Check List for Translation

• Ensure that Authors are made aware that documents are to be translated, so they can prepare them accordingly. Good use of graphics can make subsequent translation much easier.

• Do not be tempted by translation software program - THEY DO NOT WORK.

• Translators should only translate text INTO their mother tongue. A qualification in a foreign language and a dictionary are not good enough - there is much more to language than just words.

• Translators should seek clarification of any technical points they are uncertain about.

• Many languages take up considerably more space than the English original and this often affects the pagination of a document. Translators should be capable of making formatting adjustments to retain the original pagination (if necessary we can provide a re-formatting service for translated material).

• Illustrations should be indirectly annotated with numbers instead of words so they can be used with any language without modification as shown in the example below.

• Try to get the translation verified by another person with the same native tongue (for example, a foreign client or colleague).