What needs to be clarified
The task is to assess comparability between translated samples and the examined original, distinguishing observed features from their interpretation. The assessment must consider the suitability of each item and whether the grounds for the proposed conclusion can be checked.
Materials to prepare
- Complete report describing selected linguistic features
- Verified source texts and the translations used
- Translator or system information and translation procedure
What to compare
Check each version’s language and translation provenance; compare source texts and translations for the selected features, identifying matches introduced by translation choices. Every significant feature is linked to a specific part of the material. Similarities and differences are assessed together, considering alternative explanations and the limitations of the examination method.
Possible outcome of the analysis
A possible deliverable is a review of linguistic-material comparability, with verifiable examples and reasons for the assessment. Unresolved questions and additional examinations needed are stated separately, without promising an answer in advance.
Limits of the conclusions
Results obtained in one language do not automatically transfer to translation. Conclusions are confined to the examined items and stated conditions; insufficient features require an explicit finding that the relevant question cannot be resolved.