Standards, Certification and
Translation Services
Presentation, March 2004
Munich, Prague, Vienna,
Edith Vanghelof
camels@camels.at
www.camels.at
1
The Translation Market in Austria
Small
• 70% are one-person businesses
• Largest ones have around 15 employees
• No market entry barriers, anyone can
register for a business license and offer
translation services
2
The Translation Market in Austria
Professional Organizations
• Membership in Chamber of Commerce obligatory
if provider has a business. Business license
required if service is provided on a commercial
basis, i.e., freelancers are exempt if they perform
the services themselves (no subcontracting)
• Association of university graduates
• Association of literary translators
3
Translation Market Trends
• Clients expect quality at lower prices and
shorter turnaround times
• Translation has become a commodity in
some segments, e.g. localization
• Long-term trend: growing
• Translation standards and certification give
translation service providers a competitive
advantage
4
What is a Standard?
Standard:
•
A standard is a document that has been defined in
consensus and has been acknowledged by a
recognized body. It defines rules, guidelines or
criteria that apply generally to an activity or the
outcome of an activity that can be repeated.
5
What is a Standard?
Standards are based on the generally accepted
findings of scientific research, technology and
experience and are conceived to promote the best
interests of society in general.
(DIN EN ISO 45014, May 1990)
6
What is Quality?
Quality is not an absolute value but varies
by
–context
–purpose
Quality refers to product quality, service
quality and process quality
7
What is Quality?
8
U.S. Post Office, Cisco, Utah
What is Certification?
Certification:
• Certification is a process or the outcome of a
process which confirms that a company or person
complies with the requirements of a standard.
9
Certification is an Investment
• The decision to become certified is an
investment and like all investments it is a
business decision.
• Depending on a translation service provider‘s
strategy and business goals, certification can
be a useful tool.
10
Benefits for the Translation
Service Provider
• The certification process is an opportunity to
analyze, standardize and make your work
processes more efficient
• Introduce quality management: quality assurance
and quality control procedures
11
Overview of Relevant
Standards in Europe
12
Overview of Relevant Standards
in Europe
•1977: ISO 2384 “Documentation – Presentation of
translations”
•ISO ISO 9000: 2000 (now: 9001:2000)
•1995: UNI 10574 “Definition of services and
activities of translation and interpreting enterprises”
•1998: DIN 2345 “Translation Contracts”
•1999: ÖNORM D 1200 and D 1201
•2002: ISO 12616 “Translation-oriented
terminography”
13
1977: ISO 2384 “Documentation –
Presentation of translations”
• Sets out rules to ensure that translations are
presented in a standard form which will
simplify their use by different categories of
user. Applies to the translation of all
documents, whether the translation is
complete, partial or abridged. Four types of
translation are discussed.
14
ISO 9000:2000
• Set of international standards for
international quality assurance systems
• Defines procedures, but does not provide a
measure of actual quality control
• Originally created for military procurement
in the 1950s
• General, abstract system
• Certification is mandatory
15
Germany
DIN 2345
DIN 2345: Germany in 1998
• Focus on translation process and how the service is to be
provided
– Organizational aspects: quotes, contracts, delivery
forms, hardware, software, subcontracting, confidential
treatment of documents, etc.
– Content aspects: type of text, target audience,
agreements on terminology, support to be provided by
client
16
Germany
DIN 2345
• No certification, only registration
• Documentation of all processes
• Qualification expected of the persons providing
the service
17
Italy
UNI 10574:1996
“Definition of service and activities of translation and
interpreting enterprises”
Content:
• Scope and field of application
• Normative references
• Terms and definitions
• Service requirements
• Minimum physical structure of enterprise supplier
• Indications for the enterprise
18
2002: ISO 12616 “Translationoriented terminography
• Brand new
• To help translators work more efficiently
• Deals with the recording and presentation of
terminological data
19
Europe Union
CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation)
European Committee for Standardization
• Work in progress on a standard for
translation services
• Task Force established CEN/BTTF 138
• Work should be completed by 2005
20
EUATC Proposal
EUATC (European Union of Associations of Translation
Companies) proposal to CEN
Quality standard for translation services to create a unified,
Europe-wide quality standard for translation companies
Content:
• Terms and definitions
• Quality requirements/management
• Contracting procedure
• Planning and implementing the service product
• Training
21
Austria
ÖNORM D 1200:2000 “Translation and interpretation
services. Translation services. Requirements for the service
and the provision of the service”
ÖNORM D 1201:2000 “Translation and interpretation
services. Translation services. Translation contracts”
22
The
Austrian Standard
ÖNORM D 1200:2000
23
The Austrian Standard
ÖNORM D 1200:2000
• Contents
–
–
–
–
Scope
Definitions
Service requirements
Provision of the service
24
Definitions
• Service provider
– Natural or legal person offering or providing translation
services
• Service
– Collective term for all the activities to be performed by
the service provider
• Provision of the service
– Collective term for all the resources used by the service
provider to render the service, including human,
technical,
