Localization projects are intricate in that they require a blend of linguistic expertise, technical know-how, and strategic vision. At the heart of any successful localization effort lies a pivotal role: the solutions architect (SA). An SA’s involvement goes far beyond initial setups, as Terra CEO Marina Ilari explains. “SAs play a very important role in building and maintaining long-term client relationships. They act as proactive, trusted partners who are committed our clients’ success.”  

Let’s explore the multifaceted responsibilities of solutions architects and their impact on long-term partnerships.  

Building a Foundation of Trust 

Throughout the localization process, trust between a client and its translation team is the cornerstone of a successful partnership. Projects often involve sensitive data and high-stakes outcomes, making it essential for both parties to be willing to build strong relationships from the start. SAs are instrumental in fostering this trust by prioritizing open communication and recognizing each client’s unique needs. 

“Genuine relationships with clients rest on trust and proactive conversations,” says Sara Rodríguez, a solutions architect at Terra. “An SA ensures that clients feel supported from the first day by taking the time to understand their concerns, aspirations, and preferences.” This personalized approach lays the groundwork for collaboration and ensures that clients feel confident throughout the process.  

Tailored Solutions for Every Challenge 

Localization isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Every client has distinct goals and challenges, and it’s the job of a solutions architect to design workflows that address these nuances. From Translation Management Systems (TMS) to automation tools, SAs leverage a range of technologies to create scalable solutions. 

“We develop strategies to address bottlenecks in workflows, for example, or we’ll integrate technology like CAT tools,” says Sara. “I’ll often be working to streamline processes to meet a client’s business goals like market expansion or regulatory compliance,” she adds. 

By tailoring workflows to meet specific requirements, SAs ensure that translation projects achieve their immediate objectives, while also remaining flexible for any adjustments clients need to make in the future. For instance, by implementing secure TMS systems with role-based access and real-time quality checks, Terra’s SAs have helped clients manage high-volume, time-sensitive projects with confidence in the moment, while ensuring those same systems and checks will remain workable for clients down the line.  

Supporting Growth Through Continuous Optimization 

Delivering results is only the beginning of a solutions architect’s work. As they stay actively involved throughout the lifetime of a project, they provide support and refine processes along the way. This iterative approach not only boosts operational efficiency but also ensures adaptability in industries like gaming or healthcare, where localization needs can evolve rapidly. 

Soledad Coronel, one of our solutions architects, explains, “The goal is to apply industry best practices in design and development, which include design patterns, scalable architecture, and quality standards.” An SA’s commitment keeps workflows robust and adaptable so clients continue to meet their objectives. 

One notable example of effective continuous optimization that we executed at Terra involved a high-volume video game task that required localization into 15 languages under tight deadlines. The SA in charge developed a workflow that featured contextualization tools and automated checks throughout the life of the project, which resulted in our delivering high-quality translations on time.    

Language, Technology, and the Irreplaceable Human Touch 

In today’s localization landscape, technology is indispensable. But even with advances in AI and automation, the human element remains essential to the localization process. SAs know firsthand the subtleties of what human translators bring to the table, and in an increasingly tech-driven world, SAs reinforce the importance of the human touch by leveraging it in the right places. 

“Translators and linguists bring cultural nuances and idiomatic accuracy that machines can’t replicate,” says Soledad. “Our role requires us to understand that gap between human linguistic expertise and cutting-edge technical solutions, so we can effectively implement the strengths of both.”  

From automating repetitive tasks to managing the human element of complex workflows, SAs bring clarity and optimal efficiency to every project, all while staying true to the client’s vision.  

“Our work really demands a unique blend of cultural sensitivity, technical expertise, and strategic thinking,” Soledad adds. “And then, beyond understanding those tools, it’s about aligning those them with client objectives to deliver impactful results.” 

Conclusion 

The role of a solutions architect is pivotal to achieving successful and long-term client relationships in localization. By combining technical knowledge, cultural insight, and a client-first approach, SAs help businesses navigate the complexities of global markets with confidence.   

