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Should I tell my project manager the truth?
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Thread poster: Oxana Salazar

Should I tell my project manager the truth?

Christine Andersen

Denmark
Local time: 12:12

Member (2003)
Danish to English
+ ...

Proofreaders ought to give a balanced picture

Nov 16, 2009

Rudolf Vedo CT wrote:

Here's a thought, though - if we feel compelled to comment on any poor translation - even if we think the PM will figure it out anyway - shouldn't we be consistent and also point out those we think are exceptionally good?

I wonder how many of us have ever done that.

I always try to start with the postive things.

I learnt this from a colleague whp proofread my work in the early days.
He alway started by telling me what was GOOD about my work. ("You can make a note of that for next time - you found a neat way of putting it there...")

For a beginner that sort of thing is just as important as avoiding mistakes! They also have to learn what is really good, and what is aceptable but could be improved (and why)...
Besides, when criticism comes, it is far easier to accept it and learn from it too.

In fact, I aways give an indication of the overall quality IMHO, as positive as possible! ´generally fine´ or ´apart from the sections I have corrected, this was good´ ´Reads well on the whole´ or whatever. Then the PM knows I mean it on occasions when I say the translation is unacceptable.

Quality is a positive thing, not just the absence of typos or gross blunders.

OrlainIrel

Ireland
Local time: 11:12

Member (2006)
Dutch to English
+ ...

It's vital that the main message gets across

Jan 4, 2010

I think that you should say something, because it's vital that this woman has her medication with her all the time, and this message should have been emphasised in the translated text. The project manager would need to go back to the translator and talk to them about this.