Why Complete a Back Translation?

In the translation world today, the legal departments of many companies are requiring a back translation in addition to the final translation project. A back translation ensures that the message conveyed in the source language is the same as the message conveyed in the target language (translated document).

Let's say for example that your company has requested English to Spanish translation services. (We do offer translation services Spanish to English as well.) Perhaps the document requiring translation is of a legal nature, highly technical, or uses specialized vocabulary. It is very important that the translated message appears as the author intended. The process is outlined below.

The first translator will:

1. Read the entire translation English source document
   
2. Prepare the first translated draft (translation English to Spanish)
   
3. Read the draft aloud for style, rhythm and flow
   
4. Pass the written draft to a second translator (translation English to Spanish)

The second translator will:

1. Read the entire translated draft (translation English to Spanish)
   
2. Check style, grammar and comprehension of the messages
   
3. The second translator may suggest modifications to the first translator for consideration
   
4. Pass the final translated document to the back translator

The back translator will:

1. Read the entire translation English source document
   
2. Prepare the first translated draft from the English to Spanish translation services
   
3. Read the draft aloud for style, rhythm and flow
   
4. Pass the written draft to a second back translator (translation Spanish to English)

The second back translator will:

1. Read the entire translated draft (translation Spanish to English)
   
2. Check style, grammar and comprehension of the messages
   
3. The second back translator may suggest modifications to the first translator for consideration

Upon completion, the client will receive a copy of the English to Spanish translation services and a copy of the back translation. The client is then encouraged to read both documents to make sure that the intended message of the document is portrayed the way that the original author intended. As a leading language translation service company we strive for 100% accuracy.