Their work not only addresses immediate project needs, but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth and continued success. For any organization aiming to excel in localization, partnering with a skilled solutions architect is a step toward achieving impactful and lasting results.

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The Evolution of the Translator’s Role 

Translators have always adapted to technological changes, from the rise of computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and translation memories two decades ago to the more recent integration of machine translation systems. Now, AI has entered the scene, promising to streamline translation processes further. But rather than replacing human translators, AI is becoming part of an evolving toolkit that enhances the human touch. 

Today, translators are shifting away from purely linguistic tasks and are now managing AI-driven tools that combine translation memory, machine translation, and terminology databases. These advanced platforms enable translators to work more efficiently, maintaining consistency across large-scale projects. Instead of focusing on line-by-line translation, professionals are increasingly tasked with refining and contextualizing AI-generated content, especially in areas where AI struggles to capture cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions. 

While this new technology can handle the bulk of a translation, the human touch remains essential in ensuring the final product resonates with local audiences. This dynamic underscores the emerging partnership between AI and human translators, where technology augments human capabilities rather than replacing them entirely. 

A Radical Shift in Skills 

As the industry transforms, so too must the skill set of professional translators. Familiarity with AI and machine learning is becoming increasingly important, and translators are now expected to understand how to train and manage AI translation models. In addition to linguistic expertise, they must develop technical skills, ranging from using AI tools to analyzing data that informs the translation process. 

Moreover, the human element of translation remains crucial. Cultural sensitivity, deep contextual understanding, and the ability to adapt content for specific audiences are skills that machines cannot yet master. Translators who enhance their proficiency in these areas, along with the technical aspects of AI, will find themselves better positioned to thrive in this new landscape. 

Adapting to Change: A Necessity for Translators 

In a rapidly evolving industry, adapting to new technologies is vital. Those hesitant to embrace these innovations may find themselves falling behind as AI continues to revolutionize workflows. Conversely, translators who engage in ongoing professional development and learn how to integrate AI into their processes can increase their value to clients and extend their capabilities. 

Embracing change allows translators to not only maintain their place in the industry but also enhance their work quality and expand the scope of their services. Those who adapt will emerge as skilled professionals capable of balancing technology with the irreplaceable human touch. 

The Takeaway 

The world of translation is evolving quickly, but rather than viewing AI as a threat, it should be seen as an opportunity for growth. Human translators will always be essential in providing the cultural and contextual knowledge that machines cannot replicate.

The post The New Role of Translators in the AI Era appeared first on Terra Translations.

Sara Rodríguez, one of our solutions architects, describes her job as “an essential link between technological innovation and individual client requirements” in the language industry. Indeed, Terra’s SAs must extend themselves beyond the traditional scope of an IT role because their work calls for close collaboration with a broad range of specialists. Solutions Architect Soledad Coronel notes that for any given project, she’ll find herself in “intensive communication with linguists, translators, and localization experts,” meaning Terra’s SAs are constantly extending themselves beyond the scope of what many would consider traditional for an IT team member.

The Core Responsibilities of Solutions Architects 

Localization SAs design workflows, oversee these technologies, and ensure linguistic quality, making sure to balance both the technical and cultural considerations of any project. They handle everything from selecting translation management tools to automating workflows that streamline processes, all while upholding linguistic integrity. 

As Sara explains, “We build out customized solutions to optimize localization processes. We want to ensure that linguistic accuracy is preserved, even as we’re also focusing on maintaining technical fluency in file formats, translation tools, and automation systems.” Soledad adds that the work of the SA is to always put the client first. “Client satisfaction is paramount. Beyond any technical performance, we’re focusing on the linguistic and cultural quality of the translated content to ensure it meets client expectations.”

A Day in the Life of a Solutions Architect 

The daily work of an SA in the language industry is a combination of technical problem-solving and close collaboration with various teams to meet client needs. They start by analyzing client requirements, which can range from complex project specifications to quality benchmarks. 