25
Definitions
• Translating
– Written rendering of a text from a source language to a
target language
• Interpreting
– Oral rendering of a text from a source language to a
target language
• Source text
– Any defined set of symbols that may serve as an
original and/or as the informational basis for the
production of a target text
26
Definitions
• Target text
– any set of symbols resulting from a transfer activity that
may fulfil a certain purpose for a specific addressee or
target group
• Text function
– function to be fulfilled by a text for a specific target
group
• Source language(s)
– language(s) in which the source text has been prepared
27
Definitions
• Target language(s)
– language(s) into which the source text is to be
transferred
• Active language
– language from and to which the service provider
translates (e.g. from English to German and vice versa)
• Passive language
– language from which the service provider translates
(e.g. from English to German, but not vice versa)
28
Definitions
• Parallel text
– a target-language sample text that, if possible, was
prepared by a native speaker and ideally represents the
text type conventions (lexis, idiomaticity, text structure,
etc.) to be taken into account in the production of the
target text
• Background text
– a text that provides the factual and textual information
(background knowledge) required for understanding the
source text and/or for the production of the target text
• Controlled language
– language with a pre-defined vocabulary and a predefined syntax with strict rules for text structure
29
Service requirements
Service categories
Transfer
• Transfer shall include all the intellectual and
material services required for the production
of the target text. Different types of
linguistic and cultural transfer are as
follows:
30
Service requirements
Service categories
• Documentary translation: Follows the
wording of the source text and represents
the source-language structures by targetlanguage means
31
Service requirements
Service categories
• Communicative/functional translation:
Based on the source text and the text type
conventions of the target language, the
target text is worded taking into account
previous and background knowledge, as
well as the linguistic and cultural
expectations of the target audience.
32
Service requirements
Service categories
• Adaptation: The source text is adapted
according to formal and/or content-related
criteria to meet the requirements of the
target-text function. The type and extent of
adaptation shall be agreed explicitly and
shall be identified as such (e.g. expansion or
shortening of a text).
33
Service requirements
Service categories
• Informative translation: The information
contained in a source text that is of
relevance to a specific purpose is
summarised in the target text and/or
relevant excerpts are translated.
• Rewriting: Loosely based on the source
text, the target text is written to fulfil the
target-text function.
34
Service requirements
Service categories
• Updating: An existing target text is amended and
updated on the basis of current information
available in the source or target language, in
addition to the original source text (e.g.
documentation update).
• Localisation: Linguistic and cultural adaptation
and translation of software applications, technical
descriptions, user manuals, etc., for local markets.
35
Localization
36
Service requirements
Service categories
• Internationalisation: Adaptation of
software products, technical descriptions,
user manuals, etc., to permit subsequent
localisation.
• Technical documentation: Production of
user-friendly reference texts appropriate to
the target group and the target culture
(instructions for use, repair manuals, etc.).
37
Service requirements
Service categories
• Post-editing of machine translations: A
machine-translated text is compared with
the source text and revised to eliminate
errors of meaning and to improve the
linguistic quality of the target text in
accordance with specified quality
parameters.
38
Linguistic parameters
• Printable version: Target text in
compliance with the rules and conventions
of the target language and with
communicative usage in the target culture
with regard to standard and specialised
lexis, grammar, syntax, idiomaticity, style
and other specific characteristics of the text
type.
39
Linguistic parameters
• Standard version: Target text in compliance with
the rules and conventions of the target language
with regard to lexis, grammar, syntax and
idiomaticity. In terms of specialised language, the
standard version uses the latest terminology for
the subject discussed in the text. A standard
version is not suitable for publication in its
original form and needs to be reviewed and
revised in technical and/or editorial terms if it is to
be published.
40
Linguistic parameters
• Working version: Target text in compliance with
the usage, rules and conventions of the target
language with regard to grammar and syntax. A
working version may contain deficiencies of style
and idiomaticity, and technical terms may be
paraphrased. In isolated cases, alternatives may be
given for terms. A working version is never
suitable for publication.
41
Basic qualifications
• Translating competence: Translating
competence includes the ability to
professionally translate texts. It also
comprises the ability to correctly assess
problems of text comprehension and text
production as well as the ability to render
the target text in accordance with service
specifications and to explain the reasons for
choices made.
42
Basic qualifications
• Linguistic and textual competence in the source
language(s) and the target language(s): Linguistic
and textual competence includes the ability to
understand and use the source language and target
languages as appropriate to specific situations.
