Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are two critical components in the field of translation and localization services. They may seem similar, but they play distinct roles and have different implications. Understanding these differences is vital for businesses that frequently require these services, as they directly impact the quality of the final localized product.

The Preventive Measure and the Corrective Tool

Quality Assurance is a process that ensures quality by making sure translators have the right skills, tools, and guidance to prevent errors in the translation process and ensure the best results. It does not deal with the translation itself but with the method to meet the client’s expectations.

It takes place at a level that precedes the actual translation process and includes activities like defining the quality requirements and expectations of the client, analyzing the source text and the target audience, choosing the suitable translators and editors, assigning projects to suitable linguists, monitoring the progress of the translation process, etc.

In contrast, Quality control is a process that occurs after the translation is done and involves reviewing the translation carefully to look for any errors or issues. 

Some common errors that are fixed during a translation quality control process are:

• Spelling and grammar errors, that affect the correctness and readability of the translation, such as typos, punctuation, verb tense, agreement, etc.
• Terminology errors, that affect the accuracy and consistency of the translation, such as using incorrect or inconsistent terms, acronyms, abbreviations, etc.
• Style and tone errors, that affect the appropriateness and effectiveness of the translation, such as using informal or formal language, passive or active voice, direct or indirect speech, etc.
• Format and layout errors, that affect the appearance and functionality of the translation, such as missing or misplaced elements, wrong fonts, colours, sizes, alignment, etc.

In other words…

Suppose you have a car that you want to keep in good condition. You could either fix the problems as they arise, or you could perform regular maintenance. The latter is a proactive measure, similar to QA in translation, that prevents the problems from happening in the first place.

In a translation scenario, suppose you have a technical manual of 5,000 words that needs to be translated into 10 different languages. You might ask your language services provider (LSP) to maintain all technical terms as they are in the source language, for example. If your LSP only checked the quality at the end of the process, you might discover that it is not as expected. This could be prevented if your LSP prepared for quality from the start, giving clear instructions to their translators beforehand.

Key components

To sum up, what are the key components of QA and QC in Translation and Localization?

Quality Assurance in Translation includes understanding the client’s requirements, analyzing the target audience, selecting the appropriate team, preparing for the translation, and technically preparing the documents.

Quality Control includes manual QA, QA using translation software, verification against the source text and feedback and improvement, which collects and implements the client’s or the end-user’s comments and suggestions.

Why Quality Assurance Matters

Quality assurance is key in the translation and localization process for several reasons:

1. Accuracy: Technical documents have complex and specific information. Wrong translations can cause confusion, losses, or risks.
2. Consistency: Using the same terminology and style is essential, especially for big or ongoing projects. Inconsistent translations can confuse readers and harm your image.
3. Cultural Fit: A good translation should match the culture and expectations of the audience. Quality assurance ensures that the translation fits the culture and appeals to the audience. 

As a dedicated technical translator, I prioritize quality assurance, delivering precise, consistent, and culturally tailored translations for the Italian market.

My expertise spans diverse technical domains, and I consistently update my knowledge. Employing top-notch tools and adhering to rigorous processes, I ensure the delivery of high-quality work. Whether you’re an SME or a translation agency in search of a dependable translator, consider trying my services. Let’s collaborate to overcome language barriers and establish connections in new markets.