How do you handle proofreading multilingual documents or translations to ensure both linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness?

As a Spanish proofreader, I first ensure that the grammar, spelling, and style are correct and consistent. Then, I check that the expressions and tone are appropriate for the target audience, ensuring there are no cultural misunderstandings or regional differences that could affect comprehension. For multilingual documents, I also make sure the translations are faithful to the original message and respect the cultural nuances of each language.

Translated work requires a very different approach from native-written text; therefore, I always request a sample before engaging with the client. This way, I can quickly see the quality of the translation. I'll be honest: If the translation is poor, I usually politely decline the job because that will be a time-consuming rewrite. Not that a rewrite isn't a job in itself, but people looking for a proofreader are generally unwilling to pay the extra cost—time is money—for a rewrite. A broad, multicultural worldview is invaluable for accuracy and appropriateness. I have lived in several different countries among various cultures worldwide and worked for international agencies for decades. This brings me a wealth of knowledge that a proofreader straight out of college just cannot deliver. So, I handle translations by bringing my depth of experience to the table.

Great question and here's an honest answer. I do not believe you can be everything to every client. What I mean is that multilingual, cross-cultural writing is a specific skillset. 

When I have clients who require documents or video in more than one language I team up with my bilingual staff.  We come at the project with a 360-degree view and this way we are sure to make the work sound authentic, accurate and appropriate.

If you aren’t fluent in all languages, don’t do it. If asked: Could live in that country and speak only that particular language, and your answer is NO, then forget about multilingual proofreading.

It depends on the languages involved and the target audience.

Start by focusing on the meaning rather than just word-for-word translations. The context matters. Here’s what I would do.

1. Read it all. Understand what the document is about and its purpose in all languages. Take breaks.
2. Think about the target group. Who is the target reader? What’s culturally relevant to them? You should be able to answer who, about what, for whom, and how for each language separately. Do it in your notes, and yes, answers can differ between languages.
3. Check terminology consistency: Ensure that key terms are translated consistently, especially in specialized fields like law or medicine. It’s hard to check if a text is appropriate when key terms are wrong or inconsistent.
4. Then the real fun begins, and your experience shines: adapt idioms, metaphors, or culturally specific references so they resonate with that specific audience. Keep all the questions you’ve answered before in the back of your mind. Inspect everything that goes above the line of casual small-talk weather-stuff language.
5. If you’re unsure, consult a native speaker or use reputable linguistic resources for nuanced corrections.
6. Talk to yourself. About the text, how it sounds, how it looks, what's funny and what's new for you. You can also (if client agrees) put it into a voice-over tool so you can listen to each language separately. You will be surprised how your inner/brain dialogue changes when you actually hear the words you proofread.

Lastly, tools like Grammarly or language-specific spell-checkers help catch errors. Another pair of eyes is always good. I have 3 tools like that installed, and I will preach double safety when proofreading. Better safe than sorry.