Translation and localization are crucial for technology companies aiming to reach a global audience. These processes involve adapting a product or service to a specific locale, considering language, culture, and other regional factors.

One key component of the localization workflow is Language Quality Assurance (LQA). LQA programs are designed to ensure that translated content is accurate, consistent, and culturally appropriate for the target audience.

Key Players in Localization Quality Assurance

In large technology companies, the localization quality assurance process typically involves multiple stakeholders, including:

• Translators – Professionals who translate content from the source language to the target language. They rely on tools such as translation memories and terminology management systems to maintain accuracy and consistency.
• Editors – Reviewers who assess the translated content to ensure it meets quality standards. They check for accuracy, consistency, and appropriateness, and may suggest improvements.
• Quality Assurance (QA) Teams – Specialists who perform final checks on the translated content, reviewing for typos, formatting issues, and other quality concerns that could impact usability.
• Project Managers – Coordinators who oversee the entire localization process, ensuring the work of translators, editors, and QA teams aligns with deadlines and budget constraints.

Addressing Translation Quality Issues

Despite these quality control measures, translations may sometimes fall short of expected standards. In such cases, companies can take several actionable steps to resolve quality issues:

• Re-translation – If a translation contains major errors, a full re-translation may be necessary. This could be done by the original translator or a different one, depending on the nature of the mistakes.
• Corrections & Edits – Minor errors or inconsistencies can often be addressed through targeted corrections rather than a full re-translation. Editors or the original translator can refine the content as needed.
• Training & Skill Development – If translation quality issues stem from gaps in knowledge or expertise, additional training can be provided. This could involve specialized terminology training or broader skill development for translators.
• Process Improvements – If recurring quality issues are linked to inefficiencies in the localization process, adjustments may be necessary. Companies might implement new tools, update workflows, or refine work allocation to improve future translations.

The Harsh Reality Behind Localization Quality

In theory, these strategies create a strong foundation for delivering high-quality translations. In reality, however, the biggest obstacle isn’t just the complexity of the process—it’s the relentless cost-cutting measures that dominate the industry.

Rather than investing in stable, experienced teams, many companies are constantly hiring and firing as they chase cost efficiency. Every time a new automation—especially AI-driven solutions—is introduced, jobs are lost, and knowledge continuity suffers. The industry’s revolving-door hiring model means that most localization teams don’t last more than two to three years, making long-term collaboration and quality consistency nearly impossible, except in a few rare cases.

At the end of the day, LQA isn’t just about catching errors—it’s about the people behind the process. Without strong, stable teams, quality assurance becomes a never-ending cycle of fixing the same mistakes over and over. Maybe it’s time for companies to rethink their approach—not just to translation, but to the value of the human expertise behind it.