Overcoming over-familiarity in editing projects using tech tools
By Nora Díaz
My greatest enemy when translating and editing is often familiarity. Spending too much time with a text can make it hard to spot small but important details.
To combat this, I use several strategies to get a fresh perspective. One of my favourite tactics is changing the format of the text – for instance, moving from the computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool grid to the target file, whether it's a preview or the final file. This shift helps me see the text with fresh eyes, often allowing me to pick up on nuances or inconsistencies that I might have missed in the more segmented environment of the CAT tool.
Another strategy is changing devices. If I've been working on my desktop, I'll switch to my tablet or laptop, not only to have a different form factor in front of me, but also to physically change my environment. Sitting somewhere else – whether it's moving from my desk to a comfortable chair or even working outside – gives me a fresh perspective.
This change in setting, coupled with the different way I interact with each device, often allows me to catch things I might otherwise overlook. The change in posture and lighting, as well as simply breaking the monotony, makes a big difference in how I perceive the text.
Finally, I embrace technology. Tools that provide text-to-speech capabilities are fantastic for giving me a different perspective, as hearing the text read aloud can reveal awkward phrasing or missed words that I might not catch visually. Generative AI tools, with the right prompts, can identify issues and inconsistencies, offering suggestions that I may not have considered.
Additionally, specialised proofreading tools designed to catch both common and obscure errors are invaluable. I particularly appreciate the way some tools can highlight subtle issues, such as style inconsistencies or minor formatting errors, that can otherwise slip through unnoticed.
Discovering and experimenting with these tools has become an essential part of being a language professional today. Staying up to date with the latest technology and learning how to use it effectively allows me to continuously improve my process.
Each of these strategies helps me get a little bit closer to my best, even when the pressure is on, and ensures that I can deliver high-quality work regardless of how familiar I have become with the text.
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About Nora Díaz
Nora Díaz is an English–Spanish translator and conference interpreter who enjoys using technology and finding ways to increase productivity. Combined with her love of teaching, this has led her to share what she has learned through blogging, articles, webinars, and workshops.
Nora is the Chair of the American Translators Association Professional Development Committee. She has co-authored a book called The Translator’s Tool Box.
Nora was listed as one of the Top 30 Women in the Language Industry by Multilingual Magazine in 2023 and was the recipient of the American Translators Association’s Innovation Award in 2024. In early 2025, she was featured in Multilingual Magazine’s Influencer list.
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