Skip to main content
AI-TRANSLATION-AT-WORK5 MIN READ

Walk Through a Back-Translation Delta

Use a back-translation delta log to decide what needs target-language reviewer action.

A back-translation of a survey item changes "can raise concerns" into "will raise complaints." The team must decide whether the target still measures the same thing. Back-translation delta log: source intent -> reverse wording -> risk label -> reviewer question. The trap is to reject the whole translation because the back-translation sounds different, or to accept it because the general topic is similar. Source intent Identify what the source measures: ability and psychological safety around raising concerns. The key construct is can raise concerns, not predicted complaint behavior. Reverse wording Mark the changed modality and noun: can becomes will; concerns…

Read the full lesson

Sign up free — one personalized lesson every day, matched to your role and goals.

Already have an account? Sign in

← Back to library