Article for translators: In-Country Review

In-Country Review

By McElroy Translation,
Austin, Texas 78701 USA

quotes [at] mcelroytranslation . com
http://www.mcelroytranslation.com/

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For an editable electronic file such as MS Word, the reviewer can make suggestions and comments using the change tracking feature. If they are using an application that does not support change tracking such as Excel, Quark, PowerPoint, etc. they may be able to designate their comments in another way such as using a different colored font.

Reviewers may also use a separate document to communicate comments. In this case it must be very clear to which text the comment relates. This will minimize follow up queries from your localization vendor. In the case of multiple reviewers per language, it is best if the client coordinates and consolidates the reviewers’ comments in a single document before sending to the vendor. Reviewer comments should be as clear and specific as possible.

How and When are Reviewer Comments Implemented?

To avoid additional costs and delays in delivery, it is very important for reviewer comments to arrive prior to any formatting (DTP) activities for printed materials and prior to testing for software, web or help materials. A delivery schedule should be agreed at the outset of the project to allow translators adequate time to implement the changes.

Your localization vendor will implement the changes where valid. For some changes, particularly in the case of stylistic preferences of the reviewer, it is helpful for your vendor to have your reviewers available to answer any questions that may arise during comment implementation.

In Summary

When planned in advance, when expectations are clearly set and communicated, and when scheduled realistically, in-country review can be a powerful means to ensure the success of your product in international markets.

Checklist

Select in-country reviewers as far in advance of a project as possible.
Create glossaries and style guides before translation begins.
Establish delivery dates for when reviewers will receive materials for review.
Establish deadlines for when reviewer’s comments are due.
Establish the method in which review comments are captured.
Provide specific guidelines for your reviewers to follow.
Consolidate multiple reviewer comments.
Supply vendor with reviewer comments prior to any formatting (DTP) or compiling and testing.
Facilitate communication between the translators and in-country reviewers when questions arise.

Published - November 2008

ClientSide News Magazine - www.clientsidenews.com