Textual competence requires knowledge of text
type conventions for as wide a range of standardlanguage and specialised texts as possible and
includes the ability to apply this knowledge in the
production of texts.
43
Linguistic and textual competence
44
Basic qualifications
• Research competence, information acquisition
and processing: Research competence includes the
ability to efficiently acquire the additional
linguistic and specialised knowledge necessary to
understand the source text and to produce the
target text. It also comprises the ability to acquire
implied knowledge, to assess one’s own
knowledge in a self-critical way, to eliminate any
existing knowledge gaps and to integrate new
information with existing knowledge.
45
Research Competence
46
Basic qualifications
• Research competence also requires
experience in the use of research tools and
the ability to develop suitable strategies for
the efficient utilisation of the information
sources available.
47
Basic qualifications
• Cultural competence: Cultural competence
includes the ability to make use of
information about the knowledge base,
behavioural standards and value systems
that characterise the source and target
cultures.
48
Cultural competence
49
Basic qualifications
• Technical competence: Technical
competence comprises the abilities and
skills required for professional preparation
and production of translations. A minimum
requirement shall be the ability to use word
processing programs and terminology
collections.
50
Further training
The service provider shall perfect his/her
knowledge
– with regard to the basic qualifications in
accordance with 4.1.1,
– with regard to his/her fields of specialisation
and specialised languages, and
– on issues relating to the profession.
51
Certification according to
ÖNORM D 1200
52
Certification according to
ÖNORM D 1200
• The certification documents conformity
with the standard for the active and passive
languages that the translation service
provider applies for under ÖNORM D 1200
53
Certification according to
ÖNORM D 1200
• Reference projects for at least three years
prior to application.
• Applications may be submitted by any
person or legal entity.
54
Checklist
• Application
• Documentation
• Audit
• Re-audit after three years
55
The Audit
• Documentation procedures
• Security and confidentiality
• Random audit of the documentation of two
assignments
56
Example: Section 4.1.1
“Basic qualifications”
The documentation:
• Evidence of education and further training
completed
• Presentation of any fields of specialization,
if given
• Documentation of experience
57
Example: Section 4.1.1
"Basic qualifications”
Translation competence
The audit:
• Production of a translation (for all active
and passive languages applied for) in a
standard quality version pursuant to 3.1.3,
ÖNORM D 1200; the text to be translated
will be supplied by the expert auditor. The
candidate shall have the right to propose a
specialized field prior to the audit.
58
Example: Section 4.1.1
"Basic qualifications”
Translation competence
Working conditions:
• Free choice of means of production PC).
• Free access to all resources and materials.
The source text for the translation to be
produced shall have a length of one page,
with one page being defined as having a
minimum of 1500 and a maximum of 1800
characters (including spaces).
59
Example: Section 4.1.1
"Basic qualifications”
Translation competence
Fulfilment criteria:
• The quality of the translation produced shall
comply with the criteria of the standard
version pursuant to 3.1.3, ÖNORM D
1200..
60
Example: Section 4.1.1
"Basic qualifications”
Translation competence
• The parameters for the translation shall be
defined by the expert auditor regarding
– the target audience, and
– if required, the terminology.
61
Example: Section 4.1.1
"Basic qualifications”
Technical competence
The audit:
The examination of the use of terminology
collections and the capability of using
computer systems (word processing
applications).
62
Audit Example: Section 4.1.1
"Basic qualifications”
Technical competence
Fulfilment criteria:
The translation(s) produced and the
reference projects audited show that the
candidate is capable of using the required
terminology collections and “state-of-theart” computer systems for producing
translations
63
Auditors
Expert auditors
Requirements
a) An expert auditor shall be qualified as a
translator pursuant to Section 4.1.1 of
ÖNORM D 1200 for the language to be
certified;
64
Auditors
b) The principal occupation of an expert
auditor shall be that of an active
professional translator;
c) An expert auditor shall have at least five
years of management experience as an
owner or in a managing position of a
service provider in the field of translation.
65
Auditors
• The Certification Body of ON shall have the
right to select the expert auditors. The
Certification Body shall keep a list of all
auditors admitted by ON.
66
The European
Translation Standard
Work in Progress
67
The European Translation Standard
History
January 2002: CEN, short for Comité Européen de
Normalisation (European Committee for
Standardization) met and adopted a proposal put
forth by the European Union of Associations of
Translation Companies (EUATC) as a new project
"CEN N 1098 'Quality systems - Translation
companies - Particular requirements for the
application of EN ISO 9001'
68
The European Translation Standard
The original EUATC proposal discussed
at the meeting called for a standard
applicable only to translation agencies
and companies, and after a long debate it
was rejected.
