Translation Process & Workflows

There is no single approach to translation: the right workflow depends on how the content will be used.

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One process for everything costs more and controls less

Different types of content require different levels of control. Internal drafts, operational documents, and public-facing materials do not carry the same level of risk. Applying the same translation process to all content increases cost where it is not needed and reduces control where it matters.

For this reason, we apply translation workflows based on purpose, exposure, and risk.

Translation workflow explorer

Move the slider to compare workflows and see the balance between risk, cost, and exposure — and which documents each level suits.

Step 4 of 6
Machine translation with full editing and revision
AI translation with comprehensive editing and secondary review for external use
Risk level
High
Cost
Medium
Purpose & exposure
External
Suitable content types
  • Donor reports
  • Policy drafts
  • Monitoring reports
  • Program documentation
  • Publications
  • Partner communications
  • Compliance documents

How does the translation process work?

Maven translates content through one of six workflows, matched to its purpose, exposure, and risk. They range from machine (AI) translation with no human involvement to fully human translation. Each step adds human involvement and control, from light editing to full editing, independent revision, and proofreading.

1
Machine (AI) Translation
Machine translation generated using AI without human involvement.
Human involvement
2
Machine (AI) Translation with Light Editing
Machine translation with human light editing focused on correcting critical meaning errors.
Human involvement
3
Machine (AI) Translation with Full Editing
Machine translation with full human editing covering grammar, terminology, tone, and consistency.
Human involvement
4
Machine (AI) Translation with Full Editing and Revision
Machine translation with full human editing followed by independent human revision.
Human involvement
5
Machine (AI) Translation with Full Editing, Revision and Proofreading
Machine translation with full human editing, independent revision, and proofreading (or review) for publication-ready output.
Human involvement
6
Human Translation only
Fully human translation with independent revision and optional proofreading (TEP).
Human involvement

How to choose the right workflow

Workflow selection depends on a few key factors.

Risk

Impact of errors and need for accuracy.

Purpose & exposure

Internal, external, or public-facing.

Cost considerations

Where efficiency is sufficient and where quality is required.

Internal review capacity

Ability of the client's team to review and validate content.

Purpose of the content

Draft, operational use, publication, or legal use.

Get in touch

Tell us how the content will be used, and we'll recommend the workflow that fits its risk, exposure, and budget.

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