- Published
- Updated
A translation does not update automatically when the original paper is corrected. Without source-version and purpose information, readers may encounter an outdated interpretation in a document that appears current simply because its local file date has changed.
The publication decision
Identify the source document, version and permission arrangements underlying a translation. An authorised publication translation, an internal working translation and a public summary have different roles. Expert review should preserve numbers, negative statements and uncertainty. Check the target journal’s approach to secondary publication or translations rather than presenting translated material automatically as an independent research output.
Worked example
For example, the original article corrects a table while an institutional Turkish copy retains the earlier proportion. A source-linked translation record exposes the impact. The team revises relevant sections, follows applicable permission and publication arrangements, and makes the relationship with the original clear. Updating the file date alone would not establish current content.
Coordination checks
- Link the translation to its original version and accessible source.
- Review numbers and limitations through bilingual scientific assessment.
- Assign an owner to track source corrections into translations.
Acceptance and boundaries
Acceptance means the translation’s role, provenance and fidelity are understandable. Language review does not replace copyright or publication permission, which need separate assessment. If machine translation was used, keep the actual human-review scope explainable. Where the source cannot be verified, do not invent missing scientific content; manage uncertainty as an open issue needing resolution.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a translation a new paper?
- Assess its role and journal conditions, without concealing the relationship to the same underlying research.
- Can a source correction affect translations?
- Yes. Use the source-version link to reassess relevant text and tables.