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Technical document test help.
Thread poster: Jose Melgarejo
Jose Melgarejo
Jose Melgarejo
Venezuela
Local time: 17:43
Member (2021)
English to Spanish
+ ...
May 13

Hey people, thank you in advance!

Ok, I got a test from a potential client, but I'm in a bit of a dilemma. From the get go, No problem with the translation side, it's honestly pretty much within the scope of what I do. However, the test showcased here is a technical step-by-step procedure with 3 repeated 1s. In this way:

1-
1-
1-
2-
3-
4-
5-
etc-

Basic instinct tells me I need to number them properly and it's part o... See more
Hey people, thank you in advance!

Ok, I got a test from a potential client, but I'm in a bit of a dilemma. From the get go, No problem with the translation side, it's honestly pretty much within the scope of what I do. However, the test showcased here is a technical step-by-step procedure with 3 repeated 1s. In this way:

1-
1-
1-
2-
3-
4-
5-
etc-

Basic instinct tells me I need to number them properly and it's part of the test, but I'd love a second opinion. ▲ Collapse
 
Rachel Waddington
Rachel Waddington  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 22:43
Dutch to English
+ ...
Communication May 13

What would you do if this was a real project rather than a test?

If you think there's an error in the source you need to let your client know.

If you're not sure of the best approach, you need to ask. Good communication with our clients is part of our role.

It could well be that your potential client has added some deliberate mistakes into the text to see how you deal with them.

Josephine Cassar
Jose Melgarejo
Dan Lucas
Renée van Bijsterveld
expressisverbis
Michele Fauble
Kay Denney
 
Kay Denney
Kay Denney  Identity Verified
France
Local time: 23:43
French to English
. May 13

I'd correct the numbering, and put in a translator's note that I corrected an apparent error in the source text. and if necessary I would give an explanation as to why the source is wrong. If they really do want three "1"s, they can easily change it back themselves. And if they want to correct the source document to align with your correct translation, they can copy from your file.
Normally I would point out in the delivery email that there's a note, and ask them to get back to me if they... See more
I'd correct the numbering, and put in a translator's note that I corrected an apparent error in the source text. and if necessary I would give an explanation as to why the source is wrong. If they really do want three "1"s, they can easily change it back themselves. And if they want to correct the source document to align with your correct translation, they can copy from your file.
Normally I would point out in the delivery email that there's a note, and ask them to get back to me if they need to discuss it, or to let me know what they went with finally.
The best clients are always thrilled when you catch errors. ▲ Collapse


Rachel Waddington
Jose Melgarejo
Philip Lees
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
Rita Translator
 


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Technical document test help.







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