“Our day-to-day involves managing multiple projects, customizing workflows, and adapting technical tools to meet unique client needs,” says Sara. “We balance technical demands with cultural considerations to ensure that each localization project resonates with its target audience.” This involves ongoing collaboration with project managers, linguists, and translators to monitor progress, troubleshoot issues through testing phases, and ensure the highest linguistic quality. 

The role also involves constant learning and adapting, which Soledad explains is an essential part of the process. “With evolving client demands and new tools emerging, we need to stay updated, evaluate the latest technologies, and think critically about how each one can add value to our projects.”

Key Skills and Knowledge Required for Success 

Success as a language-industry solutions architect requires a unique blend of technical, linguistic, and project management skills. A solid grasp of Translation Management Systems (TMS) and automation tools is essential, along with a familiarity with the distinct needs of the industry they’re serving—whether it’s video games, legal, medical, or another field. 

“A solutions architect has to be technically proficient and culturally attuned at the same time,” says Soledad. This balance ensures that localization projects are adapted to meet technical standards while aligning with the cultural nuances of the target audience. 

Moreover, in-depth knowledge of localization tools and multilingual content workflows is necessary to drive efficiency. SAs must also possess strong communication and problem-solving skills so they can facilitate smooth collaboration across teams and ensure that each solution integrates human expertise with advanced technologies.

Conclusion 

Solutions architects bring together the technical and cultural elements of localization as they design tailored solutions that align with both their client’s vision and the technical requirements of the process. By fostering strong relationships through personalized solutions and clear communication, they play a key role in helping businesses reach audiences meaningfully, effectively, and efficiently, on a global scale. 

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When you choose the cheapest option, there’s a high chance that the deliverables you receive won’t match what you thought you were buying. As the saying goes—you get what you pay for.

That’s not to say you have to go with the most expensive option to get the best quality, which is why it’s so important to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. If two different vendors give you a different rate for the same language combination, you need to make sure you’re being offered the same product and only then can you benefit from going with the least expensive option.

These are some factors worth keeping in mind when comparing different translation service providers—especially if you anticipate having ongoing translation needs. Because that means the selected provider may become a long-term partner.

Communication

When getting to know different translation providers, pay attention to how your communication flows with them and what channels they use to communicate with you and your team.

Technology

You should also take note of what technology the vendor will use to work on your projects. A solid Translation Management System (TMS) and computer assisted translation tools (CAT tool) that allow for good terminology management and QA checks is a must-have.

Experience

Ask each localization provider to walk you through their work experience. Does the vendor have case studies or references they can share with you? Success stories and testimonials can also tell you a lot about the company. Experience is really important here, as one company might use non-professional translators or use very low-paying translators that don’t produce the best quality work, nor have resources in-house to check the quality of the work or use the right technology. That may explain why their prices are so low, so be very weary of vendors that offer inexpensive rates.

Workflow

What workflow does the language provider use to manage projects in a seamless fashion and what integrations do they offer to work with your company? Make sure they align with how you and your team like to work.

Project management

You want to work with a good project manager to make sure the process runs smoothly from start to finish. See if you can find out what the level of expertise the project management team that will be working on your projects has. You can also find out what time zones they are based in to make sure you can align timing wise and can facilitate ongoing dynamic interactions. It can be helpful to meet with the project manager, project management team, or translation team beforehand via a phone call or video call to help make sure you’re all on the same page about project needs and workflow.

Quality control

What quality control measures does the vendor have? Are they certified by international quality standards like ISO 9001 and 17100? Do they work with in-house reviewers and quality control specialists? These are important questions to ask to learn more about the quality control that a vendor offers.

Reputation

You want to work with a translation company that has a good reputation in the industry and amongst translators. You can look for feedback about the company in social media and online forums to make sure they are a trustworthy vendor.

Company culture

Does the company culture of the provider align with your team’s culture? When you share the same values, the provider feels like an extension of your own team.

The Takeaway

As tempting as it may be to choose the most affordable translation vendor so you can stretch your budget as far as possible, it’s important to compare the services and the experience backing those services before you make a final decision.

