Top 10 questions on technical translation

1. Which technical terms should be translated and which should be left in their original language?

When translating technical texts, you must be aware that some technical terms have well-established equivalents in other languages, while others may be unique and have no exact match in another language.

Generally speaking, technical terms that have a well-established equivalent in other languages are translated. For example, the word “computer” is translated into Russian as “computer” and the word “network” as “network”.

However, there are instances where technical terms have a unique meaning in the context of a particular field of expertise, and translating such terms can lead to loss of meaning. In such cases, it is better to leave the term in its original language and add a translation in brackets or a footnote so that the reader can understand the meaning of the term.

It is also important to consider the target audience of the text. If the text is intended for professionals in a particular field of expertise, you may leave some technical terms in the original language if they are well-established in that field. If, on the other hand, the text is aimed at a general audience, it is better to translate most technical terms to make it easier to understand the text.

2. How to translate technical abbreviations that have no standard equivalents in the target language?

Translating technical abbreviations that have no standard equivalents in the target language can be a challenge for the translator. However, there are several methods that can help in such cases:

• Leave the abbreviation in the source language and add a definition or a transcription in brackets to it. For example: “RAM (random access memory)”.
• Use a term that more or less matches the function or description of the abbreviation in the target language and add a bracketed abbreviation to it. For example: “CPU (central processing unit)”.
• If the abbreviation is very specific to a particular industry or area of expertise, it may be appropriate to leave it in its original language and provide an explanation of its meaning and usage in the context in which it is used.

In any case, it is important to ensure clarity and comprehensibility for the reader, who may not be familiar with the abbreviation in its original language.

3. How can technical translation be kept accurate without sacrificing readability for general users?

Maintaining technical translation accuracy and readability for general users can be a challenge, but there are some methods that can help achieve the right balance.

• Use clear and simple language: When translating technical texts, it is important to use simple and comprehensible language that will not cause difficulties for general users. Using complex terms and phrases can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
• Use of terms and terminology: In order to maintain the accuracy of a technical translation, it is important to use terms and terminology that accurately convey the meaning and content of the source text. However, if terms are incomprehensible to ordinary users, explanatory comments or a definition of the term in brackets or a footnote can be used.
• Do not delete information: It is important to retain all information contained in the original text. However, if some parts of the text may be unclear or inconvenient to read, they can be reworded without changing the meaning.
• Splitting the text into paragraphs: Splitting the text into paragraphs can improve readability and make it more accessible to ordinary users. Also, using lists or bulleted lists can simplify the structure of the text.
• Read the text aloud: When translating technical texts, it is important to check that the text sounds natural and understandable. Read the text aloud to make sure it sounds competent and easy to read.
• Use context: Using context can help to understand the meaning of terms and phrases that may be unfamiliar to ordinary users. Adding additional sentences or paragraphs can help clarify meaning.
• Check the translation: It is important to check your translation for errors and inaccuracies. Check grammar, correct use of terms and general accuracy of the translation. Also, it is recommended to review the translation from a normal user’s point of view to make sure that the text is clear and accessible.
• Use specialized tools: There are specialized tools that can help maintain the accuracy of a technical translation and improve its readability. For example, you can use glossaries, which provide definitions of terms used in the text, or software programs that help translate the text into plain and simple language.
• Collaboration with experts: If you are translating a highly technical text, you can ask experts in the field to check the accuracy of the translation and the use of terms. This will help maintain the accuracy of the translation and improve its readability.
• Upgrading your skills: To maintain the accuracy of technical translation, you need to constantly upgrade your skills by learning new terms and technical concepts. It is also important to follow the development of technical vocabulary and use new tools and technologies that will help improve the quality of the translation.

4. How to translate technical documents that require certain formatting, tables and diagrams?

Translation of technical documents that require compliance with specific formatting, tables and charts can be quite complex. In order to ensure that the translation is accurate and corresponds to the original document, you should consider the following tips:

1. Familiarise yourself with the source document beforehand. Before you start translating a technical document, it is important to understand its content and structure. Familiarise yourself with the terminology, formatting and layout to ensure that your translation will be accurate and consistent with the source document.
2. Retain the formatting and layout. If your source document contains tables, charts, images or other formatting elements, you should preserve these elements in your translation. This helps preserve the structure of the document and makes the text easier to understand.
3. Use specialized terms. Technical documents often contain specialized terms that may have a narrow meaning and significance. Using the correct terms can improve understanding of the text and ensure accuracy of the translation.
4. Do not translate verbatim. Some terms and phrases may have a specific meaning in the context of a technical document and cannot be translated verbatim. The translator must be able to recognise these instances and provide a more appropriate translation.
5. Use translation software. There are many software tools that can help translators translate technical documents, preserving the formatting and structure of the document. Some of these tools can automatically translate text and preserve structure, which can significantly speed up the translation process.

In general, translating technical documents requires a careful approach and consideration of many factors. Following the advice above can help preserve the accuracy and structure of the document during the translation process.

5. How can differences in terminology and standards between different countries and regions be taken into account?

The following methods can be used to account for differences in terminology and standards between different countries and regions:

• Researching local norms and standards: before starting work in a new region or country, local norms and standards should be researched to understand how they differ from those used in other countries or regions.
• Consultation with local experts: It is useful to seek advice from local experts who can help to understand local norms and standards and provide relevant information.
• Use of universal terminology: when working with different countries and regions, it is possible to use universal terminology that is understood by all project participants.
• Harmonization of terminology: The terminology used in the project should be agreed upon with participants from different countries and regions before starting work. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and clarify the understanding of the terms used in the project.
• Translation into the local language: in some cases it is necessary to translate the documentation and materials into the local language to ensure better understanding and communication between project participants.
• Use of international standards: Where possible, international standards that are recognized in different countries and regions should be used. This will help unify processes and ensure compatibility of systems and technologies.

