LQAP

Our Roadmap For Localization Projects:

Each localization project is unique and has its own steps. Each differs in line with its purpose, target audience and service requirements.

For this reason, while ensuring quality, it is essential to comply with international standards and lay out the localization process considering its specific dynamics.

While answering your specific localization needs, our team consisting of expert linguists, localization specialists and experienced project managers follows these steps:

LQAP: Our Quality Assurance System for Localization

Step 1 – Project Analysis:

• Confidentiality Check
• Feasibility Check
• Drawing up the project map
• Defining process, method and service requirements
• Informing on budget and deadline

Step 2 – Project Management:

• Agreeing on the preferred type of service package
• Planning risk management
• Building the project-specific localization team
• DTP, TM and Style Guide works
• Team preparation and role assignments

Step 3 – Localization:

• Completing the localization process in accordance with EN 17100:2015 standard
• Pre-reading the localized work

Step 4 – LQA (Steps to be Followed Per Project Requirements):

• Checking whether the project complies with ISO/TS 11669, ISO 9001:2015, 20539 and 12616-1 standards
• Reviewing the work in terms of meaning and context
• Proofreading by our native team of editors
• Erasing any traces of translation
• Reviewing style and tone per target language
• Spellcheck
• Typesetting and layout check

Step 5 – Delivery:

• Delivery of the project following the final checks
• Customer Satisfaction Approval
• Updating TM and Style Guides
• Updating the PM report dedicated to your projects
• Archiving

How Professional Language Services and Expert Teams Enhance Translation and Localization?

Ensuring effective multilingual communication is more essential than ever today. For multinational corporations, public and private institutions, and individuals, translation and localization involve more than merely converting text into another language; it is about accurately conveying the intended messages to the target audience while preserving the original intent and cultural subtleties. This is precisely where professional language service providers (LSPs) and skilled teams of translators, localization experts, and editors come into play.

In this article, we will delve into the crucial role that our expert teams play in the translation and localization process. We will also examine how complex linguistic challenges are transformed into clear, comprehensible content tailored to the nuances of the target language and culture. This process involves leveraging the extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise of our teams, as well as utilizing translation technologies like computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, machine translation (MT), and artificial intelligence (AI). We also consider the careful analysis of the source text from the initial customer contact through to the final delivery, ensuring that the right choices and decisions are made at every step. Whether you’re a multinational company seeking to enter new global markets or an individual in need of accurate and nuanced translations and localized content, understanding how an LSP and its expert team contribute to translation and localization process will illuminate the path to effective communication across different languages and cultures.

Let’s take a closer look at what happens behind the scenes—the key elements underlying the collective efforts that constitute the steps of a successful and effective translation and localization process, ensuring that your message not only reaches the target audience but also resonates with them at a local level.

16 Steps: How the Step-by-Step Translation and Localization Process Works

Tight deadlines, translation and localization quality, and pricing are all fundamental factors in the decision-making process for customers seeking the help of an LSP for their translation and localization projects. As an LSP certified with ISO 17100:2015, TS EN 15038, and ISO 9001:2000, and providing services in compliance with UMS-6 Translator and MTC 112 standards, our top priority is to ensure outstanding service quality and customer satisfaction. To ensure quality throughout the translation and localization process, from receiving the source text to delivering the final target text, each project undergoes the following 16 steps, one by one, according to a comprehensive roadmap created specifically for that project. Using a metaphor from the textile industry, the translation process and localization process, in particular, are akin to the craft of a tailor who takes special measurements for each client and creates custom clothing by hand, rather than producing garments in standard sizes on a factory production line.

The main headings outlining the steps in the translation and localization process can be summarized as follows: project analysis, project management, translation and localization process, translation and localization control, delivery, and archiving. Let’s examine the process from start to finish, beginning with the source text and ending with our ultimate goal: the target text.

PROJECT ANALYSIS:

Step 1: Applicability

First, project coordinators analyze the source text to determine the source and target language pair based on the project managers’ instructions and our internal processes. This ensures that your project aligns with the language pairs for which we offer services. Projects that fall within the scope of our services for over 50 languages proceed to the next step, while infeasible projects are not processed, with the customer being provided with justifications. Therefore, the quality of all projects in progress is ensured from an early stage. We consider this to be one of the most crucial steps in our commitment to a 100% quality and competency approach.

