Backtranslation as a Quality Control Tool in Translation Studies: Challenges and Practical Insights

Abstract

Backtranslation, once considered a supplementary procedure in translation evaluation, has evolved into a significant tool for ensuring semantic accuracy and cultural equivalence. Rather than merely re-translating texts, it allows researchers and practitioners to uncover subtle shifts in meaning, tone, or idiomatic intent that may otherwise go unnoticed. This paper explores backtranslation as a quality control mechanism within translation studies, combining theoretical perspectives with real-world case studies. Examples are drawn from Azerbaijani, French, Russian, and Turkish to highlight common challenges such as semantic drift, idiomatic loss, and pragmatic failure. By analyzing authentic data, the study emphasizes how backtranslation can serve as a mirror—reflecting not only linguistic discrepancies but also the deeper cultural mismatches that surface through language. Beyond its methodological relevance, the article adopts a human-centered approach, recognizing that behind every translation lies a human effort to preserve voice, emotion, and intention. The findings of this paper offer practical insights for translator training, multilingual content development, and AI-supported translation tools, reaffirming the value of backtranslation in today's global communication landscape.