Tagalog Editor At Wordhouse

Tagalog Editor at Wordhouse shares some examples of edits using technical documents. Objective edits are pointed out while subjective edits are discussed.

Editing must follow a style sheet of objective measures. Basicallly there are three general rules to follow:

(1) Keep the translation faithful to the source. 
(2) Keep the target readers in mind. 
(3) Keep the translation culturally relevant.

    See some editing problems and solutions and how a Tagalog Editor checks it.

When a Tagalog Editor Should Make Changes 

1. When there is a wrong meaning transferred because of wrong segmentation of thought units.

2. When there is wrong grammar. Follow the grammar rules of the target language. 

3. When there is a wrong spelling. Note the Tagalog spelling variations and keep them.

4. When there is a wrong punctuation. Whether punctuation such as a comma or a semi-colon should be inserted or not must follow the rules of the target language and not the source text.

5. When there is inconsistent technical vocabulary. How are technical words translated?  The technical equivalents used must be consistent all throughout.

• Retain technical words in English - recommended
• Transliterate - do with utmost care since Tagalogs or Filipinos may have different pronunciations for a technical term
• Translate into the target text with English source inside brackets - optional

6. When there is an unsatisfactory choice of equivalent.

• The chosen equivalent completely changes the meaning of the source text.
• The chosen equivalent is not exact,  but there is an exact equivalent.
• The choice of equivalent is not the nearest, or there is no exact equivalent, but there is a better nearest equivalent.
• The chosen equivalent is  a paraphrase,or the source is interpreted -if the interpretation is ambiguous, vague or far from the meaning.

7. When there is a missing translation. Optional - the translator should insert the missing translation.

8. When there is wrong layout emphasis.Highlighted texts are highlighted wrongly or not highlighted at all.

Why Write Comments

1. Write comments because the client demands it.

2. Write comments to clarify your edits to the translator (always be honest and objective, respecting the translator's efforts).

3. Write comments to suggest optional or subjective solutions,  (or when you firmly believe that an adjustment must be done (specially in word order to ensure natural flow), even if the translation is already correct).

How to Suggest Solutions

Be professional- Be clear and concise, tell only what needs to be told, do not over explain, always keep in mind the time element involved in the review process. Do only what is required.

Be objective - When you say that something is wrong, you have to offer an alternative and not just leave it at that, or leave it as it is.

Be firm - If your suggestion is optional, you are passing the ball to the client on whether to implement it or not - this is not always good. If you say that your suggestion is correct and the translator's choice is wrong, use sources to back up your claim (dictionaries, other references, similar documents, article, website, resource person).