Standard-compliant translations
The standard specifies that proofreading of a text as to “examine the revised target language and apply corrections before printing”.
Thus, only the finished translation is read and corrected. The content of the text remains unchanged, the text is only checked and corrected for its spelling, grammar, syntax, style, punctuation, etc. The person performing the proofreading does not need to know the source text or understand the source language.
The standard does not contain any specific requirements for the competencies and qualifications of proofreaders who proofread target-language content. It is only stated that translation service providers must ensure that proofreading is performed by individuals with the necessary competence and qualification.
Revision
according to EN ISO 17100:2015
The standard defines revision as “bilingual examination of target language content against source language content for its suitability for the agreed purpose”.
In practice – when the work is not conducted in accordance with the standard – terms such as editing, proofreading, language editing, review etc. are also used for this type of work.
A revision is much more extensive and time-consuming than a simple proofreading. During a revision of a translation a comparison of the target text with the source text is done sentence by sentence It is checked that the translation is complete, that the text is understood, and that it has been correctly transferred to the target language.
This includes checking numbers, names, dates, localization for the target market, etc. In addition, the correct use of technical terminology can also be checked, as well as the correct implementation and use of specific customer requirements.
This work requires adequate language skills in both languages, as well as appropriate expertise regarding the of the text content. This is also reflected in the standard, which defines the qualifications of the reviser. It is stated that revisors must have at least the same competences, qualifications, and translation and/or revision experience in the subject area as the translator.
I have the translation and/or revision competence and experience in the subject areas covered by my revision services.