The post How to Compare Services From Different Translation Vendors appeared first on Terra Translations.

Project managers bring huge value to the table as they combine superb analytical skills to anticipate and prevent any issues that may arise with excellent coordination and communication skills. They have the client’s best interest at heart and do everything within their power to make a project successful. By providing consistency and structure throughout a translation project, project management from start to finish contributes majorly to the success of the services provided by the language service industry.

Because project managers play such an important role in the translation industry, let’s take a closer look at how we select the right project managers at Terra.

How We Select Project Managers

At Terra, we choose project managers according to the specific needs and nature of the projects and accounts they will be working on. We work with both translation project managers and localization project managers. The latter of which are specifically focused on the management of multilingual localization projects done by culturally diverse linguistic teams.

The Qualifications We Look For

There are key qualifications we look for when choosing a project manager. To start, our project managers hold a university diploma in translation, communication, or project management. In order to be selected as a project manager, candidates must have excellent communication and time-management skills, proficiency level in English and another language, with a complete mastery of CAT tools. Our project managers must also be technologically savvy and have a multicultural vision of the localization industry.

In this blog post, we list the 6 must-have skills for project managers if you want more insight into the types of qualifications we look for.

Recruitment and Selection

We have a rigorous recruitment and selection process that helps us find the right candidates. This process includes a technical project management test, a language proficiency test, and several rounds of interviews with our human resources and operations representatives. Additionally, each potential project manager must complete a psycho-technical test aimed at determining the work style of the candidate so we can help determine if they are the right fit for our company’s culture.

When recruiting PMs for specific projects, Terra’s People & Culture team interviews candidates and evaluates their strengths, as well as their compatibility with Terra’s and the clients’ work ethics, values, and cultures. The intention of these efforts is always to minimize staff rotation and to give the client confidence that candidates will integrate seamlessly with their own internal team. We also use the enneagram model to determine the best strategies so the new team member can reach maximum potential within the existing team.

At Terra, we believe in promoting a safe space for neurodiversity by recognizing people’s individual skills and talents and supporting their differences and needs. We also encourage flexibility, clear communication, and the customization of the work environment for each collaborator’s needs.

The Takeaway

Project management is an essential part of the translation industry, as it helps ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Because project managers play such a critical role in what we do at Terra, we have a thorough hiring process and strong qualifications we look for when choosing a new project manager to join our team. That way, we can ensure our clients enjoy the best possible experience when working with us.

The post What’s Terra’s Project Manager Selection Criteria? appeared first on Terra Translations.

The following skills are ones all strong localization project managers need in order to efficiently and effectively execute their responsibilities.

Planning

One way to meet deadlines and to keep the whole localization process moving along is to have strong planning skills. The better a localization project manager plans out a project from the get go, the more likely they are to oversee a smooth localization process. Taking the planning stage seriously can result in less stress for the localization team and better results for the clients. One thing all good localization project managers plan for is risk management, which involves managing intentionally and systematically the uncertainties that may occur during the course of a project.

Organization

To keep a good plan running as it should, organization is key. Localization project managers need to oversee a lot of details regarding linguistic, technical, cultural, and administrative choices. Keeping a localization team updated and on the same page, as well as coordinating work efforts with other departments, requires excellent organizational skills. Adopting tech resources like TMS and CAT tools can really come in handy here.

People Management

Localization project managers oversee a team and interact with many different departments within the client’s organization. There will also be times when the localization project manager needs to work with other localization specialists and their team which may include linguists, engineers, testers, and desktop publishers. Logistics can get extremely complicated on localization projects as many of the collaborators may be scattered across the globe, in different time zones and may be part of different cultures. All this adds to the challenge when it comes to managing people.

Being able to delegate, help solve conflicts, and generally interact well with both internal and external collaborators is important. 

