The Role and Responsibilities of a Revisor in Portuguese Language

The Role and Responsibilities of a Revisor in Portuguese Language

Introduction

When it comes to the Portuguese language, it is essential to understand that knowing and working with normative grammar does not give anyone the right to go around correcting people. We must not confuse the role of a revisor with being the "grammar police." A revisor's job includes respecting individuals who do not have a strong grasp of grammar rules for various reasons, as they are members of society and have the right to express themselves, whether speaking or writing (LEMOS, 2017, p. 155).

The Role of a Revisor

In general, the changes made by a revisor aim to bring greater clarity and fluency to the text, adapting it correctly to the vocabulary and style standards it should adhere to. The degree of alteration depends on the genre of the text being worked on. It is important to identify the genre precisely to have in mind the appropriate vocabulary and style. The preferences of the client who hired the revisor should also be considered. It is important to remember that some changes to the text are always prohibited for a revisor:

1. Modifying the author's thoughts: A revisor should not intervene in a way that alters the author's intended meaning.
2. Unauthorized rewriting and deletion: A revisor should not rewrite or delete portions of the text without prior authorization.
3. Claiming co-authorship: A revisor should not add statements or phrases as if they were a co-author.
4. Prematurely disclosing works: A revisor should not divulge or transmit information about works before they are published (LEMOS, 2017, p. 106).

Flexibility in Language Usage

A revisor cannot strictly adhere to the formal rules of the Portuguese language without considering whether a more flexible language, even if not entirely within the norm, would be more suitable for a specific text. This applies, for example, to humorous or advertising texts that may subvert the standard norm to create humor or play with words for persuasive purposes. Additionally, it is important to consider that the revision work is sometimes done on a text originally written in a language other than Portuguese. In such cases, the revisor may need knowledge of the original language in order to compare it with the translation. The revisor's role is to identify any omissions in the translation and suggest a translation for those portions or alert the client about the omission.

Revising Translated Texts

When revising a translated text, there are two main stages in the process: the preparation of the original and the final reading. The preparation of the original is the first reading after the translation, and the goal is to prepare the text for final editing. Therefore, it is assumed that there will be more corrections in this stage. In the final reading, the revisor is aware that there has already been a previous revision but that does not mean their reading will be inattentive. On the contrary, it is in this stage that various aspects that may have been overlooked before are detected and corrected and/or questioned with technical revision. The technical revision stage is carried out by a professional in the field of knowledge pertaining to the text, who validates the use of phrases and terminology. It is common for the revisor to question the work of the technical professional, often due to a lack of criteria or attention on their part, as they tend to skim through the text. Between these two stages, the process of Emendation Checking can also occur. This involves comparing the version marked by the revisor with the modified text to ensure that all change requests made during the revision were correctly implemented (Finatto et al., 2015, p. 16).

Conclusion

Being a revisor in the Portuguese language requires not only a strong grasp of grammar rules but also an understanding of the context, genre, and purpose of the text being revised. It is important to approach the role with respect for the author and the individual's right to express themselves. Additionally, when working with translated texts, the revisor must have knowledge of the original language to ensure accuracy and avoid omissions. To excel in this role, a revisor should maintain a balance between adhering to the normative grammar and adapting the language appropriately to the specific text.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize clarity and fluency: When revising a text, focus on ensuring that the message is clear and flows smoothly. Pay attention to sentence structure, word choice, and overall coherence.
2. Understand the genre: Familiarize yourself with the genre of the text and tailor your revisions accordingly. Consider the appropriate vocabulary and style for each genre, while also considering the client's preferences.
3. Collaborate with professionals: When revising translated texts, collaborate with professionals in the field of knowledge pertaining to the text. Consult with them to validate the use of specialized terminologies and ensure accuracy in the translation.

In conclusion, being a revisor in the Portuguese language requires more than just knowledge of grammar rules. It involves respecting individuals' right to express themselves, adapting the language appropriately to the specific text, and collaborating with professionals to ensure accuracy. By following these actionable advice, a revisor can effectively fulfill their role and contribute to the clarity and quality of written communication.