When preparing documents for translation, clients will often remove any content that has already been translated, sending us only the new sections. On the face of it, this might seem like a pragmatic way to reduce costs. After all, why pay to translate the same sentence twice?
However, excluding previously translated text can create several challenges and may not deliver the savings you expect. In many cases, providing the complete document is the more reliable option. One of the biggest risks is inconsistency. Language evolves, technical terminology changes, and businesses update their preferred wording. A translation completed only a few years ago may no longer fit with the terminology being used today. When translators only receive fragments of a document, they are unable to review the previously translated content alongside the new material. As a result, the final document could contain different terms for the same concept, inconsistent style or tone of voice, or ‘outdated’ language.
Even if the omitted content doesn’t require any changes, being able to see it helps ensure that new translations flow naturally with existing text. The result is a more coherent document that reads as though it was written as one piece rather than assembled from multiple sources over time.
And the savings may be smaller than you think! It’s easy to assume that deleting previously translated text will substantially reduce costs. However, thanks to translation memory technology and generous repetition discounts, content that has already been translated can be reviewed, reused and (if required) updated for a fraction of the usual cost. Meanwhile for smaller translations, typically of less than 500 words, choosing to withhold pre-translated text may result in no cost saving at all, due to project minimum charges.
Rather than editing out content that has already been translated, it might be a better approach to send the complete document. Whether you are translating product packaging, a technical user manual or GUI software strings, providing the full text gives our translators the context they need, helps maintain consistency, and ensures that older terminology can be updated.
We are happy to discuss the pros and cons of each approach and can advise on comparative costs. Looking for a translation partner who understands the bigger picture?
Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your next project.
+44 1562 748 778