Communication

Speaking of working well with others, knowing how to communicate properly can be really helpful when working as a localization project manager. Being able to communicate clearly and concisely is ideal, especially when defining project protocols, deliverables, and deadlines. The last thing you want is for a misunderstanding or a lack of communication to derail a localization project. This is especially important considering localization project managers frequently speak English while interacting with people around the world whose mother tongue is other than English. Making sure everything is absolutely clear and understood is vital.

Technologically Savvy

Localization projects can involve emerging and cutting-edge technologies that may be new to the localization team, which can lead to quite a learning curve. Being technologically savvy and willing to learn and adapt can make it easier to understand new technology that is the focus of your localization project. Identifying and selecting the technological tools that will help initiate a smooth workflow is an important part of what localization project managers do. 

Flexibility

Last, but certainly not least, a localization project manager can benefit greatly from being flexible as localization projects tend to involve a great number of variables. It’s often necessary to shift priorities without much warning in order to redirect a localization project and to keep things moving along. Working out solutions quickly and creatively is something all localization project managers need to do from time to time and being flexible can be a very valuable asset. 

The localization project manager is an extremely important player in a localization project. Localization project managers guide all parties involved in the project so that it goes smoothly from start to finish and its success is not compromised.

The post 6 Skills Every Localization Project Manager Needs to Have appeared first on Terra Translations.

It’s easy to see why audiobooks have grown so much in popularity in recent years. In the first quarter of 2017 alone, audiobook sales rose by 28.8% and in 2016, 24% of Americans listened to at least one audiobook, which was an increase from the 22% of people who reported doing so in 2015. 

With so much interest in audiobooks growing over the years, this leaves a lot of room for authors and publishing houses to benefit from this trend. Almost any book has the potential to become an audiobook, but for it to be effective, it has to be done well. There’s a lot more to making a good audiobook than just reading it out loud. The voice-over narrator in particular plays a key role in the success of an audiobook. 

Skills Audiobook Narrators Need

The bulk of the audiobook experience for the reader centers around the narrator, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced narrator who is up to the task. These are some of the skills you should look for when hiring an audiobook narrator. 

• Acting ability. A good narrator doesn’t simply read text, they act it out. When someone narrates an audiobook, they need to embody different characters and be able to authentically relay their stories. Having a background in acting can make accomplishing this task much easier. 
• Voice abilities. To differentiate between characters, the narrator will need to alter their voice, to make it clear which character is speaking. They may even need to adapt accents or speak in different dialects. While no listener expects one narrator to completely change their voice for each character, they won’t be able to follow the story if the narrator doesn’t use a variety of voices. 
• Stamina. Narration is a tiring task and one that requires stamina and a decent amount of breath control. Recording days can be long and tiring, so you’ll want to work with a narrator who is experienced working on these types of projects and who knows what to expect during a day of recording. 
• Research. A narrator who is also a good researcher will be most effective at their job. The whole process will go a lot smoother if the narrator does some leg work and reviews the text in advance to confirm they know how to pronounce all the words. That way, they won’t stumble through the narration any time a new name or place they haven’t heard of before comes up in the text. 

How to Find the Right Narrator

To find the right narrator for an audio project, it’s important to compare work samples of any narrators you’re considering for the job. Here’s a few things you should pay attention to when reviewing those audio samples. 

• Their voice. This seems like a no-brainer, but the narrator has to have the right voice for the project. No matter how good they are at their job, sometimes they may sound too young or too old for a role. They may have a flair for the dramatic or pronounce words in a specific way that doesn’t work for the tone of the book. Pay close attention to their voice to get a gauge if they can help your specific text come to life.
• Their speed. How fast do they speak? Do they speak too fast for anyone to understand? Or too slow to keep the audience’s attention?
• Their equipment and surroundings. If your narrator will be recording the audiobook using their own equipment in their own recording space, make sure you pay close attention to background sounds, echos, and other factors that can be influenced by their location or technology. 

Every book (or audiobook) is unique, which is why it’s only logical to be in doubt about what narrator to choose. If you’re about to embark on a project like this one, feel free to reach out to the Terra team and get advice and suggestions for your specific project. The last thing you want is for a great story to fall flat because the narrator wasn’t the right fit!

