Because I manage a nonprofit translation team that I launched over a decade ago, I have had the opportunity to conduct various experiments related to translation feedback. The results of my experiments with three different groups are eye-opening.
- Group #1 involved 3 volunteer translators who worked approximately 5 hours per month for 3 years. They participated in several workshops and were provided with Antidote correction software which gives some feedback. They also were given their revised translations to see the changes made. On average, these translators improved their translation quality by about 25% in 3 years.
- Group #2 included three volunteer translators who worked about 3 hours per month for 3 years. For various reasons, they had no feedback and participated in no workshops. On average, these translators only improved their translation quality by about 6% in 3 years.
- Group #3 was made up of three summer students who worked 30 hours per week for only 6 weeks. They received self-directed training, specific individual feedback by way of comments inserted in their translations and were provided with Antidote correction software which gives some feedback. On average, these translators improved their translation quality by 15% in only 6 weeks.
What can we learn from these experiments?
- Translators can improve slightly over time just with the experience they are gaining.
- Translators improve much more with training and feedback.
- Translators can improve rapidly when training, feedback and experience are condensed into a short time period.
What this means for you is that the quickest way to become a good translator is to receive both training and feedback, as soon as possible! Let me know how I can help in this area.
Have a great day!
Liane 🙂
www.LearnTranslation.com
www.NonprofitTranslation.org