6. How to ensure terminology consistency within large projects using different translators?

Ensuring terminology consistency within large projects using different translators can be achieved in the following ways:

• Creating a glossary: It is important to create a glossary that contains a list of key terms and their respective translations in all the languages used in the project. This glossary can be used as a single source of correct terms for all translators and will help to unify terminology in the project.
• Use of a CAT system: A Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) translation support system can help to maintain terminology consistency in a project. A CAT system enables the translators to create a database of translations, which can be used to ensure terminology consistency in a project.
• Appointing a main translator: One way to ensure terminology consistency in large projects is to assign a main translator who will be responsible for terminology consistency throughout the project. This can be a highly qualified translator who will be responsible for creating and updating the glossary, as well as editing translations created by other translators to ensure consistency.
• Regular communication with the translators: Communication with the translators is very important to ensure consistency of terminology in the project. Regular communication helps to clarify the nuances of the translations and ensure consistency of terminology between translators.
• Quality assurance: Quality assurance can help identify and correct any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the terminology. This can be done using different quality control tools, such as software to automatically search for inaccuracies in translations, as well as manual quality control of translations.

A combination of these approaches can help ensure terminology consistency in large projects using different translators. It’s important to understand that creating consistent terminology is a lengthy process, requiring effort and time from everyone involved in the project. However, in the end, it will help ensure higher quality translations and reduce inaccuracies in terminology, which, in turn, will increase customer and project user satisfaction.

7. How can the specific nuances of different technical sectors be taken into account to ensure the best quality translation?

In order to ensure the best quality translation, the specific nuances of different technical sectors need to be taken into account. Here are a few tips that can help:

• Research the technical terminology of the industry for which you need to translate. This may include researching dictionaries, terminology databases, and contacting subject matter experts.
• Understand the context. A technical translation can contain many technical terms that can have different meanings in different contexts. Therefore, it is important to understand the context in which the term is used.
• Be aware of cultural differences. Some technical terms and concepts may be different in different cultures. It is therefore important to be culturally sensitive to ensure that the translation is accurate and understandable.
• Use translation software. Modern machine translation systems can ease the process of translating technical texts. However, it is important to note that they cannot replace a professional translator.
• Work with a professional translator who has experience in the relevant technical field. This will help ensure high quality of translation and reduce translation errors.

8. How do you handle and translate special symbols and formulas that are used in technical documents?

There are various approaches and tools to process and translate special symbols and formulas that are used in technical documents.

• Using specialised programmes and editors: There are editors and programmes that are specifically designed for working with technical documents. They allow formulas and symbols to be entered and processed in a special format which can then be exported to other formats. Some of these programmes, such as LaTeX, MathType, Microsoft Equation Editor, are compatible with most word processing software.
• Using online tools: There are online services that allow you to enter and edit formulas and symbols in a special format. Some of these tools, such as Mathpix, allow you to recognise formulas and symbols written by hand and convert them to text format.
• Manual translation: In cases where there is no possibility to use specialised software or online tools, special symbols and formulas can be translated manually. This requires knowledge of the relevant symbols and formulas in the source and target languages, as well as the ability to transcribe and transliterate them correctly.
• Use of glossaries and terminology databases: In order to facilitate the translation of technical documents, glossaries and terminology databases can be used, containing terms and definitions, including special symbols and formulas, with their correspondence in different languages.

9. How can translations that take into account inter-lingual differences in grammar and style be provided?

There are several factors to consider in order to provide a translation that takes into account inter-lingual differences in grammar and style:

• Choosing an experienced and qualified translator who has a good knowledge of both the source language and the target language. It is also important that the translator has knowledge of the grammar, punctuation and style specific to the target language.
• Use specialised translation software and tools that can help with translation, taking into account grammar and style.
• Conduct post-translation editing and proofreading to ensure that the translation meets the grammar and style requirements of the target language.
• Pay attention to cultural and linguistic differences between the source language and the target language to ensure accuracy and adequacy of the translation.
• Pay attention to the context in which the text is used in order to correctly convey meaning and intonation.
• Do not use machine translation as a primary tool, especially in cases where accuracy and quality of translation are important. Machine translation does not always take into account the grammar and style of the language, which may result in an incorrect translation.

10. How to ensure the confidentiality and security of a translation, especially if it contains sensitive information?

Several methods can be used to ensure the confidentiality and security of a translation containing confidential information:

• Choose a reliable and trusted translator. Use translators who have a good reputation and sufficient experience in translating confidential documents. Ensure that the translator knows and abides by confidentiality and security rules.
• Sign a confidentiality agreement with the translator. The contract should define the rights and obligations of the parties, the conditions of storage and use of the documents, and measures to prevent leakage of information.
• Use secure channels of communication. Transmission of documents and information should be through secure channels of communication such as encryption, virtual private networks (VPNs), secure cloud storage, etc.
• Store documents in a secure location. Once transferred, documents should be stored in a secure location, e.g. secure cloud storage or secure servers.
• Destroy the documents after use. Once the documents have been used, they should be destroyed in accordance with confidentiality and security rules.
• Use translation programmes with data protection features. Some translation programmes may have data protection features, such as data encryption, which may be useful when translating confidential documents.
• Restrict access to the documents. Access to confidential documents should only be restricted to those who have a need to access this information.

Visit our Italian web site: ATT – Traduzione Tecnica for more information regarding Italian translations.