The Applicability step consists of the following:

1. Source Text Analysis:

   • Text Type and Content: The source text can vary in type, including technical, legal, or advertising and marketing materials. Each type may require different translation and localization approaches and expertise. The content of the text, including jargon and sector-specific terminology, is identified.
   • Length and Complexity: The length of the text and the complexity of its language structure are evaluated. Short and simple texts can generally be delivered more quickly and at lower costs, while longer and more complex texts may require additional time and resources.

2. Language Pair Determination:

   • Source and Target Language Determination: Project coordinators determine the source text’s language and the translation and localization requirements for the target language. At this stage, it is also verified whether both languages are supported for the project.
   • Language Expertise and Competence: The qualifications of the translators, localization experts, and linguists assigned to the project are evaluated based on their proficiency in the relevant language pairs.

3. Project Coordination and Instructions:

   • Collection of Instructions: Project managers collect customer instructions and special requirements. They then determine the specifications needed for translation and localization, including format requirements, delivery terms, and local requirements.
   • Compliance with Business Procedures: The project is evaluated for compliance with applicable business procedures and quality standards. Relevant procedures, quality assurance processes, and workflows are then reviewed.

4. Approval for Implementation:

   • Assessment and Reporting: Project coordinators evaluate the applicability of the text and the relevant language pair. Projects that are deemed applicable are approved to proceed to the next step. For projects deemed infeasible, the customer is provided with detailed justifications explaining why the project cannot proceed.
   • Risk Analysis: Potential risks and obstacles are assessed to ensure the successful completion of the project. Necessary measures for risk management are then determined.

At this stage, only the applicable projects are implemented, ensuring both quality and efficiency from the outset. This step is critical to the success of the translation and localization process and to achieving customer satisfaction.

Step 2: Technical Evaluation

The project team conducts technical evaluations of the projects approved for implementation. Certain elements are evaluated to determine whether they affect the translation and localization process. These elements include:

• Character count
• Terminology (e.g., specific terminology requested by the customer is given top priority)
• Content and visual elements (e.g., uneditable content, tables, images, technical drawings, flow charts, diagrams), and
• Deliverable format

Each element is assessed to see if it requires additional time or impacts the overall project budget. Such evaluations are conducted for each individual source text, alongside the assessment of project-specific requests and customer requirements. These factors are taken into consideration throughout the entire process. In the case of special requests, the customer is contacted for clarification, and their feedback is gathered throughout the process to ensure customer satisfaction.

At this stage, approved projects undergo a technical evaluation by the project team before implementation. Technical Evaluation step includes the following:

1. Character Count and Text Length:

   • Character and Word Calculation: Character and word counts in the source text are determined. This may affect the scope and time required for the translation and localization process.
   • Length and Workload: The length of the text directly contributes to the time required and the budget for completing the project. Additional resources and time are planned for longer texts.

2. Terminology and Special Requests:

   • Terminology Analysis: Special terminology requests from the customer are reviewed, and the terminology references to be used in the translation and localization process are determined.
   • Terminology Management: Translators and localization experts are provided with the necessary information to use the correct terminology, and terminology databases are created. At this point, translation memory (TM) and termbases saved in CAT tools and software, such as memoQ, SDL Trados, etc., are also used to ensure consistency in terminology.

3. Content and Visual Elements:

   • Visual Content Analysis: Uneditable formats, such as tables, images, technical drawings, and diagrams, in the source text are identified. These elements may add to the workload during the translation and localization process.
   • Visual Arrangement Requirements: Requirements for the translation, localization, and editing of visual elements are analyzed, and if necessary, coordination with graphic designers or technical teams is arranged.

4. Deliverable Format:

   • Format Review: The deliverable format requested by the customer (e.g., PDF, MS Word, Excel, etc.) is reviewed. Specific requirements and potential challenges associated with the format are identified.
   • Technical Compliance: The effects of the specific format on the translation and localization process are identified, and these effects are reflected in the budget and time planning.

5. Additional Time and Budget Planning:

   • Additional Time Requirement: As a result of the technical evaluation, elements that require additional time are identified. The impact of these elements on the project is evaluated.
   • Impact on the Budget: The impact of technical requirements and additional workloads on the budget is assessed. Necessary budget arrangements are made as required.

6. Customer Contact and Special Requests:

   • Review of Special Requests: Customer requests and project-specific requirements are reviewed. In case of any uncertainties or if additional information is required, the customer is contacted.
   • Feedback and Approval: The customer is provided with necessary feedback throughout the process, and any required arrangements are made to ensure satisfaction.