The post How to Find the Right Voice-Over Narrator for Audiobooks appeared first on Terra Translations.

Let’s take a closer look at how technology has impacted the translation industry. 

How Technology Has Impacted the Translation Industry

The advancement of computer technology and the internet created a wide range of tools and convenience for every industry, but the translation industry specifically started its road of exponential growth when technology stepped in. As technology expanded, so did our access to other corners of the world. Given the amount of content that needed to be translated to reach other markets and audiences, technology also needed to provide enhanced productivity, communication, and quality assurance tools.

CAT tools were the first big revolution in the translation field and absolutely changed how translators worked thanks to the implementation of translation memory, term bases, and QA checks. While at the beginning CAT tools were deemed to be a threat to human translators, it soon became clear how much they had to offer. Linguists became more efficient and productive, and found in them ways to reduce human errors. Now it seems inconceivable to work without them.

Machine Translation (MT) can be considered the next big revolution. This technological solution was created to help meet that vast demand for fast translation services at a cheaper cost. While the quality standard with MT can be questionable and there’s a lot of room for improvement, there’s no denying that to some extent and in some fields the use of MT can prove to be invaluable.

As demand for translation services grew, other technological tools came to the rescue in order to keep track of everything. Translation Management Systems in particular provide a wide variety of solutions to common translation struggles. This tool organizes all kinds of translation and localization workflows. Some of the benefits of a Translation Management System include: 

The Takeaway 

Technology has its faults—there’s no doubt about that—but in the translation industry it has been an enabler for progress. As long as all parties involved in the process understand that technology has its limitations, it can be used to do more, better, and faster work. In a world where access to information in a language everybody understands has become critical, having technology on our side is an enormous help.

The post The Role of Technology in the Translation Industry appeared first on Terra Translations.

In-House Translators

Working as an in-house translator is probably a bit easier to picture for most as many have held full-time in-house positions before. 

Pros

• Fixed income. One of the main perks of working in-house is the income stability it provides. You know exactly how much money you’re going to earn each year and have consistent paychecks coming in. You’ll also qualify for unemployment in the event you do lose your job, which can be trickier for freelancers to obtain. 
• Benefits. In-house employees typically have access to benefits that freelancers don’t such as healthcare, retirement, paid vacation, and more. 
• Convenience. When you work in-house, there is no need to worry about the logistics of running a freelance business. There are other employees that will handle things like accounting, marketing, and looking for new clients.
• Teamwork. You can rely on a team of peers to help you complete big projects. There’s no need to wear all the hats, which freelancers often have to do. When you need to take time off, ideally there will be someone there to cover your workload. And if you need help with a tricky project, you should have teammates you can lean on. You can learn from each other and grow together. 
• Professional development. Typically in-house employees receive valuable training from those who are further along in their careers. Many companies invest in employee professional development on an ongoing basis. The company may offer to send you to conferences, to pay for educational resources, and to train you in new skillsets.

Cons

• Less flexibility. Some in-house employees may have to work in a specific office each day at an agreed upon schedule. Not to mention, there are dress codes and other office rules to worry about. That being said, while most in-house translators used to work in a company office, nowadays it’s very common for them to work from home.
• Cap on earnings. While working in-house provides stability, in many ways you have less control over your earnings. Freelancers have lows, but they can also have major highs. 
• Less autonomy. When in-house, you typically have to do as you’re told. You may have little control over what types of projects you work on and might have to follow company protocols.

Freelance Translators

If you haven’t worked as a freelancer before, it can be hard to picture what that career path looks like. There are some major benefits of freelancing worth considering, but there are also some downsides that not everyone is ready to handle. 

