Maintaining Translations

Once a document has been translated, courts should adopt a process to ensure that the translation is updated in a timely manner when there is a revision. Below are tips for maintaining translations.

  • Create a process for saving, accessing, and centralizing all translations in a location on your network.
  • Ensure that the English language source file is stored along with the translations and that the translation filenames are easily understood (e.g., Spanish version).
  • Save the project scope with the translations.
  • Create a tracking log for all translations and include the language and date translated, the document version/revision date, network location, and translation provider information.
  • Monitor revisions to existing documents. Try to go back to the same translator so that minor revisions are easily made and to reduce costs.
  • Remove outdated translations if significantly different from the source document.
  • Reserve funding for ongoing translation updates.
  • Ensure the continuity of translation maintenance and operations in the event of staff changes.
  • Ensure that all staff who work on producing material for web content or hard copy documents are aware of the court’s translation process.

For additional tips and resources, please return to the Translation Project Guide home page.