The fifth element

In the vast localization sea, we are all enrolled in a tireless quest, trying to find the right definition of quality and to identify substantial boundaries that will finally allow us to grasp it. However, despite its heavy presence in blogs, tweets and forums, it constantly manages to leak away from our objective variables and measuring efforts. That elusive notion called quality evaporates like thin air, and leaves us wondering and discussing its real nature. Our four pillars for this brief discussion about quality are linguistic performance, CAT and QA tools, certified processes and client needs. Will these four forces help us find our way to our long pursued fifth element*?

1. Language
Many localization experts would agree that linguistic quality is the key foundation of translation excellence. Each linguistic milestone fulfills a different endeavour with the final aim of achieving top linguistic quality. Translation, editing and proofreading assure that source contents are efficiently transferred to the target language. We all know that there are different requirements depending on the component, file format, subject matter or document type, and they all go beyond linguistic correctness. So, are there valid global and universal variables that can measure accuracy, consistency, readability, adequacy,…? Do we really explore and develop the significance of the different linguistic aspects?

2. Technology
Technology is a great asset that allows us to streamline processes and reduce the risk of errors. CAT tools accelerate the translation process, capitalize on earlier translated material and improve consistency. QA tools help us identify and fix human errors and thus achieve a higher quality level. Some localization experts are even taking this stand one step further and considering machine translation followed by adequate human post-editing procedures. Technology does certainly help to approach perfection, but how significant is its contribution in the global process? And, where are the limits of automated processes?

3. Processes
Effective production processes guaranteed by QA management systems have a direct impact on final results (product and service). Certified processes act as fences that track and lock up quality. There is no doubt that an effective process put in place at each production stage is essential for successful localization, yet there still seems to be quite a lot of room for development. Risk analysis, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction are all notions that prove that quality is not yet totally captured by standards and certifications. How objectively can translation quality be measured and guaranteed? And, how flexible are these processes to adapt to particular specifications, if required?

4. Expectations
Quality as a result is inherently linked to expectations. Many could argue that an objective and universal translation quality exists independently from any goals or needs. However, translation is a close relative of communication, where speaker, listener, message and context are necessarily bound to each other. Message contents, audience, purpose and timing are often determined by clients, so it does not seem reasonable to untie quality from them, like an independently floating entity. Localization experts should work together with translation buyers to evaluate a project and define expectations. Ideally, they could also anticipate their localization needs, design preventive plans to minimize errors and create goals. How does service relate to global quality? To what extent does client communication have an impact on delivered quality?

So, what does quality quintessence* actually rely on after all? Human talent and know-how? State-of-the-art technology? Ability to communicate and meet expectations? Fully controlled processes? Or, maybe we just need to learn from that ever-present open gap where both error and improvement can slip in.

*quin•tes•sence –noun
1. the pure and concentrated essence of a substance.
2. the most perfect embodiment of something.
3. (in ancient and medieval philosophy) the fifth essence or element, ether, supposed to be the constituent matter of the heavenly bodies, the others being air, fire, earth, and water.

Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/quintessence

Do you speak Franglais?

We live in a rapidly-changing globalized world, where English has won the battle to become “the” global language. However, nations and communities around the world are still keen on preserving their own identity, culture, and language.

While France drags on its debate about national identity, 80% of the French people polled claim that the French language is the cornerstone of their national identity. Does language encourage social cohesion? This cohesion is now under threat: one of the main problems nowadays is that French is facing a constant English deluge. Associations that work for the protection of the French language ring the alarm!

Since the enforcement of the Toubon law in 1994 for the protection of French linguistic heritage, the use of French is mandatory in Government publications, ads, marketing, business and corporate documentation.

However, while we move forward, politicians, companies and individuals turn more and more systematically to the use of English at the expense of French, on a professional level, or in everyday life.

In the business environment, some French companies bomb their workforce with anglicisms, even in corporate internal communications! Companies rename their brand and product names entirely; other firms choose Shakespeare’s language to write their initial ad messages and slogans.

The current French government is planning to implement some education reforms that would aim to achieve “bilinguism” (French-English).

Researchers are now required to publish their papers in English. Currently, 2% of scientific publications would be published in Roman languages as opposed to 95% in English.

International organisms, which are traditionally plurilingual, now encourage the use of only one working language, like the European Commission: in 2006, 72% of documentation was written in English versus 14% in French. If we look back to 1997, 40% of content was published in French, and 45% in English. In the European Union high ranks, elected representatives do not seem to have a true respect of multilinguism.

Without taking a too purist stand, a new approach would be necessary for the protection of the French language: anglicisms should not be totally banned; they are part of every language heritage. Some of them are so extended in our language that it would not be possible to replace them (e.g.: football in French). These incursions enrich languages and make them evolve. Using terms inherited from English in other languages should be positive as long as we do not populate them with foreign patterns.

The French Secretary of State in charge of Cooperation and Francophonie* launched a quiz called “Francomot” to fight linguistic laziness, which consisted in finding native equivalents to 5 anglicisms. A lot of suggestions were proposed and a jury approved an equivalent for each term. The Terminology and Neology General Commission (Commission générale de la terminologie et de la néologie) will make sure that they get correctly implemented in the future.

Nations are facing a considerable challenge: respect and encourage multilinguism without necessarily declining English as global language. This call is targeted to the ones that want to defend their native languages, as well as to the English lovers, who would not want English to be reduced to a business language, as we can see too often lately.

*Francophonie designates a group composed of French-speakers nations (mother or regular language) or where there is a significant affiliation with French culture or language.

Next Francophonie summit will be held in Montreux (Switzerland), October, 22-24 2010.

Paris, April 30 2010: Conference –Meeting over the theme “Presence, weight and value of the Roman languages in the society of the knowledge”.

Roman languages don’t measure up to English in so many fields: sciences & technologies, cyberspace, international negotiations etc.

Picture: http://www.cafebabel.fr/article/26433/anglais-predominant-europe.html