What is the meaning of technical translation?
Technical translation involves translating the original or source language of a technical document, file or text to another language. This is called the target language. The type of documents involved are varied but include technical manuals, user interface guides, patents, scientific research, etc. Any form of technical documentation may need to be translated for marketing, business collaboration or to share important information with foreign audiences or customers.
Translating scientific and technical documents requires specialist knowledge as well as linguistic qualifications. The subject matter expertise allows precise and accurate translation of the technical content so that the translated material retains the same meaning and context as the original. For example, a company who wants to market an innovative device in foreign markets will require any user guides, manuals or technical datasheets to be translated into the official languages of these markets. Professional technical translators, such as those who form part of the global network at Espresso Translations, carry out such work.
What are the characteristics of technical translation?
The characteristics of technical translation include:
- Precision and accuracy
- Subject matter expertise
- Linguistic skills
- Translation tools and techniques
To understand how the translation of technical content is done, we’ll look at each of these characteristics.
Precision and accuracy
All translation needs accuracy and clarity but for complex technical translation, this is even more important. The type of documents involved are often related to the safe use and operation of machinery or devices. It’s important that these technical concepts are properly understood for legal and practical requirements. For this, a professional technical translator is required who possesses the necessary linguistic skills and specific industry knowledge.
Subject matter expertise
There are many areas and industry sectors where technical translations may be needed. For example, translations of technical manuals for machinery typically contain complex terminology. In order to accurately translate this information, the translator needs to be familiar with the specific industry sector and its jargon as well as being proficient in both the source and target languages.
Linguistic skills
Professional translators clearly need to have a qualification in linguistics or a specific translation certification. All translators at Espresso Translations are native speakers of the target language and proficient in the source language. This allows a naturalistic translation that picks up the nuances of the target language and maintains the meaning and context of the text.
Translation tools and techniques
Most professional translators utilise translation tools to support their work and these are particularly useful for complex technical material.
Two of the most commonly used tools in the translation of specialised documents include:
- Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools. These are software programs that assist the translator throughout the entire work process, optimizing precision and efficiency.
- Terminological glossaries: A terminological glossary is a multilingual database that contains key terms for a specific sector. It aids the translator by ensuring consistency across translations for the same client or industry.
What fields use technical translation?
Translating technical texts covers a multitude of industries and sectors. These include:
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Patent translation & intellectual property
- Biotechnology
- Computer science
- Medicine
- Electronics
- Aerospace
- Energy
There are obviously many other areas where translation and localization of technical terminology is required. The above is just a small sample of the various fields where these translation skills are required.
How do you translate documents of technical nature?
If you require technical translations, Espresso Translations have subject matter experts who are qualified, accredited linguists and who can translate your documents for you. As one of the leading translation agencies in the UK, we have a global network of professional translators who work in more than 150 languages. Each linguist is a native speaker of the target language and fluent in the source language. The translator assigned to your project will be a proficient technical writer and have knowledge of the technical sector in question.
Our process starts when you fill in the contact form on our website with your details. These include:
- Your name
- Email address
- Whether you are a private client or business
- The service you require, e.g., certified translation, transcription, urgent translation
- The source and target languages
- Required delivery date
- Your project brief
You should then attach the necessary files and send your enquiry to us. You will receive a reply within an hour from a dedicated account manager. We will prepare a no-obligation quote and on acceptance, your translation project will be assigned to the most qualified translator.
When the translation is complete, it will be proofread by a second, equally qualified translator. Finally, your project manager will carry out quality control checks before sending your technical translation to you for approval.
What are the requirements of technical translations?
One of the main requirements of technical translations is expertise in one of the specialised fields. This might include software development, chemical engineering or medical device manufacturing. Only someone who has had training and significant experience in one of these diverse fields can understand the terminology and how the business works.
Equally important is the use of human translators. Machine learning models are no match for human experience and understanding of the nuance of language as well as handling complex language structure used in technical translation. Espresso Translations do not use machine translation. Our linguists are supported by tools such as translation memory but the knowledge base is rooted in the human translator.
