What are effective feedback strategies for motivating translators?

1 Acknowledge the context

Before you give or receive feedback, you need to understand the context of the translation project. What is the purpose, audience, and tone of the text? What are the specific requirements and expectations of the client or the end-user? What are the challenges and limitations of the source and target languages? How much time and resources are available for the translation and revision? By acknowledging the context, you can avoid unrealistic or irrelevant feedback that may demotivate or confuse the translator.

2 Focus on the positive

Feedback should not only point out the errors or weaknesses of a translation, but also highlight the strengths and achievements. By focusing on the positive aspects, you can boost the translator's confidence, acknowledge their efforts, and encourage them to keep up the good work. You can also use positive feedback to reinforce the best practices and standards of translation, such as accuracy, clarity, consistency, and cultural appropriateness.

3 Be specific and objective

Feedback should be specific and objective, rather than vague and subjective. Instead of using general or personal statements, such as "this translation is bad" or "I don't like this word", use concrete and factual examples, such as "this translation does not convey the intended meaning" or "this word is not suitable for this context". By being specific and objective, you can help the translator understand the problem, the reason behind it, and the possible solution.

4 Provide suggestions and alternatives

Feedback should not only identify the issues, but also provide suggestions and alternatives for improvement. By offering constructive and actionable advice, you can help the translator learn from their feedback, apply it to their future work, and enhance their skills. You can also invite the translator to share their own opinions and perspectives on the feedback, and discuss the pros and cons of different options.

5 Respect the diversity

Feedback should respect the diversity of languages, cultures, and styles that are involved in translation. You should not impose your own preferences or assumptions on the translator, but rather appreciate and understand the differences and nuances that exist between languages and cultures. You should also avoid using harsh or negative language, such as criticism, blame, or sarcasm, that may offend or discourage the translator. Instead, use polite and respectful language, such as praise, appreciation, or encouragement, that may motivate and inspire the translator.

6 Seek feedback yourself

Feedback should not be a one-way communication, but a two-way dialogue. You should not only give feedback to others, but also seek feedback for yourself. By asking for feedback on your own work, you can show your willingness to learn, improve, and grow as a translator. You can also demonstrate your respect and trust for your colleagues, clients, or reviewers, and build a positive and collaborative relationship with them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?