance Experts provide optimum quality and meet the individualized needs of our premier clients.

TransPerfect continues to thrive off your feedback when working with our innovations! Please utilize the connections you’ve built with our global community of Project Managers when providing feedback on your experience using the Mistranslation Check Tool. You can find out more about other technology updates by visiting our collaboration platform—designed with our freelance family in mind and tailored to provide a full-service, educational experience.