PROCESSES

To ensure the highest quality, CTS LanguageLink™ follows a strict 10 STEP process for all projects, consisting of a multi-layered process of checks and reviews. Outlined below is our 10 STEP process:

The Project Manager (PM) completes a review of the overall scope of the project: project timeline, inventory of files, glossaries (if applicable), and final file delivery. Working with the client, the Project Manager identifies all text that should remain in the source language and develops a list for the translator and editor's use. It is at this point in the project life cycle that the Project Manager also identifies any typos, inconsistencies, missing text, etc. in the source document (or any other area requiring client clarification) and review these concerns with the client. For large accounts, clients are assigned a dedicated Project Manager who will handle all their requests. This enables us to provide highly personalized service and be perfectly attuned to your specific needs.

For projects that are large in scope, we develop a glossary.  At the actual start of a translation project, a working glossary may be distributed to all linguists involved. In some cases it is impossible to compile such a glossary due to time constraints, but we recommend one be made even after the completion of a project, so that we have an established list of approved terms to ensure consistency in subsequent projects.

The Project Manager places the translation with an appropriately qualified and experienced target language translator, based on document content and translator's subject matter expertise. CTS LanguageLink only utilizes translators who are native speakers of the target language. The translator produces a draft translation and returns it to the Project Manager.

All draft translations go through a secondary review by a different but equally qualified translator to ensure the quality of the translation. Language translation is a human endeavor and we recognize there may be errors in any translation completed by one individual, however qualified this translator may be. Knowing this gives us an advantage because we have built in STEPs that specifically target mistakes in grammar, typography, word choice, missing text, changed text that did not get incorporated, etc.

Changes to the draft translation are electronically tracked by the editor and submitted for review to the original translator.  The translator can then use his/her discretion to accept/reject changes.

All translated versions are electronically formatted to exactly match the original. This is normally done in the application that was used to layout the source document. However, some languages and fonts do not lend themselves to 'cross platform' conversions so we reserve the right to layout translated text in the applications that we feel better suited for recreating the same layout. Our graphics staff is very well versed in numerous applications and our Project Manager will work with you to ensure that the deliverables are compatible with your technical resources.

Once the document is formatted, a mechanical proof is performed to assess the following:

• Does the layout match the source language document?
• Have correct fonts been used?
• Are footers consistent with the source language document?
• Are headers consistent with the source language document?
• Are proper names spelled correctly?
• Is the pagination the same as the source language? Text must flow per the source language. We work with text growth due to language expansion.
• Have all source language updates been incorporated?
• Check laser proofs on light table for margins, graphics positioning.

A final linguistic review is made to ensure that text has been placed accurately in the template and that words are split according to the conventions of hyphenation pertaining to the target language. The linguist also checks for omissions or incorrect formatting that may have occurred in graphics. This proofing is usually done by our in-house linguists (or by the original translator if we do not have in-house resources). Linguists review a hard copy printed on a simple laser printer, e-file on screen, or even a hardcopy with complex color separations, which you may require for mass production.

The Project Manager gathers all deliverables, ensuring that they meet the client's specifications. The PM performs a final visual check of the material, ensuring that layout, numbers, proper name spelling, etc match the source document.

Delivery schedules vary depending on the volume of material being translated and is discussed in advance. If you have an important print deadline that simply cannot be missed, we can agree to 'guarantee' a specific delivery time.