What Are Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in a Translation and Localization Context?

In the intricate world of localization and translation, the accuracy and authenticity of content can make or break the success of a project. As businesses and content creators strive to connect with a global audience, the role of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) becomes increasingly critical. SMEs, with their deep knowledge and expertise in specific fields, are pivotal in ensuring that translations not only convey the intended message but also resonate with the cultural and contextual nuances of the target audience.

The Role of SMEs in Localization

Subject Matter Experts are individuals with extensive knowledge and experience in a particular domain, such as legal, medical, technical, or financial fields. These experts are not necessarily professionals currently practicing in their fields, such as medical doctors, solicitors, or architects. Instead, they may be individuals with significant experience, including retired professionals who have pursued careers in the relevant industries, academic scholars, and lecturers, or individuals deeply familiar with the subject matter and terminology, such as legal secretaries in the context of legal translations or a nurse or pharmacist in the context of medical translation. In the case of translation for the gaming industry,  the SME would be an individual with a deep passion for MMORPGs, providing guidance.

Our project managers are responsible for the project management life cycle – from a project’s start to finish. We happily accept translation projects of a few hundred words to projects in the millions. We also gladly accept projects involving numerous languages and integrated services such as translation for e-Learning and multimedia platforms.

What Do SMEs Do?

The SME’s role is to provide guidance and advice to the editor. The use of an SME is an internal check and balance that VEQTA implements as part of its translation process workflow.

Upon request from the editor, the SME is there to aid the editor and provide guidance whenever needed. With insights into specialized terminology and contextual nuances, SMEs contribute to the overall quality and readability of translated materials. SMEs can also be instrumental in building purpose-made term-bases and glossaries for clients. This enhances quality and acts as another check and balance for technical accuracy in translation.

Why Not Make the SME the Translator or Editor?

Our translators and editors are full-time career professionals. Being in a full-time position requires the translators and editors’ fulfillment of respective phases in the Localization Project Management Life Cycle  as requested by clients and Project Managers. The SME is a senior career professional in an industry field related to the content but is not working as a full-time translator. Instead, the SME provides guidance, helping to discuss and select the most appropriate and commonly used phrases and terms within the industry field and text at hand.

The Scope of SMEs’ Input – The SME does not cover the validation of the content’s factual accuracy.

An important distinction in the role of SMEs is that their primary concern lies with the phrases and terminology used within the translation, rather than the factual accuracy of the content itself.

The SME’s input is crucial in ensuring that the terminology is appropriate, accurate, and aligns with industry standards. However, this does not extend to vouching for the accuracy or truthfulness of the content’s claims or statements. Their expertise is applied to ascertain that the language used is correct and relevant within the specific field, ensuring that translations maintain the intended professional tone and precision. This limitation is vital to understand, as it delineates the boundaries of an SME’s responsibilities, focusing on linguistic and terminological correctness rather than the verification of the content’s factual correctness.

If the source text is of substandard quality, the editor/SME may raise a flag to the project owner regarding the source. This may be discovered after the project is already handed off. If there is concern that the source text may require editing first in the source language, it’s always best to mention this to the Project Manager before handoff and during the scoping of the project. The SME aids the editor to find the right term.

The SME’s input is regarding the terminology used, it’s not vouching for the accuracy of the content itself.

The Value of SMEs in Different Contexts

Consider the legal field, where the precision of language is paramount. A legal secretary or a retired lawyer, serving as an SME, can provide invaluable insights into the nuanced language of legal documents, ensuring that translations meet the strict accuracy requirements of legal proceedings. Similarly, in the medical field, a practitioner or a researcher can ensure that translations of medical documents accurately convey critical information, keeping in mind the well-being of patients.

In technical sectors, such as engineering or IT, SMEs help in translating complex concepts and jargon into language that is both accurate and accessible to the target audience. This role is crucial in preventing misunderstandings that could lead to safety risks or operational inefficiencies.

Collaboration Between Editors and SMEs

The effectiveness of SMEs in a localization project largely depends on their collaboration with translators. While translators bring linguistic expertise and a deep understanding of the target culture, SMEs provide the subject matter expertise needed to ensure the content is accurate and appropriate. This collaborative effort requires clear communication, mutual respect, and an understanding of the project’s goals.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global communication, the role of Subject Matter Experts in localization cannot be overstated. They bridge the gap between linguistic excellence and subject matter accuracy, ensuring that translations not only communicate the intended message but also adhere to the cultural and regulatory standards of the target audience. By leveraging the expertise of SMEs, organizations can navigate the complexities of localization, enhancing their global reach and ensuring their message resonates with audiences around the world.