PHILOSOPHY

At BolderWords, we believe in the theory as well as the practice of translation and revision. This means appreciating:

  • that each of us has ideas about what revision and translation entail;

  • that there is never only one possibility for how the final product will look or sound;

  • that the end result always arises out of a series of choices corresponding to a particular set of parameters; and

  • that the suitability of the final text should be defined on the project’s own terms.

At BolderWords,
we believe that
your words are bold
and that, together,
we can make them
bolder.

We also believe in approaching translation and revision with an artistic sensibility. We are committed to cultivating a safe and dynamic space for exchange and brainstorming, and to attending to not only the technical integrity of the writing but also its esthetic dimension, honouring clarity and rhythm.

Four concepts sum up the key principles underlying our approach:

Context

Context plays a pivotal role in how a text is translated or revised. Any number of questions therefore need to be considered throughout the revision/translation process.

For example:

  • What purpose does the revised or translated text serve?

  • In what venue will the new text be published or presented? Who is the audience?

  • What other sensorial content (audio features, images, etc.) accompanies the text?

  • Whose name(s) will be associated with the initial and/or revised or translated texts? What is the relationship between that individual, small organization or larger entity, and the audience?

  • What political, economic, or esthetic realities are relevant to the revision or translation?

  • What terminology or stylistic conventions or preferences are used in the field in which the new text will circulate?

  • How much time separates us from when the initial text was published?

  • What is the project deadline?

Creation

Translation and revision are also part of the creative process. While the text is being revised or translated, it is still a work in progress—one that demands inventiveness, problem-solving skills, and an eye to ensuring the overall coherence and vision of the writing project.

Detail

Meticulous attention to detail is vital to a polished work. Built into the activity of translation and revision is an ongoing critical review of the text’s rhetorical, typographical and rhythmic features. This level of engagement improves the clarity, accuracy, logic, cogency and coherence of the writing, as informed by the context of the project.

Dialogue

BolderWords views translation and revision as collaborative activities, and one of its top concerns is therefore to establish meaningful dialogue with all parties involved in the project. This means that professional and welcoming exchanges are prioritized throughout. It also means that we are dedicated to actively engaging clients in the translation/revision process by providing various kinds of relevant feedback.

Typically using comments in the margins of the text itself, we:

  • offer explanations about the rationale underlying certain choices or suggestions;

  • provide hyperlinks to resources related to proposed vocabulary or phrasing;

  • flag areas of concern where interpretations of the text seem likely to differ; and/or

  • request clarification or confirmation regarding particular text fragments.