This technical evaluation is a crucial step in ensuring the highest quality at every stage of the translation and localization process. This step is followed meticulously to effectively manage the entire project. Translators and localization experts are selected after completing the above step.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

Step 3: Analysis

Translator/Localization Expert Selection: The project manager uses the list of translators and localization experts to identify those who are qualified and provide services in the relevant language pair for the project. After selecting one or more translators and localization experts who are most qualified for the project’s area of expertise and based on the project’s volume (with additional measures taken for risk management in large-volume projects to ensure coordination and consistency), the project is assigned to the relevant individuals. Certain criteria, such as work experience, expertise, field-specific knowledge, and research skills, are carefully evaluated for each translator and localization expert during the selection process. In the service request sent to translators and localization experts, the deadline confirmation is obtained to prevent any potential delays and setbacks in subsequent steps.

Editor Selection: The editor/proofreader selection process follows a similar approach to that used for selecting translators and localization experts. Editors who best meet the project requirements are identified from the list of those retained in the in-house archive. First, editors who can provide services in the project’s language pair and have experience in the project’s area of expertise are selected. For large-volume projects, additional measures are taken to ensure effective risk management, coordination, and consistency throughout the project. Editors’ qualifications for the type of text and project requirements are analyzed, considering their performance on previous projects. For projects with special localization requirements, specialized editors with experience in localization are selected. Following the selection of editors, deadline confirmation is obtained from them, similar to the process used for translators and localization experts.

Quote and Delivery Schedule: For source texts delivered by the customer during regular business hours, a ‘Quote and Delivery Schedule’ is issued and sent to them. Pricing is based on three elements: unit prices, extra fees, and total cost calculation, as described below.

• Unit Prices: Unit prices for translation, localization, editing, and other relevant services are defined. Unit prices may vary depending on the type of text, its length, and any specialty requirements.
• Extra Fees: If the source text contains special formats (e.g., technical drawings, high-resolution graphics) or if express delivery is required, additional fees will be calculated for these services.
• Total Cost Calculation: The total cost of translation and localization services is calculated based on textual analysis. This calculation covers the cost of all services and any potential extra fees within the scope of the project.

Step 4: Customer Approval

The customer’s written approval to proceed with the language services is obtained. From this point on, the request for service will be recorded as ‘translation and/or localization’ in our archival records. Therefore, a standardized process is initiated by entering the information into the system for legal and archiving purposes, as well as to enable follow-up based on written records.

Step 5: Project Schedule and Providing Information

In addition to the relevant invoice, the customer is provided with information about the project’s area of expertise, a brief description, the company’s e-catalog, the workbook, and, if necessary, information on applicable style guides. In translation and localization projects, style guides are essential tools for ensuring that source texts are translated and localized consistently and professionally. These guides contain a set of rules and guidelines for using language and wording according to defined standards. Style guides aim to ensure that texts are effective and coherent in both the source and target languages by standardizing the tone, style, and overall aesthetics throughout the translation and localization process. The invoice includes the company name and registered address of both the customer and the LSP, their respective contact details, the project delivery date and time, the language pair, applicable unit prices, and a detailed breakdown of cost items and their delivery dates. This information pertains to the language services provided within the scope of the project description, as defined above. Particular attention is given to keeping the customer informed throughout the entire process with clear and transparent communication, including details on payment terms, payment methods, and any other required information.

Step 6: Project Manager Supervision

After determining the deadlines, budget, and area of expertise, and selecting the translation and localization team—including translators, localization experts, proofreaders, and editors—the file is delivered to the project manager for process management and supervision. The project manager moves the relevant project entry from the request-for-service records to the case follow-up section in the system management tool. A unique reference number is assigned to each project, and all projects are stored in the system in chronological order. This allows customers to access previous projects at any time using the assigned reference number, date, or project name.

Step 7: Assignment of Translators and Localization Experts

As part of the 16 process steps, information such as the project schedule, delivery date, and budget—entered into the system by the project manager—is sent in writing to the translators and localization experts, and written confirmation is obtained. This written confirmation is based on the project assignment documentation.

TRANSLATION AND LOCALIZATION PROCESS:

Step 8: Translator and Localization Expert Approval

The translation and localization process begins after receiving written confirmation from the translator(s) and localization expert(s). The translation process, which consists of three main stages, is described here (detailed information on the localization process is provided in Step 10).

