Learn effective strategies for resolving conflicting interpretations within bilingual teams to ensure accurate and consistent translations.

Yes. I have always worked with Subject-Matter Experts to validate the translation, when in doubt. Those SMEs who have lived/worked in the company in the parent company or in the target language country will give you the exact translation as they have heard the expressions or even used them. A review by them of your translation is a huge value addition and also a big learning exercise for you.

Last updated on Aug 2, 2024

How do you navigate conflicting translation interpretations within your bilingual team to achieve accuracy?

Navigating conflicting translation interpretations within a bilingual team can be as challenging as it is crucial for achieving accurate and effective communication. Accuracy in translation is not just about converting words from one language to another; it's about conveying the correct meaning, tone, and nuances of the original content. When team members disagree on a translation, it's often a sign of the richness and complexity of language. Your role is to steer these differing perspectives towards a consensus that best serves the purpose of your translation project.

1 Define Goals

Before diving into the intricacies of translation, it's vital to define your project's goals. What is the intended use of the translation? Who is the target audience? Understanding these factors will help you determine the level of formality, the cultural nuances to consider, and the technical accuracy required. When your team has a clear understanding of the objectives, it becomes easier to evaluate which interpretation aligns best with the project's purpose, thus guiding the decision-making process when conflicts arise.

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Francisco J Hernández Castañeda

University Teacher / Professional Translator / Author / Novelist
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Habiendo trabajado en la industria petrolera en traducción técnica y administrativa, desde proyectos técnicos y licitaciones, hasta manuales y MSDS; el feedback de los profesionales y expertos en el sector es crucial. Para abarcar tal diversidad de temáticas, solicitamos y programamos reuniones con ellos para presentar nuestro trabajo y resolver cualquier discrepancia. Estas interacciones aseguran que las traducciones sean relevantes, útiles y actualizadas con el estado del arte de la técnica y la ciencia, garantizando documentos traducidos de alta calidad y exactitud. Además, permiten una retroalimentación directa y detallada, asegurando que las terminologías específicas y los contextos técnicos se manejen con la mayor precisión posible.

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2 Encourage Dialogue

When faced with conflicting interpretations, encourage open dialogue within your team. A transparent discussion allows each member to present their rationale for their preferred translation. This process not only fosters mutual respect but also enables team members to learn from one another's insights. By discussing the nuances of language and context, your team can collectively work towards an interpretation that captures the essence of the original text while maintaining its intended impact.

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Glaucileine Vieira

Electrical Electronics Engineer | Technical Writer | Linguist English <> Brazilian Portuguese
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Encouraging open dialogue and valuing each team member's expertise can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. By fostering an environment where everyone's insights are respected, we can collaboratively create a balanced and accurate translation that truly resonates with the project's purpose. Embracing these inclusive strategies not only aligns the team but also ensures that the final translation is both precise and contextually rich, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence and understanding.

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3 Utilize Experts

Sometimes, resolving translation conflicts requires consulting with subject matter experts (SMEs). These individuals possess specialized knowledge that is crucial for accurately translating technical terms or industry-specific jargon. By referring to SMEs, you can ensure that the translation not only reads well but also aligns with industry standards and practices. This step is particularly important when dealing with texts that require a high level of expertise, such as legal documents or scientific research.

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Vidya Pingle

German language expert.. trainer, translator, interpreter; Executive Director N-able Training Institute Pvt Ltd
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Yes. I have always worked with Subject-Matter Experts to validate the translation, when in doubt. Those SMEs who have lived/worked in the company in the parent company or in the target language country will give you the exact translation as they have heard the expressions or even used them. A review by them of your translation is a huge value addition and also a big learning exercise for you.

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4 Compare References

Comparing multiple reference materials can be instrumental in resolving translation disputes. Look at how similar texts have been translated in the past, considering the context and audience. This benchmarking against established translations can provide valuable insights and serve as a guide for your team. It's important to remember, however, that languages evolve and what was an accurate translation in the past may not be appropriate today.

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Marco Antonio Castilho

Simultaneous - Eng./Port./Spa./Ita. Consecutive - Eng./Port./Spa./Ita./Ger./Rus. Specialized in Arbitration and D.B. interpretation. Proficiency (C2) US English, Br. English and Spanish.
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One has to be careful when checking previous references, as consolidated references have been considered unsuitable due to modern political fads. It is essential not to let contemporary biases caused by modern fads and the politically-correct craze make you diminish the value of classical references.

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5 Embrace Technology

Leveraging translation technology can aid in achieving consistency and accuracy. Translation memory tools and glossaries can provide your team with previous translations of terms and phrases, ensuring that your project remains consistent with established vocabulary. While technology should never replace human judgment, it can be a valuable resource in reconciling differing opinions and streamlining the translation process.

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6 Final Review

A final review by an impartial third party, ideally a professional with a strong grasp of both source and target languages, can be the key to resolving lingering conflicts. This reviewer should not have been involved in the initial translation process to ensure an unbiased opinion. Their fresh perspective can often spot inconsistencies or errors that the original team missed and provide the clarity needed to finalize the translation.

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How do you navigate conflicting translation interpretations within your bilingual team to achieve accuracy?

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1 Define Goals

2 Encourage Dialogue

3 Utilize Experts

4 Compare References

5 Embrace Technology

6 Final Review

Translation

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