What is proofreading?
Phrasing it in a very simple way, proofreading is the de facto checking of a translation by another, external translator. This is when a translator corrects the translation for grammatical and/or technical adequacy or stylistic accuracy. This helps to avoid leaving inappropriate and inaccurate phrases in the text. Proofreading is recommended in cases when it is important that the translation should be perfect, such as publications, brochures, other printed material, etc.
In its average meaning, proofreading indeed includes the correction of texts. According to traditional criteria such as: spelling. However, it is far more than this, as proofreading covers a much wider range of services.
The purpose of proofreading
An important aim of proofreading is to ensure that the written text is perfect in terms of vocabulary, grammatical structures, style and format. Without proofreading, a translation can reflect the content of the original text and meet the requirements of the target language. It may, however, contain shortcomings that only professional or mother-tongue proofreading can reveal. Common language expressions and idioms may not always come to the author’s mind. It may not always be the case that the relevant terms are used. So that, for example, a phrase may often seem forced or old-fashioned. If the material is widely publicised, it is always worth asking a linguistic proofreader to check the text.
Professional or mother-tongue proofreading?
Even if a professional text has been prepared, there may still be problems with the correctness of the language and the wording. Professional proofreading is particularly recommended for technical texts. Specialist texts containing terminology specific to a particular field (e.g. machine manuals, financial reports, etc.) are checked by a specialist editor or translator with a high level of knowledge of the field and the target language. When dealing with technical material containing specialised vocabulary, it is always advisable to opt for professional proofreading. This involves a proofreader with years of experience in the field reviewing the translated text to check for correct usage. A comparison is also made between the source text and the target text. But the emphasis should be on terminology and its consistent and accurate use. In the case of professional proofreading, the linguist will rely primarily on his or her own expertise. However, he or she may also often make use of various software tools (such as a terminology database).
The professional proofreader compares the translation with the original text,. Also checking for correct, appropriate and consistent use of terminology and for the elimination of mistranslations.
Compared to professional proofreading, mother-tongue proofreading involves a general, stylistic proofreading, where the proofreader examines the translation from a linguistic and stylistic point of view. Native language proofreading involves a specialist native language translator-editor reading the translation and comparing it with the text in the source language document. The proofreader also makes grammatical and stylistic corrections and adapts the translation to the specific linguistic features of the target language. This ensures that no strange-sounding expressions are left in the text. Examples include: conformity with the target language culture, grammatical correctness, stylistic checking, and the elimination of mistranslations.
Why is it good to work with a proofreader?
More eyes see more, and that is certainly true for an expert eye! If you want to publish the text you have written, it is good to have an outside observer who can add to the text and produce a quality product. Looking at the bigger picture, it does not matter to which audience the text is addressed. To the general public or to a purely professional audience. Core importance may be the fact that regarding comprehensibility is the content dry or entertaining, or rather professional? The stylistic features of the content in most cases can be also decisive. If you are unsure whether your communication is clear or if there are inconsistencies in the content, do not hesitate to contact a translation agency where you will be assisted in proofreading by experienced and professional proofreaders.
