Effective Proofreading for Translators
The aim of this course is to provide translators with an understanding of what skills are required for proofreading a document and ensuring optimum quality. The course covers all aspects of a typical ‘quality assurance’ workflow that should be followed before delivering any final document. It is suitable for translators who wish to offer an extra service to their clients or simply want to increase the quality of the work they deliver. At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:
1. Understand publishing processes and the proofreader’s place in it;
2. Understand methods of proofreading;
3. Understand the basic concepts of MS Word revision tool and Acrobat notes;
4. Understand special mark-up symbols for inserting, deleting, comments;
5. Understand punctuation;
6. Understand spelling and grammar;
7. Understand document formatting issues.
COURSE OUTLINE
Understanding publishing processes and the proofreader’s place in it: This section addresses important issues regarding the role of the translator within the “publishing" process. Regardless whether documents are published or not, the proofreader should always bear in mind that the document they deliver should be “camera-ready”.
Understanding methods of proofreading: This section addresses common proofreading methods and techniques.
Understanding the basic concepts of MS Word revision tool and Acrobat notes: This section gives an overview of MS Word revision tool and Acrobat notes and how to use both of them effectively.
Understanding special mark-up symbols for inserting, deleting, comments: This section provides guidelines on how to highlight and mark-up changes, insert missing parts, translator’s notes, comments.
Understanding punctuation: This section explains the checks that need to be carried out with regard to punctuation, numbers, dates, double spaces, comma+space, semicolon+space, colon+space, contractions, apostrophes, etc.
Understanding spelling and grammar: This section provides an overview of common spelling and grammar issues and how to highlight them.
Understanding document formatting issues: This section provides examples of different document formatting issues and how to handle them, such as spacing between lines, page numbering, tables and captions, etc.
Exercises: At the end of the course, the participants are given a simple individual exercises and then work in groups, do some exercises, and give a simple presentation at the end.
a. Create a proofreading checklist (individual activity).
b. Complex proofreading test: how do you do it?
BIOGRAPHY Roberto has worked at Star Group (Italian, Swiss and Spanish branches) for almost 5 years and now trains clients and translators in using Star CAT tool, as well as training junior translators, and presenting regularly at conferences. He also provides general and specific IT training.
