ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a question whether to revise or not to revise. It then concerns how the features of a particular translation job determine the appropriate degree of revision. However there is a factor that goes beyond the particular text at hand. Revision is traditionally thought of as being concerned with two things: accurate transfer and good writing in the target language. Or to put it negatively, the elimination of mistranslation and of unidiomatic or incorrect language. Now, the relative importance of these may vary not just with the particular text but with the general social-historical situation in which translation is being done. Translation services and agencies often have lists of text types which are deemed to be of high importance. Typically this will include laws and regulations, documents in which errors could have negative health and safety implications, and documents in which errors could harm the image or reputation of the corporation or government which has commissioned the translation.