A. Preparation and Creation of a Database

Implementation of localization strategies begins during the translation process. Translators and localization experts often collaborate even before the final localization process described in Step 10. They are provided with necessary resources, including applicable style guides maintained in archival records and databases, specialized glossaries, terminology, and translation memory (TM). These resources are either available in the in-house management system or provided by the customer to ensure the quality and efficiency of the translation and localization process and to support the team throughout. Additionally, translators and localization experts conduct their own preliminary research to assist with the relevant process steps. They use reference documents, take necessary notes, and perform any required preliminary work by reviewing the relevant area of expertise and sector-specific information. In the translation and localization of technical texts, they verify the technical terminology by conducting a literature review, confirming terms from parallel texts, and adding any missing terms to the database and translation memory. In this way, the database is continuously updated and its scope is consistently extended. During this process, terminology supervisors review the terms and reference documentation to support the team. Any missing or incorrect information is corrected to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date at all times. In this way, even challenging source texts can be accurately translated and localized into the target language without any problems.

B. Translation

One or more translators proceed with the translation after selecting the appropriate process based on project-specific requirements and customer requests. At this stage, one or more processes, such as standard translation, translation using computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, or machine translation post-editing (MTPE), can be adopted based on the customer’s instructions.

Selecting the optimal translation process according to project-specific requirements and customer requests is a cornerstone of a successful overall process. Factors such as project scope, target language, type of text, target audience, and any special requirements from the customer are all considered when selecting the translation process. At this stage, one or more translation methods can be adopted based on the project requirements.

1. Selection of Translation Process:

• Standard Translation Process: In this process, the translator translates the source text directly and independently. The translator conveys the message of the source text into the target language as effectively as possible, considering the textual meaning, wording, style, and context. Generally, this process is preferred when the source text is relatively simple and does not require specific technical knowledge.

2. Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools:

• Use of CAT Tools: Translators and localization experts can enhance efficiency in the translation and localization process by using computer-assisted translation tools. These tools include features such as translation memory (TM) and terminology databases, and they also allow translators and localization experts to reuse data from previous projects. Therefore, consistency across similar texts is maintained, and the time required for translation and localization is reduced.
• Translation Memory and Terminology: CAT tools create specific terminology databases to ensure consistency in terms and wording, and these databases are used throughout the project.

3. Machine Translation & Post-Editing (MTPE)

• Machine Translation: Machine translation (MT) is a technology that enables the rapid translation of source text into the target language. In this process, translation is performed using artificial intelligence (AI) and various algorithms. However, machine translation may generally fail to capture the context and cultural nuances of the source text.
• Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE): When machine translation is used, the generated text is typically reviewed and corrected by a translator or editor. At this stage, the translator or editor reviews the machine-generated translation and corrects the text in terms of grammar, meaning, and cultural nuances. The MTPE process minimizes errors associated with machine translation and enhances text readability for the target audience.

4. Application of Multiple Processes:

• Integrated Methods: In some projects, a combination of the standard translation process with technologies such as CAT tools or machine translation is used. This may require the integration of multiple methods at different stages of the overall translation process. For instance, machine translation might be used at the initial stage, while quality can be enhanced through editing by a translator or editor at later stages.

Each of these processes is selected and implemented based on the project requirements and customer requests. Translators and localization experts carefully manage each process to ensure the accuracy of the target text and the overall quality of the project. All words and terms are selected meticulously. The customer is contacted for consultation if there are any conflicting terms or ambiguities in the source text, and necessary adjustments are made based on the customer’s instructions and suggestions. Once the translation process is complete, the project manager is informed of the status update before proceeding with initial control and proofreading. The project manager then provides the customer with the necessary information about the progress of the project, as required.

C. Initial Control/Preliminary Review

The translator reads the target text carefully twice. Reading the target text twice is crucial for ensuring that the final text is excellent in terms of both grammar and content. Key considerations at each stage are detailed as follows:

1. Initial Control:

• Grammar and Spell Check: General grammar rules and spelling standards in the target language are reviewed during the initial reading. The translator identifies and corrects any grammatical errors, misspellings, and missing punctuation marks as needed. This is done to ensure grammatical accuracy and compliance with applicable spelling standards.
• Correction of Ambiguities: Any ambiguities are also reviewed during the initial reading. The translator identifies any expressions that might disrupt the original meaning of the source text or cause misunderstandings and makes the necessary corrections. The original meaning and context of the source text are preserved and conveyed to the target language as effectively as possible.

