Difficulties In Translating Technical Documentation

Foreign languages ​​today are no longer a curiosity, but a necessity. That is, no one is surprised by his knowledge. But there are things that translation professionals should do, such as translating technical documentation. You can contact the legal translations Manchester about this. Also, the services of the bureau will be useful to everyone who is not “friends” with the language from which (or into which) you need to translate. In addition, those who need to translate documents and affix a special seal so that they operate on the territory of another state will contact the bureau. Such a procedure is needed if you want to study, work in another country, that is, when moving, this is a necessary procedure.

A variety of equipment is imported into UK, which can only be used if there is accompanying documentation in other Languages. For the export of British equipment abroad, the translation of documentation into the language of the country where the goods are to be delivered is required.

The following types of technical documentation are often required to be translated:

• Operating instructions.
• Licenses and certificates.
• Standards and regulations.
• Technical passports.
• Diagrams and drawings.
• Technical specifications and other types.

DIFFICULTIES OF TECHNICAL TRANSLATION

Only a professional who has the necessary knowledge and experience can cope with the task of translating technical texts. The translation of technical documentation has its own difficulties and peculiarities.

First, technical texts contain highly specialized terms, the essence of which is sometimes difficult to convey in another language. Therefore, the translator must understand the topic of the translated text and clearly understand the meaning.

Some believe that only a person with an engineering education who speaks a foreign language can correctly translate technical documentation. But, as a rule, engineers have a superficial knowledge of a foreign language and poor grammar. Another group is of the opinion that technical translation can be performed by a linguist who has delved into the subject. However, here, too, there may be problems in the correct translation of terms. As practice shows, a high-quality technical translation is obtained if a professional translator and an engineer work together.

Secondly, the translation of technical documentation is most often required to be done in a short time. And this even though technical texts consist of hundreds, and sometimes thousands of pages. To cope with this complex task, a team of translators is hired. A specially compiled thematic glossary helps to maintain the commonality of terminology. At the end, it remains only to connect the parts of the translated technical text. The preservation of the stylistic unity of the text is ensured by a special program or editor, but the involvement of the latter increases the cost of the project and the time it takes to complete it.

Interpretation

In addition to written, oral technical translation is also in demand. It is carried out during the installation of imported equipment, commissioning or in the process of personnel training, if a foreign specialist acts as a lecturer.

At the same time, translators sometimes must work in difficult conditions. Indeed, in a production workshop or construction site it is noisy, there are large temperature differences, there is a high risk of getting dirty, and for safety you constantly must wear a helmet. In such an environment, the translator must be attentive and focused to instantly translate the name of the desired part or the process taking place on the site. The coherence and speed of the work of employees during the assembly and installation of the unit depends on the translator.

Common ground and differences between the translation of technical texts and scientific translation

When comparing a technical translation with a similar scientific text, experts note both cumulative and different features. The similarities are:

1. Specific vocabulary. In both cases, a lot of special terms are used, including abbreviations. At the same time, much attention is paid to prepositions, conjunctions, as well as linking words.
2. Scrupulous grammar. When working on such texts, strictly established grammatical norms of the language are used. Complex constructions are predominant, in which the emphasis is on the subject (noun), adjective and impersonal verb.
3. Stylistics. The priority goal of such a translation is a literal and extremely clear communication of information. This is ensured through the presentation of facts, without emotional overtones.

Let’s look at the inconsistencies. Technical translation has the following features:

• It conveys a meaning close to the original. Minor deviations are allowed only in case of peculiarities of the language into which the translation is being performed.
• Technical translation is always a formal style, characterized by scrupulousness, impersonality, and lack of emotion.

Quality Translators at Legal Service Translation agency

Based on the foregoing, it becomes clear that a good technical translator is a single specialist. The success of the company depends on his professionalism. The LST agency has brought together the best technical translators in Manchester. We will translate from English, Chinese, French, Italian, Dutch, and other languages. The highest accuracy, adherence to all customer requirements, established feedback, affordable prices for all types of technical translations.

Read more A Complete Overview of Protein Expression Service.