What is ISO-TR 16737:2017?

ISO-TR 16737:2017, also known as the Technical Report on Translation Quality Evaluation, is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides guidelines and recommendations for assessing the quality of translations. This document aims to assist both translators and translation buyers in enhancing the overall quality of their translation projects.

The Purpose of ISO-TR 16737:2017

ISO-TR 16737:2017 serves as a valuable resource for translation practitioners by offering a comprehensive framework for evaluating translation quality. It outlines various dimensions of quality and suggests different methodologies and tools that can be used to assess these dimensions. Moreover, it highlights the importance of considering factors such as cultural adequacy, terminology consistency, and style coherence in achieving high-quality translations.

Key Components of ISO-TR 16737:2017

This technical report presents a set of guidelines that cover multiple aspects of translation quality evaluation. One significant component is the identification of translation errors, including omissions, mistranslations, and grammar or syntax issues. It also emphasizes the necessity of evaluating the suitability of the translation for its intended audience and purpose, taking into account any necessary adaptations or localizations.

ISO-TR 16737:2017 further introduces the concept of translation competence and proposes a range of criteria to assess translator qualifications and skills. Additionally, it underscores the significance of clear and effective communication between translators and clients throughout the translation process, promoting collaboration and mutual understanding.

Benefits of Implementing ISO-TR 16737:2017

By adhering to the guidelines outlined in ISO-TR 16737:2017, stakeholders in the translation industry stand to gain several benefits. For translators, it provides a standardized methodology for self-assessment and continuous professional development, allowing them to improve their translation skills and guarantee high-quality outputs. For translation buyers, it offers a tool to evaluate and select qualified vendors, ensuring the delivery of accurate and culturally appropriate translations.

Furthermore, ISO-TR 16737:2017 promotes consistency and transparency in the translation process, allowing for better communication between all parties involved. It establishes clear expectations and criteria for evaluating translation quality, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and a higher level of trust in the translation industry as a whole.

Overall, ISO-TR 16737:2017 plays a crucial role in elevating the quality standards of translations. By facilitating effective evaluation and promoting best practices, it serves as a valuable resource for both translators and translation buyers, fostering improved quality and professionalism within the industry.