When we talk about translation we refer to standard translation which is translating written text from the source language to the target language. It is an attempt to convey the message without changing the original meaning and intention.
In some cases, there is a greater need for accuracy and this is where back translation comes into use. Usually language services clients need an additional validation step called back translation.
It adds a layer of quality assurance for high-risk information. Institutional Review Boards(IRBs) and ethics committees often require back translation of research surveys and clinical trials.
Many regulatory agencies require back translation as proof of accuracy for translations of medical device instructions and dangerous industrial processes. It helps to identify any ambiguities or sensitive details.
Back translation also assures any cross-cultural misunderstandings and addresses them before the publication of the translated text.
This article will give you insight into what is back translation, what are the process of translation and its importance.
What is Back Translation?
Back Translation is the process that allows you to compare the translations with the original source text for accuracy and quality. It is also known as reverse translation. It is a localization quality control method where the content is translated back to its original language which is the source language and then compared to the source text.
The main goal of back translation is to find discrepancies and to evaluate the accuracy of the translation. It is not the process of merely translating back and forth. Rather it is a procedure where a translator or a team of translators re-translate a document that was previously translated into the target language, back to the source language.
The translator or interpreter involved in the process of back translation is required to be as literal as possible, only then a precise description of the translated text can be obtained.
Why should we use the Back Translation Method?
It may seem an odd idea to use back translation- why add a step to translate text once just to translate it back to the source language?
These type of translations are generally required to verify the content of legal documents and regulatory requirements. In the clinical trial world, Institutional Review Boards(IRBs) and Ethics Committees require back translations because it provides accuracy which is to be submitted with all translation projects.
Review boards for pharmaceuticals and regulatory review processes also require back translations to verify and test promotional and advertising claims. It is often used because it adds an extra quality assurance step to the translation process.
Back translation processes are strongly advised to be used in fields like healthcare because it is an additional step in their quality assurance process for your high-risk documentation such as texts relating to clinical trials, medications, and medical device instructions.
In the healthcare field, back translation also determines the accurate translation of scientific data, ingredients, and packaging. It ensures that the results are valid for researched target markets. Back translation services are best to use on high-risk, high-value multilingual projects as it gives accuracy assurance and helps you avoid the consequences that come with costly translation errors.
What is the process of Back Translation?
The back translation process involves taking the translated content and asking a translator who is new to the translated text and has not interacted with the source text to translate it back to the original language(source language). The process also involves the translation of the text as literally as possible to maintain the accuracy of the message. The final translated text can seem to be artificial or unnaturally written.
It is impossible to obtain a hundred percent similarity between the translated version and the original text. But back translation helps to point out the ambiguities, errors, and confusion that typically occurs from language nuances.
Importance of Back Translation
Back translation is mainly used for quality assurance but it is not needed often. This step is only required when there is a legal or regulatory requirement. For instance, ethics committees require a certificate of accuracy and back translation when clinical trials are conducted along with the original documents. It is also known as the so-called “blind tests” to assess the quality assurance of the translation project.
Translation services use this translation to spot any errors and gaps between the translated text and the original text. The primary reason to use back translation in a translation project is to test the accuracy. Back translation ensures that the intent and meaning of the original text are maintained in the translated text. It helps to overcome gaps and inaccuracies by the original translator.
And also ensures consistency in the style, tone, and message of the translated content. The Whole idea of translation is to deliver the message with any cultural undertones. Cultural undertones are a good reason to use back translation, as it ensures that the translated text preserves the cultural meaning of that particular text.
Doing Back translation is essential if the text could impact the reputation of the organization. No organization would like to be identified as culturally insensitive or linked to using inappropriate language. Back translations give clear documentation of all the phases of quality control.
All the factors for doing back translations boil down to one thing, which is quality control and assurance. Back translations are just one step to ensure that the translation process is consistent with all the standards set by the organization.
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