Understanding the TEP Process (Translation, Editing, Proofreading) for Better Translations
Did you know that TEP (Translation, Editing, and Proofreading) is not even recognized by most customers who use translation services? Whereas, in the language industry, this step is essential to guarantee high-quality results. The TEP process enables translations to be read accurately and conveniently.
Without it, professional translators lose the original sense. If you want to know how professional translations are able to sustain their quality, you have come to the right place. Read below for information about what TEP is and why this process is essential.
Understanding the TEP Process
TEP stands for Translation, Editing, and Proofreading. These three phases form a complete process used by expert translators in order to come up with first-class translations. In fact, the process has been recognized as a standard in the industry.
Even ISO 17100 (the international standard for translation services) recommends TEP as the best practice for achieving reliable and accurate translation. Skipping one or more of the phases may reduce turnaround time but ultimately compromises the overall quality and clarity of the final product.
Translation
At this first stage, the translator deconstructs the source text, your instructions, and the target audience. They usually also conduct additional research to make sure that they are accurate and culturally appropriate.
Using computer-assisted translation (CAT) software, they draft the translation. CAT programs often include translation memory, glossaries, spell check features, and in-context previews, which can maintain accuracy and consistency throughout your project. If a translation is completed well in step 1, any work that follows will be more productive and meaningful.
Read more: How General Translation Helps Businesses Expand in Indonesia
Editing
The next stage involves a second linguist, someone other than the original translator. Their role is to review the translation for clarity, flow, and alignment with your requirements. The editing team will compare the translated text to the source text to identify any misreadings or contextual errors.
This is far from a one-stage encounter. It is usually a back-and-forth process, with the editor, the translator, and possibly you as a client involved (multiple revisions are helpful!).
The editor may explain how they thought about their changes, and the translator will respond. The translator may reject the editor’s suggestion and propose a suggestion that is better than the original choice or the revisions.
This stage changes the translation from a simple literal conversion of words to a text with an original feel, and is readable. Careful editing can bring an additional level of polish to the translation, enhancing the final message.
Proofreading
This is the last quality control step before the translation is made available. The last step assumes you have followed steps 1-4 (translation, editing, formatting, and review).
After those steps, you have the new text, and at this stage, a third linguist is reading through the text and scanning it for both typographical errors and spelling errors, awkward phrases, and errors that can stop a reader from flowing through his or her thought process. This is by far the easiest step, because if you are properly proofreading your translation, it is now ready to be published.
Think of proofreading as your last opportunity to remove any mistakes you may have missed that occurred during your translating and editing jobs. Proofreading is not just reading the document quickly; it is reading it again thoroughly and properly!
Can the Roles of Translator, Editor, and Proofreader Be Handled by One Person?
In principle, the roles of translator, editor, and proofreader can all be taken on by the same person. However, in the professional language industry, this is generally not recommended.
The key point is that every phase of the TEP workflow gains value from a new perspective. Generally, translators who self-edit and self-proof their translations are more likely to overlook errors—not due to carelessness, but because their brains have already processed the text deeply enough to develop familiarity. This phenomenon is particularly true of minor issues like typos, awkwardness of words or sentences, and minor inconsistencies. These usually stand out with fresh eyes.
The editor brings value by approaching the text from the reader’s perspective, rather than the writer’s. The proofreader, as the “last line of defense” focuses on surface-level issues and formatting consistency. When these roles are performed by separate individuals, each stage acts an additional filter, collectively enhancing the overall quality of the work.
That said, with smaller projects or limited budgets, it is fine for one person to perform all three roles (translator, editor, and proofreader). If this is the case, it is critical to build a time delay between each step. For example, allowing a day or two before editing or proofreading your translation helps you approach the text with a clearer, more objective mindset.
Why TEP Matters in the Translation Project
Here’s why the TEP process is so important for your next translation project:
1. Quality Assurance
TEP provides a layered system of quality control. Because each stage is looked at from a fresh perspective, there is a greatly reduced risk of mistakes getting through. The result will be a translation that is of much higher professional standard and clearly communicates the message you intended.
During the first stage, translators are not simply substituting words, but are considering details like context, target audience, and your specific directions. After that, the editing and proofreading stages will ensure that all of the text can be read without stumbling and accurately reflect its intended message.
There is usually a need for this type of precision for complicated translations, whether in the marketing, medical, or legal fields. Errors in these fields can carry serious consequences, whether they affect patient safety, legal outcomes, or brand reputation.
2. Risk Mitigation
Translation errors can lead to costly consequences, such as financial losses, legal disputes, or even reputational damage. The TEP process helps protect you from these risks by applying a thorough review at every stage.
Once the translation is finished, translators focus on meaning and fidelity; editors refine clarity, flow, and readability; and proofreaders address surface-level issues that may affect the final use. Together, these three phases create multiple layers of protection, eliminating the risk of errors before they become an issue.
3. Consistency
When working on larger-scale projects and with various clients, consistency can be the difference between a smooth reading experience and one that is not. TEP creates this consistency by utilizing translation memory tools and glossaries to make sure they are using the same terminology.
This is magnified when there are multiple translators working on the project. Without a shared lexicon, inconsistencies in tone or word choice can disrupt the reader’s experience and lead to confusion. With the TEP process, you can be confident that your tone, word choice, and style are consistent from beginning to end.
4. Customer Satisfaction
Ultimately, the aim is your satisfaction. A high-quality translation will meet your expectations, perhaps even exceed them. Once you continuously receive content that is reliable, accurate, and polished, you will likely build trust with your service provider.
Another consideration is when to use TEP. If you are dealing with a brand-specific document or a very important legal document, a poorly produced translation is probably worth little (or worse yet, could hurt your reputation). With TEP, you can be confident that every detail of the translation has been thoroughly reviewed, re-evaluated, and polished by multiple professionals.
Want to Bring Your Translation Project to the Next Level?
In conclusion, the TEP process is a framework designed to safeguard the accuracy, clarity, and professionalism of your every translation. Bringing together qualified translators, careful editors, and meticulous proofreaders gives your content the best chance to achieve your audience and intended purpose.
If you want to get your business messaging delivered correctly in international markets, particularly Southeast Asia, Digital-Trans Asia has a team to support you. This area is one of the fastest-growing economic hubs in the world. As an authoritative localization and translation service provider in Southeast Asia, we have the knowledge, experience, and understanding of the languages, cultures, and market trends here. Contact us now for a free consultation and start your global expansion today. Explore exciting opportunities on our careers page!