69
The Task Force CEN/BTTF 138
"Translation Services”
• December 2002 – The Task Force
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
was established to develop a standard
applicable to all providers of translation
services regardless of whether they are
organized as a company or work as
freelance translators.
70
The European Translation Standard
• AEONOR (Spanish standards organization
was elected Secretariat of the Task Force)
• Assignment of project leaders: Germany,
Austria, Finland, Spain and UK
71
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Project Leaders:
• Terms and definitions, Project leader:
Germany
• Basic requirements, Project leader: Austria
• Client-service provider relationship,
Project leader: Finland
72
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Project Leaders:
• Procedures in translation services, Project
leader: Spain
• Added value services, Project leader: UK
73
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Business Plan
Scope
• Standardization of the requirements for the
provision of translation services.
–
–
–
–
–
procedures in translation services
human resources and their qualifications
project management
technical resources
quality management/assurance
74
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Work Programme
– BTTF 138 agrees to develop only one project.
– Title: Translation services
Target dates:
– Stage 32: November 2004
– Stage 40: March 2005
– Stage 49: November 2005
75
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Content of the standard:
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions (Germany)
76
CEN/BTTF 138 “Translation Services”
4 Basic requirements (Austria)
4.1 Infrastructure
- human resources
- technical resources
4.2 Quality management (quality of the
service not of the translation itself)
4.3 Project management
77
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
5 Client-service provider relationship
(Finland)
– Rights and duties of provider and client
– Determination of project-related requirements
– Contractual framework
78
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
6 Procedures in translation services (Spain)
– 6.1 Preparation
6.1.1.
Administrative work
6.1.2.
Technical work
6.1.3.
Linguistic work
6.1.4
Terminology and research
79
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
– 6.2
Translation process
– translation work as the core product
– localisation
– verification/validation (control if product
meets all the client requirements,
including proof reading)
– other services provided
80
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
7 Added value services (UK)
Informative Annex
– Legalisation, notarisation, etc, according to the
national requirements
– Adaptation
– Rewriting
– Updating
– Terminology data base creation and
management
81
Added value services
82
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
7 Added value services (UK)
Informative Annex
– Transcription
– Transliteration
– DTP, graphic and web design, cameraready artwork
– Technical writing
– Review and/or revision of translations
from third parties
83
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Terms and Definitions
• Checker
• Reviser
• Reviewer
84
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Terms and Definitions
“5.3.1 Project Management
• Assigning checkers, revisers and reviewers.
Assigning any other specialists involved in
any added-value services for the project.”
85
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Terms and Definitions
Reviser
• The reviser shall be a person other than the
translator and have the appropriate
competence in the source and target
languages. The reviser shall examine the
translation for its suitability for purpose.
This shall include, as required by the
project, comparison of the source and target
texts for terminology consistency, register
and style.
86
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Terms and Definitions
Reviewer
• The reviewer shall have domain
competence, shall carry out a monolingual
review to assess the suitability of the final
translation for the agreed purpose (e.g. by
assessing it for register and to ensure that it
respects the conventions of the domain in
question).
87
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Terms and Definitions
88
CEN/BTTF 138 "Translation Services”
Informative Annexes
•
•
•
•
•
Project registration details – log
Technical pre-translation processing
Source text analysis
Style guide
List of added value services
89
Topics for Discussion
• Translation quality and standardization
– Translation standards cannot guarantee
the quality of the translation itself,
because it is not a product but an
intellectual service.
– The creative element in translating cannot
be accounted for in a standard.
90
Topics for Discussion
• Certification
– Market interests always play a role in any
process that strives to limit access
regardless of the arguments.
– The integrity of the expert auditors
conducting the certification.
91
Documents and Websites
•
•
EU Commission: Evaluation of the economic
and social impact of multilingualism in
Europe, ASSIM Study, Final Report Initial
Study - Executive Summary, PowerPoint
Presentation, available at
http://europa.eu.int/comm/information_society
/evaluation/pdf/report2mlis_en.pdf
Presentation by Deborah Fry of
Fry&Bonthrone (in German only), www.fbpartners.com
92
Documents and Websites
•
•
•
•
Website of the European European Committee for
Standardization): www.cenorm.be
Certification Guideline for ON D1200. Write to
peter.jonas@onorm.at
Order the Austrian standards ON D1200 and ON
D1201 at peter.jonas@onorm.at
Information brochure on the ON D1200 and ON
D1201 standards published by the Austrian Standards
Institute (www.on-norm.at) (in German only); Write to
peter.jonas@onorm.at.
93
Edith Vanghelof
camels@camels.at
Send me an e-mail to receive any
documents available electronically.
94