Match the translation to its purpose
A research article, participant information sheet, interview guide and conference presentation have different audiences. A technical article needs precise terminology; participant-facing material needs language the intended reader can understand. The institution or ethics committee determines any formal validation requirements.
Agree a terminology record
Provide the source text, glossary, existing translations and any approved institutional wording. Define how abbreviations, names, units and specialist concepts should be handled. Ambiguous sentences should be resolved with the author before translating them.
Check consistency against the source
Review numbers, tables, references, exclusions and qualifications in parallel with the original. Language polishing must not change the strength of a claim or remove a limitation. If back-translation, independent review or certification is required, that must be separately confirmed.
Prepare the version for its readers
An agreed deliverable may include the translated document, a terminology list and queries for author approval. For questionnaires or validated scales, check permission and adaptation requirements before altering the wording.
Scope, files and delivery
Start with a short project brief. We assess the work, discuss the expertise required and confirm the deliverables, fee, schedule and included revisions in writing. Share the current version and the instructions that govern it. Additional data, a new target journal or a substantially changed brief may require a revised scope. You review the proposed changes and retain responsibility for the research.