Back Translation
Back Translation is a quality check method used in the translation industry where a translated document is translated back into its original language by a different translator. For example, if a text was translated from English to Spanish, another translator would convert that Spanish version back to English without seeing the original. This helps catch errors, cultural misunderstandings, and meaning changes in important documents like medical texts, legal contracts, or marketing materials. It's like having a second pair of eyes double-check the work, but in a way that reveals if the meaning stayed the same through the translation process.
Examples in Resumes
Performed Back Translation for medical device documentation from Japanese to English
Managed quality assurance through Back Translation processes for pharmaceutical trials
Led team of 5 translators in Back Translation projects for legal documents
Implemented Back-Translation workflow for marketing materials in 12 languages
Typical job title: "Back Translators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Back Translators
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Online Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a back translation project for a large clinical trial?
Expected Answer: A senior translator should discuss project management aspects, including team coordination, consistency checks, handling terminology databases, timeline management, and specific requirements for medical/clinical translations.
Q: What process would you implement to ensure quality in back translations?
Expected Answer: Should explain development of style guides, glossary creation, review processes, reconciliation meetings, and how to handle discrepancies between forward and back translations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key differences between regular translation and back translation?
Expected Answer: Should explain how back translation focuses on meaning rather than style, the importance of working independently from the forward translator, and the reconciliation process.
Q: How do you handle cultural nuances in back translation?
Expected Answer: Should discuss identification of cultural-specific terms, handling of idioms, and methods to flag potential cultural misunderstandings in the translation.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of back translation?
Expected Answer: Should explain that back translation is a quality control method to verify accuracy of translations, especially important in fields like medical and legal where precision is crucial.
Q: What tools do you use in back translation projects?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic translation memory tools, terminology management systems, and quality checking software used in the industry.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic translation skills in specific language pair
- Familiarity with translation tools
- Understanding of back translation process
- Basic quality checking abilities
Mid (2-5 years)
- Experience with medical or legal translations
- Project coordination abilities
- Advanced language pair expertise
- Quality assurance procedures
Senior (5+ years)
- Multiple language pair expertise
- Project management experience
- Industry specialization (medical/legal)
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No certification or formal translation training
- Lack of experience in specialized fields (medical, legal, technical)
- No knowledge of translation tools or quality assurance processes
- Poor understanding of cultural differences
Related Terms
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