When I first start a translating or interpreting job for a new client, it can be like finding your way through a forest without a torch. Hard. You don’t know what terms the client uses, nor whether they want UK or USA spelling in English. When it’s a technical document or a meeting that uses very specific terminology, it gets even more confusing. That is why I always suggest we build a glossary to ensure the success of the translation or interpreting job.

What is a glossary?

A glossary is a list of words that the client uses frequently in their documents / meetings. Next to these words there is the preferred translation of each term in the target language. While this sounds very simple, it can take a while to build an accurate glossary with a client. In our case, it’s like a small and specific Spanish to English or English to Spanish dictionary focused on the client’s areas of work.

How do you build a glossary?

The first step is to identify key terms and phrases. For me, this doesn’t happen until I finish the first draft of a written translation or when I receive the preparatory documents for an interpreting job. I take note of the words that I’m not sure how to translate, then send it to the contact person at the client with a request that someone with expertise reviews my draft glossary. They usually make changes, which I then either add to the written translation or incorporate into the glossary I will use on an interpreting job.

It’s important to note that a glossary is an organic document. It is usually updated after every translation or interpreting job and expands over time. Some clients have their own pre-prepared glossaries, which is very helpful, but most of them don’t. When I get feedback from a client after a job, I always open up their glossary and make the relevant changes so that my work will be more accurate in the future.

Why do you need a glossary?

Quality. A glossary makes sure that what you are translating or interpreting is correct in the target language for the client. It also allows you to incorporate regional differences depending on the job. A translation or interpreting job in Bogotá, Colombia can be very different compared to translation/interpreting in Panama or Peru, but if you have a glossary for each country (for one client we have 7 glossaries for the 7 countries they work in, and each of them has a different term for the translation of “children”), then that quality is going to be maintained with each job that you do.

For a translator or interpreter, glossaries are heaven. They provide certainty where there was previously none. If you work with a translator or interpreter, start building your glossary today.

ONG Traducciones provides written translation and interpreting services. You can find out more about our company here.