Pros

• Ultimate flexibility. Want to work by the seaside today and in a mountain cabin tomorrow? No problem. Are you a night owl who does your best work when everyone else is asleep? Good for you. Don’t like a client or aren’t interested in certain types of projects? Send them packing. As a freelancer you’ll be able to decide when and where you work, who you work with, and what your vacation schedule looks like. 
• You’re the boss. Freelancing is essentially running a very small business of one. You’re a business owner, even if it doesn’t look like it from the outside, which means you get to do things your way. 
• Earning potential. Freelancers get a bad rap as being “underemployed” at times, but many freelancers can tell you that when you’re retaining the whole profit from a project (and your company isn’t taking a cut) that your income can soar. You get to set your rates and can choose to only take on projects that work for your budget. 

Cons

• Stability not guaranteed. Working as a freelancer provides a lot of excitement and the wins can feel really big since they’re all your own, but a stable income is not guaranteed. This can be challenging for people on a tight budget or who have a family to support. 
• No benefits. You’ll have to purchase your own benefits and accept that there is no such things as a paid vacation anymore. It’s important to remember to aim to make more than you would in-house in order to pay for benefits yourself. 
• Loneliness. Working as a freelancer can be lonely at times. If no one else in your household works from home or if you live alone, you may find you have a lot of solitude on your hands. The lack of teamwork can also feel very isolating. 
• Out of pocket expenses. Office supplies, computers, and professional development will all have to come out of your pocket which can sting a bit.

The Takeaway

There is no “better” option here. Both in-house and freelance translators have some major perks to look forward to. At Terra, we employ in-house linguists as well as collaborate with freelancers. So whatever your preferences are, we can work together. The key is to find which is the best fit for your goals, personality, and lifestyle!

The post Pros & Cons: In-House Translators vs. Freelance Translators appeared first on Terra Translations.

Both LQA and PLR are steps that assess the quality of localized texts formatted as they will be presented to users. Basically, they consist of a linguistic review to check that in the process of formatting and embedding text into websites, apps, or videos, for instance, no error has been skipped or introduced. In addition, LQA and PLR are the final proofing phase, where reviewers flag missed grammar, punctuation, or spelling mistakes.

Format and Quality: PLR

Post Layout Review, also called Post Layout Linguistic Proofreading (PLLP), refers to the linguistic review of a document after desktop publishing services (DTP). Given that DTP specialists are not linguists, they may introduce involuntary errors, or fail to catch them. In the PLR step, a reviewer (a linguist of the project or another) searches for omissions, spacing and alignment errors, misspelled or overlapping text, readability, etc. If something needs improvement, reviewers leave concise and clear comments on what needs to be changed, and the file goes back to DTP.

However, not only formatted documents need PLR. The revision of voice-over tracks, subtitled videos, or e-learning courses, for example, is also crucial:

• Voice-Over: PLR ensures the voice-over artists followed the script and that the audio is clearly comprehensible. It also assesses synchronicity of music, sound effects and voice, and any other technical requirement, if needed.
• Subtitling: PLR checks the synchronicity and layout of the text on the screen, plus flagging any linguistic error.
• E-Learning: PLR checks if on-screen text layout displays correctly and without overlapping or missing text, translation, and recreation of non-editable text and images, the synchronicity of audio and slides, well-function of buttons, links, quizzes, and interactive elements, etc.

Testing Review: LQA

Essentially, Linguistic Quality Assurance is an umbrella term that refers to different quality assurance services carried out once the translation or localization step has ended. Generally, LQA implies the review of localized software, websites, or applications. A proofreader scan and navigates them to ensure that formatting and user interface look neatly and that buttons and links perform correctly. 

Furthermore, LQA may sometimes refer to other quality assurance services, such as the following:

• Subject expert review
• Third-party review
• Standardized linguistic review

However, as the localization industry grows global and diverse, it’s not unusual to see that sometimes the terms PLR and LQA are used interchangeably. Either way, they both refer to a review that assesses a final localization output, in what will be its context of use and distribution.

Planning First

Quality assurance steps translate into more quality, but they also require allocating time and resources. So, when considering adding quality assurance steps to a localization workflow—like PLR, LQA, or back translation, for instance—Project Managers first consider budget and time frames in compliance with clients’ needs. Once decided, they design a well-planned project schedule that allows performing all the steps the project requires.

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