Your client demands speed over accuracy in translations. How do you maintain quality under pressure?

Translation Memory (TM) Systems: These tools store previously translated segments and suggest them when similar phrases or sentences appear in new texts. This helps maintain consistency and speed up the translation process by reusing existing translations. Glossaries and Terminology Databases: Create or use pre-existing glossaries to ensure that key terms are translated consistently throughout the project. This helps maintain accuracy and prevents the need for repetitive clarifications. Machine Translation (MT): Use MT as a first draft to quickly translate large volumes of text. While MT can provide a basic translation, ensure you review and edit the output to correct any inaccuracies and refine the quality.

I normally used SDL Trados to translate, there are many features that I used to speed up my translation, some of the features that I used eg Autosuggest dictionary, termbase, QA settings, Concordance, TM, and other few features

Understanding the final purpose of the translation could help. Some people or organizations require translations solely for the purpose of understanding or contextualizing a topic or business, for which a translation supported by a good AI and post-editing engine could work perfectly well. If the purpose is to position a product abroad, make or sign an international agreement or show results to stakeholders, a more professional translation is required, for which AI can also be considered, but in addition Translation Memories (TM) by subject or by client and validated terminology bases (TB) must be maintained to ensure uniformity throughout the translations. And of course, a great team of project managers and translators working together.

Here’s how I ensure quality even when speed is critical: Advanced Technology Integration: I use AI tools for initial translations. The CAT tool combines style guides, glossaries, translation memories, machine translation, reference files, context sensitivity, LLM feeds, and AI suggestions on one page. Professional and Native Translators: My team of native translators review and edit AI translations for accuracy and natural flow. Efficient Workflows: I streamline processes, including file preparation, quoting, task assignments, and creating payables and invoices. Rigorous Quality Control: I use QA checks with the CAT tool and its integrated preview feature. Continuous Communication: Real-time communication among translators is crucial.

To maintain quality under pressure when speed is prioritized, leverage translation memory tools and machine translation with post-editing for efficiency. If possible, divide tasks among team members, and use QA tools to catch errors. Prioritize critical sections and communicate with the client about realistic expectations. This strategic approach ensures both speed and quality are balanced effectively.

Es complicado el matenetr calidad en la traducción si se trabaja contra reloj, por ello es mejor tener bien organizados los tiempos y recursos, importante activar el almacenamiento automático para evitar perder trabajo por descuidos o fallos eléctricos, al finalizar, aun con poco tiempo, se debe revisar una última lectura para revisar la congruencia y ver si es necesario alguna corrección de estilo, es mejor tener parte de un traducción correcta que todo la traducción incorrecta o con deficiencias de entendimiento

También se debe tomar en cuenta la capacidad de negociación con el cliente, puesto que tener bien planeado el trabajo creará conciencia al traductor a cerca de los tiempos bajo los cuales se asegura la calidad del producto final.

It is important to know exactly what you are working on. Before even beginning to translate, a lot of work can be avoided by combing through the text, looking out for repetetive phrases, getting a gist of the author's writing style and dividing the text into segments that you can work on one by one.

It is our responsibility as translators to understand the requirements of our clients and plan our work accordingly. One way to ensure a smooth process is to divide the job equally based on the experience of the translators or to reach milestones that have been previously negotiated with the customer. This cooperative method sustains clear expectations and a great result

Cuando estás acostumbrado a trabajar ofreciendo la máxima calidad, los plazos apretados hacen menos mella en tus buenas prácticas: el secreto de la velocidad es hacer bien las cosas a la primera.

Prioritizing text, especially parts that are very hard or complicate to translate, such as technical or medical terms, is a proven way to preserve quality under pressure.

Translators must deliver high-quality translations and understand the idiolectic features of the original text to maintain exact nuances in the target text. This approach ensures each section is accurately translated. Some sections may require more time to analyse and preserve nuances, while others will be easier to translate. Balancing these aspects is crucial for achieving consistency and quality

Después de una jornada larga e intensa, es preferible dejar la última revisión para la ma?ana siguiente, con la mente fresca y la vista descansada.

Translators should develop a systematic approach to catch errors quickly, starting with common mistakes that one might tend to make. Assistance from a monolingual person can be beneficial if the text permits. Reading the text aloud or having someone read it to check for rhythm, consistency, and understandability ensures accuracy and enhances the overall quality of the translation

Es esencial priorizar las tareas y centrarse en los procesos de producción que generan nuestros ingresos. Lo inteligente es programar las actividades secundarias en los periodos de menor productividad.

Translators need to eliminate processes that are not necessary for a project and concentrate on those that are. Digital solutions that facilitate workflow optimisation and project schedule maintenance include Trello, Notion, and Google Workspace. It is essential to maintain up-to-date glossaries, translation memory, and CAT tools knowledge. Expert translators advise delegating administrative labour to digital technologies or AI to save time for translation and ensure excellent quality

When time is short and pressure is high, it is important to stay calm and not let your work turn into a translation frenzy. But how? In my opinion, the main point is: No distractions! If you have to, then lock yourself up in your office, put in ear plugs and take a deep dive into your work - - don't forget to stay hydrated, though! Set an alarm clock every two hours and check if you have come as far as your designated segment of the text you are working on. If yes, that's great! If not, take a minute to reflect on what is holding you back or slowing you down and find intervention points to it.

La práctica continua de Yoga, Taichi y meditación da su fruto en los momentos exigentes, cuando encontramos en nosotros una reserva de calma que nos permite mantenernos centrados en el objeto de nuestro trabajo sin dejarnos desviar por interrupciones innecesarias

Pero si al cliente no le importa la precisión y la calidad, ?para qué quiere un traductor profesional? Para las chapuzas, abundan opciones más baratas...

Consider changing clients, or at least switching most of your time and revenue to more quality-oriented, less time-constrained projects.