Application
This unit describes the skills required to objectively check and proof the translated text of another translator. Quality assurance ensures that content is factually accurate, complete and correctly targeted to its intended end use, and does not alter the message of the source text. The unit requires high level language and analytical skills to identify translation difficulties and transfer errors, and the research skills to source information that will clarify content issues.
This unit applies to those working translators who undertake a range of quality assurance checks of a translated text for original translators, clients or commissioning service providers.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and industry codes and standards for ethical translating and interpreting adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently using a broad range of support resources as required, while performing sophisticated tasks in a range of specialised contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare to check translation | 1.1 Identify and confirm work requirements, performance expectations and end use of text, and agree approach. 1.2 Obtain and review source and translated text files and associated glossary and documentation and determine personal competence and willingness to undertake assignment. 1.3 Select and prepare references and equipment. |
2. Compare translated text to source text | 2.1 Analyse source text and identify subject and key elements. 2.2 Check coherence of translation and identify translation problems and transfer errors. 2.3 Compare translated text to source text for completeness and factual and linguistic accuracy. 2.4 Evaluate translation fitness for purpose and identify relevant issues. 2.5 Undertake research and make critical use of references to address problems, errors and questions from the original translator. 2.6 Resolve translation problems and record findings and decisions in glossary, citing sources. |
3. Propose amendments to translation | 3.1 Make revisions to text using an agreed process and ensure amendments are visible and queries resolved. 3.2 Annotate text where necessary and give clear instructions to desktop publisher where required. 3.3 Provide objective advice in response to questions and propose corrections to text within level of expertise. |
4. Submit quality assured translation | 4.1 Provide checked translation to client or original translator in line with agreed arrangements and confirm that it meets client requirements. 4.2 Discuss proposed corrections to text with appropriate persons according to established procedures and code of ethics. 4.3 Retain copy of checked translation and associated documentation for future reference, according to privacy and business protocols. 4.4 Seek feedback from relevant persons and explore process improvement strategies. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.
comparing translated text to source text to arrive at an objective evaluation of the work of the original translator
ensuring that translation is accurate, complete and correctly targeted to its intended end use
providing and seeking advice in a sensitive manner and within level of personal expertise
using technology for purposes of information, collaboration, recording, file management, version control and tracking
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified, the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
privacy and confidentiality requirements
quality assurance parameters
factual and linguistic accuracy
functional equivalence
meaning in context
punctuation
register and style
semantic structure
terminology
transfer errors
transfer problems
writing conventions
relevant translating theories and techniques
research methods to source information that will clarify content issues, including advanced bilingual internet search techniques
Assessment Conditions
Assessment of this unit of competency must include actual tasks that demonstrate diverse skills and strategies for quality assuring translations.
Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the Companion Volumes.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels, indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Translating and interpreting