21
DEC
DEC
Ensure accurate technical translations
Posted by: Estrella Ruiz, Project Manager
A few blogs ago, Elfie discussed how to define technical translations. Today I’d like to continue this by pointing out some of the main features of this kind of text, for which it is vital that a skilled, specialised translator is used.
Nowadays, technical texts constitute a major source of translation work and can range from the most diverse subjects and areas of expertise, such as engineering, biology, IT, architecture, chemistry, medicine, aeronautics, etc.
As with financial and legal translations, technical translations require an extremely high degree of accuracy and fidelity to the original text. For a technical translator, a command of the languages involved and translation techniques isn’t enough. This might suffice for a general translator, but it’s vital for technical translators to have a deep understanding, knowledge, and qualifications in the relevant technical field.
Trying to read a scientific or technical specialist text without being a specialist in the relevant field is almost the same as trying to read a literary text in an unknown language. Only experts can distinguish between complex terms and the precise features of a particular science. A great deal of complex terminology and phrases in technical translations require an ability to use the corresponding technical reference books, specialist dictionaries and other research tools to confirm the correct translation. Aside from the terminology, technical texts also have certain stylistic and syntactic features which are typical of such texts and may vary from one language to another. For example, English technical texts contain plenty of personal forms, like “you can” or “you would”. In Russian, impersonal forms of address are a fundamental principle.
Another important feature of technical translations is the use of proper translation software, which is an incredibly useful tool when performing professional technical translations. Among other benefits, they provide the most direct, quick and inexpensive way to manage a lot of information quickly, and offer a translation memory, which makes the translator’s job much easier, especially in this kind of texts, which very often tend to be several thousand pages long, with a high percentage of repetitions. Working with the appropriate software, glossaries and terminology databases is essential in ensuring consistency of terminology and style in technical translations.
Only a professional provider of technical translation services will make use of these translation tools. Non-specialists trying to interpret the meaning of technical terms in a specialized field are likely to fall into utter confusion and poorly translate the document, which will not only damage the image of your product but may even have legal consequences.
So what’s your opinion? Is there anything you’d like to add for the readers of this blog? Please tell us!
Veritas’ team of professional technical translators have proven experience in the field and have extensive expertise, which assures the best quality in your technical translations. Find out more in our technical translations ‘ page.
Discussion
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December 21, 2011
It is essential to get it right in this case for both the translator and the client. Both can experience negative consequences if something is mistranslated but this can be avoided if the linguist has thorough knowledge and extensive experience in the field. What do our readers think? Would anyone like to share their experience of a bad technical translation?
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About the Author
It has always been clear to Estrella what she’s wanted to do for a living, what really fulfills her, which is the industry of languages, tourism and translation. Having graduated in Business and Tourism Activities in 2006 at the University of Granada (Spain), and in Translation and Interpreting (English / French / Spanish), she spent a year studying at Swansea University and decided to stay in Swansea for the foreseeable future. She is currently working at Veritas as Spanish Project Coordinator, carrying out work in the area of Spanish translation, customer support and research.