2011 Translation Project Checklist

Your 2011 Translation Project Checklist

Hello! And Happy New Year! I hope you’ve had time to settle in from the holidays and get back into the swing of things.  Many of our clients are planning to expand their multilingual efforts this year by developing multiple language websites, increasing the number of publications available in non-English versions and/or expanding their fundraising base to include non-English speakers domestically and abroad.  With each of those projects requiring a great deal of attention, we’ve put together this quick-reference checklist to help you save money and avoid a translation project mishap.

Getting Started

___ Complete Project Brief Worksheet (click here to download)

___ Create a master file for organizing and storing all document and image files related to the project.

___ Send email informing team members of master file location and instructing them to copy all project source files to that location.

Preparing for Translation

___ Review document files to determine which information needs to be translated.  Your organization can save hundreds of dollars by choosing to translate portions of a document instead of an entire document, which may include information not relevant to the objective or target audience determined by your Project Brief Worksheet.

___ Send Project Brief Worksheet and master file to Alboum & Associates to review for possible intercultural pitfalls

___ Determine deadlines (estimate 1500 words per day for translation)

___ Review organization’s Term Glossary; ensure all key terms, brand language, acronyms and other proprietary words/phrases within document are clearly defined with instruction on how to translate (For more information on how to develop a Term Glossary, click here)

___ Gather Term Glossary, master file, Project Brief Worksheet and translation memory files from previous projects

___ Request a Quote

During Translation

____ Freeze copy revisions to document. Inform team members that translation has begun and that any on-going revisions made to the document must be date stamped and filed separately within master file. Revisions will be handled as a separate project.

After Translation

___ Carry out prompt internal review of translation to ensure your organization is pleased with the end product

___ Notify Alboum & Associates of any changes made to the final version or requested to be made to the final version

____ Pay Alboum & Associates within 30 days of receipt of invoice.

A printer-friendly checklist worksheet is available for download here.

In addition to our checklist, the American Translators Association has prepared a guide on how to best purchase translation services. Translation: Getting it Right will help you:

• Learn how to save money on translation projects
• Avoid pitfalls that delay your projects
• Know what to look for in a qualified translation provider
• Improve the quality of your translated materials

Download your complimentary copy of this special insider’s guide on buying translation services here.