2. Preliminary Review:

• Light Editing in Basic Categories: The text is reviewed for basic categories during the preliminary review. This includes editing the overall structure, headings, paragraphs, and sections of the text. In addition, any necessary minor corrections are made to ensure that the target audience fully understands the text.
• Public or Private Organization Approval: If the text is intended for submission to a public institution or private organization, compliance with the relevant requirements of that institution or organization is also checked during the preliminary review. It is ensured that the text complies with applicable institutional standards and requirements and is prepared for official approval, if needed. For notary public documents, procedures are carried out in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations, including the Notary Act.

3. Secondary Reading and Detailed Review:

• Line-by-Line Review: The translator reviews the text line by line to identify and correct any translation errors. This in-depth review ensures that every part of the text is translated accurately and that the original meaning is fully conveyed in the target language.
• Textual Consistency: Consistency throughout the text is ensured. This includes consistent use of terminology and expressions, textual fluency, and overall coherence. Consistency between individual sections and across the entire text is ensured.

4. Final Controls:

• Simplicity, Fluency, and Integrity: Simplicity, fluency, and integrity are maintained in the target text. At this stage, the goal is to ensure that the target audience easily comprehends the text by eliminating any ambiguities.
• Basic Corrections: Through basic corrections made during the preliminary and detailed reviews, the final text is prepared for delivery to the project manager. The final text is thoroughly and accurately edited, with attention to both grammar and content.

5. Delivery:

• Delivery to the Project Manager: Once the translation process is complete, the final text is submitted to the project manager on the specified delivery date and time. During delivery, all corrections and editing must be completed, and the final text must comply with the project standards.

This detailed process guarantees the quality and accuracy of the translated text and ensures that the final version meets the customer’s requests. Review and corrections made at each stage ensure excellent completion of the translation process, in terms of both grammar and content.

TRANSLATION AND LOCALIZATION CONTROL

Step 9: Assignment of Proofreaders/Editors

Editing Process and Objectives:

1. Editor’s Role and Procedure:

• Editing After Preliminary Review: After the translator and/or localization expert completes the preliminary review of the text, it is delivered to the assigned editor. The editing process begins to make final revisions to the text, focusing on grammar and content. After the translator’s preliminary review, the editor conducts an in-depth review of the text.

2. Editing Process Steps:

• Basic Checks:

  • Spelling: Spelling errors in the text are corrected. At this stage, compliance with spelling rules and linguistic standards is ensured.
  • Grammar: The grammatical structures of the text are reviewed. Incorrect tenses, inflections, and other grammatical inconsistencies are corrected.
  • Consistency: Textual inconsistencies, such as inconsistent use of terms and formatting, are corrected. Consistent use of the same terms and expressions is maintained throughout the text.
  • Format: The formal structure and format of the text are checked. Headings, paragraphs, number formats, and other formatting elements are reviewed.

• Correct Use of Language and Eliminating Ambiguities:

  • Double Meanings and Ambiguities: Expressions with double meanings and ambiguities in the text are clarified and corrected. This is crucial for the reader to fully understand the target text.
  • Redundant Words and Misuse: Errors in the text, such as redundant words, misuse of words, and incorrect word order, are corrected.
  • Proverbs and Terms: Any ambiguities in the use of proverbs and terms are carefully reviewed. Incorrect or inadequate terms are corrected.
  • Syntactic and Structural Errors: Syntactic and structural errors, such as logical errors, redundant use of auxiliary verbs, missing pronouns, lack of subject-verb agreement, and missing indirect objects and adverbs, are corrected.
  • Correct Use of Active and Passive Voice and Handling Missing Objects: Errors such as incorrect use of active and passive voice, missing objects, and incorrect subject use are reviewed and corrected accordingly.

• Terminology and Formatting Review:

  • Field-Specific Terminology: The text is reviewed to ensure compliance with field-specific terminology, including academic, legal, medical, economic, business, financial, literary, social, and technical terms. Textual accuracy is ensured by adhering to the correct use of field-specific terminology and jargon.
  • Use of Foreign Words: The correct use of foreign or loan words, and whether their counterparts in the target language can be used, is reviewed.
  • Copyrighted Materials and Academic Publishing Formats: Translations of copyrighted materials are reviewed according to the relevant formatting. For academic publishing, compliance with the rules and standards set by the relevant institution is ensured.
  • Advertising and Website Content: Customer-oriented translation and localization reviews are conducted. Advertising and website content are reviewed for coherence and appeal to the target audience.

