Translation and Localization

A text or a translation never exists in isolation; it always belongs to a context, a cultural framework. What context is your text written for, and which one do you want to reach with a translation?

I WANT TO HELP YOU GAIN NEW  INSIGHTS AND REACH NEW MARKETS, INCREACE YOUR KNOWLEDGE, ENHANCE  YOUR SERVICE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS AND ESTABLISH NEW CONNECTIONS.

A good translation ensures that it strikes the right tone and feels natural to the target audience. Languages are not mirror images of each other, just as societies and cultures are not identical. Your translation should flow naturally so that the recipient doesn’t perceive it as a translation.

This is why your text is not translated word-for-word but adapted to its new context. A clear example of this is proverbs and idioms, which may convey a similar meaning but, when translated literally, become nonsensical. Both proverbs below, for instance, express hitting the mark perfectly:

• German: Faust aufs Auge (Fist on the eye)
• Swedish: Huvudet på spiken (The head on the nail)

Similarly, other expressions may differ in how they are conveyed across languages. The translation often uses an equivalent that works in the new context. For instance, the English “the story so far” corresponds to the Swedish “detta har hänt” (this has happened).

In addition to context, the style and tone of your text are crucial, as is accurate terminology. The translation will reflect these elements, incorporating the vocabulary and terminology you prefer, including your company-specific vocabulary.

Quality Assurance & Proofreading

You only get one chance to make a great first impression, which is why it’s crucial for your text to be both easy to understand and error-free.

I HELP YOUR CONTENT CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE.

As an literary consultat/editor, I help you avoid potentially embarrassing mistakes in both content and text by ensuring your writing is logical, clear, and engaging. I provide advice on structure, language, and style, making slight adjustments to content and phrasing to sharpen your text. This typically occurs at an earlier stage in the writing process, before a publishing editor or proofreader gets involved and does not include the publishing process.

The goal of proofreading (without altering content, focusing solely on linguistic accuracy) is to deliver an error-free, professional text that reads smoothly and without distractions from linguistic mistakes. This is often the final step before publication or printing. During proofreading, the focus is on:

• Linguistic accuracy: spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Clarity: identifying ambiguity, fixing grammatical issues, and improving sentence flow.
• Consistency in style and formatting: such as bold, italics, and headings.
• Consistency in language preferences: e.g., British vs. American English.
• Numbers, dates, abbreviations, and terminology: ensuring uniformity throughout.
• Verification of quotes and citations: ensuring they are correctly presented (but not fact-checking).

Let me know what you need assistance with, and we’ll find a solution together!