The Importance of Proof-reading

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3rd October 2014

Proofreading involves checking over a given text in finer detail after the editing stage, to detect errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and format.

Proof-reading is an important part of the translation process. The time and money spent on creating the perfect content is wasted if poor grammar is introduced in the translated version.

How do you feel when you come across badly written content or text with misspelt words? Does it give you confidence about the business or author?

Do I need Proof-reading?

A BBC column by author and Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway argues that typos and spelling mistakes don’t really matter. The general idea being that creatives should concentrate on their “ability to write something that provokes a response” as “although the indignation of mortals on typos is overdone, it is usually harmless enough”.

Others go even further and suggest that the insertion of accidental, or even purposeful incorrect spellings can increase the engagement of online blogs and media. One only has to spend a short amount of time on any popular website before seeing comment threads that have been invaded by “Grammar Nazis”, hell bent on making sure everyone knows the correct use of the Oxford comma and where they should stick their apostrophes! While arguments about the rightful place of the diacritic may not contribute a great deal to the overall subject under discussion, it does mean that social media engagement figures will show an upward trend when it comes to giving a presentation to management.

While the somewhat laissez-faire attitude towards grammar might work in the examples above, in many other situations, bad grammar will be the first thing noticed by a potential Client, leading to a disastrous first impression. Sam Shank, CEO and Co-Founder at HotelTonight and one of LinkedIn’s “Influencers” says that the number two reason for not hiring someone is a typo on the CV – “Speaking of attention to detail, typos are another non-starter […] First impressions matter”.

As a content creator, whether it be blogs, online articles, or opinion pieces, it seems clear that the rules can differ depending on the audience. When addressing the public, or users of a particular website, using an irreverent or comedic style can be fine and the use of proper grammar, or lack of, may not matter. In some cases, it might even increase the audience, as people delight in pointing out the most obvious of errors (I’m looking at you, Mail Online!).

When it comes to business communication though, sloppy grammar is inexcusable and it may well end up losing you the Client. Not only do first impressions count when it comes to proposals, but poorly constructed sentences may also suggest a lack of care and attention to detail – traits a potential Client doesn’t want to see when deciding who to hand over their project to.

Why is proofreading important?

1.     Your content represents your business.

A precisely written article, accurate web translation, or well researched legal and medical texts, without any spelling or grammatical errors, creates a good impression on your prospects and clients. It suggests you are serious about your business, you’re articulate and you pay attention to detail.

2.     Proof-reading in international translation.

Translation has opened doors to many businesses and especially firms trying to make capital in international markets. With businesses trying to win over international customers, attention to detail during translation is paramount. Minor differences in word choices can totally change the meaning of sentences, which could impact severely the quality and accuracy of the final production.

3. Proofreading is not just a spell check.

It involves making sure that sentences are grammatically and stylistically accurate and reflect their ‘original’ intended meaning.

4.     It indorses linguistic correctness.

Proof-reading involves identification and correction. Defects in translation are commonly of 5 types, as follows:

“I went for a walk”

“I went for a walk”

Summary

Foreign Tongues Translation will help you avoid these pitfalls by providing our proof-reading service for any translation undertaken, either in-house or by contracted third parties. Our proofreading service gives peace of mind when it comes to foreign versioning your important documentation and should be considered a vital step in the translation process for any business communications.

Contact us now for your free, no-obligation, quote.