3. Editing Goals and Results:

• Ensuring the Text is Complete and Error-Free: The primary objective of the editing process is to ensure that the target text is complete and error-free with respect to grammar, spelling, formatting, and content. In addition, the target text is revised to ensure compliance with the rules and standards defined by the relevant institution to which the text is to be submitted. Any additional requests or requirements from the customer, publisher, or author are also considered.
• Text Coherence, Fine-Tuning, and Nuances: Overall text coherence, fine-tuning, and nuances are preserved in the target text. Each word or phrase is reviewed to ensure it is used accurately and in the correct context, and any alternative words or phrases are also checked. This review enhances the overall quality of the text and ensures that the message is effectively conveyed to the target audience.

4. Editing and Proofreading Approaches:

• Comment-Free Editing: According to the recommendation of the Turkish Language Association (TDK), editing or proofreading may be carried out without providing comments on the text. This means correcting errors by making the necessary changes directly in the text.
• ‘Track Changes’ Tab: Alternatively, changes made during the editing or proofreading process can be documented using the ‘Track Changes’ feature and accompanied by comments. This method provides a transparent view of changes, including their justifications and details.

This comprehensive editing process guarantees that the target text is delivered with high quality and free of errors in both grammar and content. In addition, meticulous control measures taken during this process, which involve an in-depth review of every detail in the text, help meet both customer expectations and professional standards.

Step 10: Localization Process

1. The Definition and Significance of Localization:

• Cultural Adaptation and Ensuring Linguistic Coherence: Localization is the process of adapting a text or translation to align with the cultural norms, practices, and contemporary language use of the target audience. This process ensures that the resulting text feels natural and integrated within the target audience’s culture and language. Localization goes beyond ensuring linguistic coherence; it also involves adapting the target text to the geographical and cultural context of the country where it will be published.

2. Scope of the Localization Process:

• Grammar and Cultural Knowledge: Localization involves more than just understanding the grammar and spelling rules of the target language. Translators and localization experts must have extensive knowledge of how words and expressions have evolved over time, regional language variations, and the accurate use of proverbs and idioms. This knowledge is critical for accurately reflecting the cultural context and local meaning of the source text.
• Accurate Use of Words and Phrases: Localization involves finding appropriate equivalents for specific words and phrases in the target language. For instance, the term “teşebbüs” (English equivalent: venture) may be appropriate in a Turkish legal text, but its use in IT texts or user manuals might be inaccurate. Such distinctions are essential for the accurate and effective localization of the source text.

3. Factors to Consider in the Localization Process:

• Cultural References and Idioms: Idioms, proverbs, and other cultural references in the source text are replaced with appropriate equivalents that align with the local context. This ensures that the target audience not only easily understands the message but also finds it familiar and relatable. For example, an idiom or proverb specific to a foreign culture is replaced with a similar one that aligns with the target culture.
• Contemporary Language Use: Both translators and localization experts need to be well-versed in both formal and colloquial language, including any jargon and slang if relevant. This ensures that the target text is natural and fluent. In addition, obsolete or outdated language elements are replaced with their contemporary counterparts as necessary.

4. Text Types and Sector-Specific Localization:

• Sectoral Characteristics: The localization process is tailored to meet the sector-specific needs of the target text. For instance, aspects such as the localization of technical terms and interface elements in software projects, adaptation for search engine optimization (SEO) and user experience (UX) in web content, and cultural adaptation in promotional advertising texts are all considered.
• Localization by Text Type: Aspects such as using creative language in the localization of literary texts, employing proper legal terminology in contracts, and meeting domain-specific requirements in other types of text are all considered.

5. Review and Final Approval:

• Editing/Proofreading and Localization: The editor or proofreader with localization experience reviews the changes made during the localization process. In this process, the target text is reviewed to ensure that the changes are appropriate from both cultural and linguistic perspectives. If there are any omissions, errors, or inconsistencies in the localized text, these errors are corrected.
• Final Delivery and Approval: Once the localization process and any other required revisions are completed, the target text is delivered to the project manager. The project manager informs the customer that the localized text is now in the final review stage. The project manager ensures that the localized text is reviewed for content, text integrity, coherence, and formatting. The file is submitted for final approval if there are no omissions, errors, or other inconsistencies in the text.

