Jälkikäännös

Jälkikäännös is a Finnish term that translates literally to "post-translation." In the context of translation studies and practice, it refers to the process of reviewing and refining a translation after the initial translation has been completed. This stage is crucial for ensuring accuracy, fluency, and cultural appropriateness of the translated text.

The jalkikäännös process typically involves several steps. First, a careful comparison is made between the source text and the translated text to identify any mistranslations, omissions, or additions. This is followed by a check for linguistic correctness, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. The translator or a separate reviewer also evaluates the target text for naturalness and readability, ensuring it flows well in the target language and sounds like it was originally written in that language. Cultural nuances and context are also taken into consideration to make sure the message is conveyed effectively to the intended audience.

Jälkikäännös can be performed by the original translator or by a different reviewer, depending on the project's requirements and budget. For critical texts, such as legal documents, medical reports, or marketing materials, a thorough jälkikäännös by an experienced professional is essential to avoid errors and misinterpretations that could have serious consequences. It is an integral part of quality assurance in the translation workflow.