Understanding the importance of localisation in technical communication is key to a successful translation and quality assurance. A worker reading a user guide in his native language needs to clearly understand the information for the safe operation of a machine and for the safety of those around him. Making adaptations for cultural differences is just as important as accurate word-for-word translation.
Quality assurance is essential for precise translations. At Espresso Translations, the translation of your engineering document or technical drawings will be proofread by two qualified translators and then quality control checked by your dedicated project manager. From technical phrases to grammar rules, we take the quality of our work very seriously and this is why we insist on multi layer checks.
Also Read: What is the difference between technical and literary translation?
How much does a technical translation cost?
There are several factors which will affect the cost when translating technical documents. These include:
- Length of the text
- Language pair, i.e., a common language pair such as English to French will be cheaper as there are more translators capable of this while a rare language combination such as Farsi to Japanese will cost more as there are fewer translators who specialise in these languages.
- Type of certification needed, e.g., certified, sworn, notarised or apostille
- Required turnaround time, i.e., expedited delivery will incur an extra fee
- Any special formatting required, e.g., including images or drawings
As mentioned, the type of certification that you may require will affect the final price of your translation. For reference:
- Certified translation: from £30 plus VAT
- Sworn translation: from £50 plus VAT
- Notarised translation: from £90 plus VAT
- Apostille translation: from £90 plus VAT
To understand exactly how much your technical translation will cost, request a free quotation. The price you are quoted is the price you will pay. Espresso Translations does include hidden fees or charges.
How do I become a technical translator?
If you want to become a technical translator, you will need to have qualifications and significant experience in a specific technical sector or industry. You will need to be fluent in at least one foreign language although the more languages you are fluent in, the more work you will get. A good grasp of your native language’s grammar, syntax, lexicon and idioms is obviously essential. Translation of technical documents and texts means you will need to be a good technical writer as well as being adept at research. Familiarity with translation tools will be necessary for modern translation work.
Also Read: How to become a technical translator?
Translations in the field of science and technology
Translating scientific or technical knowledge is extremely important for the sharing of knowledge, research and breakthroughs. It fosters global collaboration and advancement as well as making the information as accessible as possible to a wide audience.
Although every translation requires accuracy and precision, these attributes are highlighted in the field of technical translation where any error, omission or mistranslation could have catastrophic consequences. Translators of complex technical content also need to localise the material for different cultures and audiences so that there is clear and complete understanding.
What are the challenges of technical and scientific translations?
Translations in the fields of science and technology pose particular problems for language experts.
Subject matter knowledge
Technical translation requires understanding of the specific area to which the document relates. This needs to be more than theory but several years of working experience within the industry so that the subject matter is almost second nature to the translator.
Specific technical language
A technical translator must have a strong grasp of the specific technical language within the source text. For example, the translation of user manuals includes instructions which need to be accurately translated into other languages. A translator must be able to identify what the technical terms refer to so that the translation is accurate. The safety of users is otherwise at risk.
Ensuring terminological consistency
Deep understanding of the subject and its associated terminology is essential but it sometimes needs support. This comes in the form of translation tools such as glossaries and translation memories which are vast databases of terms used in specific technical fields.
Are there specific tools for technical translation?
The types of technical translation tools that are most commonly used are:
- SDL Trados
- MemoQ
- Wordfast
As mentioned, translators also use glossaries and translation memories to support their work. All of these CAT tools are used to increase consistency across translations, optimise translators’ work and to facilitate and expedite revisions.
Why choose Espresso Translations for your technical translations?
By choosing Espresso Translations, you are selecting one of the most successful and professional translation companies in the UK for your project. We offer a wide range of technical translation services and have an extensive team of experienced translators across the globe working in more than 150 languages.
Whatever the technical specifications or target market, we provide the most experienced technical writer and linguist for the task. This ensures that the translation process is fast, precise and to a high standard.
We pride ourselves on the accurate translation of technical and scientific documents, delivered at speed but never compromising on the quality of the finished work. If you have technical texts that require specialized translation, get in touch today.