6. Translator and Localization Expert Notes and Comments:

• Translator’s/Localization Expert’s Notes: In some cases, a ‘translator’s note’ or ‘localization expert’s note’ is provided during the localization process. These notes are used to clarify special circumstances or cultural context in the text, helping the target audience better understand the message.

The localization process described here is a critical step in ensuring that the localized text is accurate and effective, not only from a linguistic perspective but also in terms of cultural and contextual relevance. At this stage, the text is fully localized for the target audience, ensuring that the message is conveyed naturally and clearly to the reader.

Step 11: Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA)

LQA refers to the process of evaluating and ensuring the linguistic quality of translated or localized content and involves systematic checks to confirm that the text meets specific standards for accuracy, consistency, fluency, and appropriateness for the target audience. In this step, the project manager and project coordinator work together to prepare the target text and all project deliverables for final approval, as described in Step 12 below. The LQA score of the localized content is calculated based on acceptance criteria aligned with the applicable quality and style guides, as well as the opinions and suggestions of team members. The localized text is checked for critical, major, and minor errors according to the LQA criteria. For critical errors, the text is checked for overall consistency, translation or localization issues, and accurate use of terminology. For major errors, the text is reviewed for language, grammar, terminology, context, and company standards. Special attention is given to spelling, punctuation, semantics, style, and tone for minor errors. If any issues require clarification at this stage, the customer is contacted to provide their input. Notes and comments from the localization team, including language experts and editors, are reviewed. The project manager and project coordinator then discuss and decide on the necessary changes and adaptations. Localization quality and service excellence are ensured through the LQA process.

Step 12: Final Approval

Final Approval is the last step in the translation and localization process, involving the final review of the target text before its delivery to the customer. This step includes a comprehensive review to guarantee the quality and accuracy of the localized text.

PROJECT DELIVERY

Step 13: Delivery

After completing the translation, localization, initial review, proofreading/editing, and final approval steps, and upon the project manager’s approval, the target text and all other project deliverables are delivered to the customer on the requested date and time. The customer is asked if there are any additional requests for the project deliverable. If there are, further processes are carried out accordingly. Once the delivered project meets the customer’s satisfaction and no further processes are required, we proceed to the next step.

Step 14: Invoicing

The service charge, determined based on the quote, is invoiced to the customer. The invoice includes a detailed breakdown of language services provided, applicable unit prices, and any additional costs. The invoice is then delivered to the customer free of charge via courier on the same day.

Step 15: Customer Satisfaction Survey

After the final project is delivered, a customer satisfaction survey is conducted either verbally by phone or via email to assess customer satisfaction. The survey aims to assess customer satisfaction with the services rendered by focusing on criteria such as translation and localization quality, delivery time, customer communication, and overall service experience. Typically sent via email, this survey collects detailed feedback from the customer and allows them to provide suggestions for improvements based on their experience throughout the translation and localization process. The survey results are analyzed to improve service quality and ensure customer satisfaction, and any necessary adjustments are made to the process. This feedback offers valuable insights that help us continuously improve our service standards and better meet customer needs.

PERMANENT ARCHIVING

Step 16: Archival Storage Service

The approved localization projects are stored and maintained in the digital archive system for permanent archiving as the final step. This process ensures secure storage of archived localization projects and allows for easy future access. First, backups of the approved localization documents are created in digital format on two separate computers. This measure ensures dual protection against data loss and safeguards localization documents in case of hardware failure.

After the backup process is complete, the documents are transferred to a digital data repository or secure storage medium. This digital data repository adheres to high security standards and is protected against unauthorized access. A unique code is assigned to each project file. This project code helps quickly locate the correct file and contributes to an organized archiving system.

Thanks to this process, the customer can access the archived files at any date and time as needed. The archiving system is designed to ensure the continuity and accessibility of archived files, allowing access to previous localization projects at any time upon request.

Quality Assurance

Our clients are well-informed about localization quality through clear and transparent information on our in-house procedures and the 16-step translation and localization process, which we provide along with our quote and delivery schedule. This procedure encompasses a comprehensive translation and localization process, with each step clearly defined and quality standards maintained throughout. Our clients are assured that their translation and localization projects are securely stored and accessible whenever needed, as the archiving process is included in our quality assurance scope.