Learn how to translate documents with MOVE.
Please do…
…delete the English sections of the document that you have translated.
This helps other translators see what has been completed and what still needs to be done.
…review and edit completed translations.
If another translator completed the translation before you could do it, we invite you to review and edit the translation! Use the English document for reference as you double check another translator’s work. Our translations are collaborative, and we encourage peer review.
…keep in mind that some English acronyms and terms may not readily be understood.
For example: the acronym “STD” and the term “hotspot.” In these cases, provide a short translation if space allows it.
…fill in your information in the Translation Log.
This is located on the first page of the translation document. If you have worked on or edited a translation, enter your information and progress to let other translators know what you have done. This also helps us know who to thank later!
…compare your translation against the original English text.
Please do this especially if you use a translation tool, like Google Translate. This ensures that the translation makes sense in the target language (grammatically, stylistically) and that the translation remains true to the original text.
…contact MOVE if you have questions or concerns.
Do not hesitate to contact MOVE at translations@virginia.edu if you have any questions or concerns about a translation.
Please do not…
…translate proper names of individuals, companies, organizations.
If there is enough space and you feel that translating the name of an agency will help the reader, please add a translation in parentheses.
…transpose telephone numbers in a language that uses right-to-left direction if using a translation tool.
Arabic, Dari, Persian, and Hebrew are some languages that use the right-to-left direction. For example, (555) 123-1234 should not be written in the translation as 1234-123 (555).
