Technical translation - a whole new world

Have you ever wondered how an instruction manual is translated? Or building specifications? Well, these are technical translations.

Technical translation can be defined as a type of specialist translation involving texts that contain very specific terminology: engineering, automotive, chemical products, electronics, mining, telecommunications, metallurgy and building are among the fields that make up the sector. 

A qualified technical translator fully understands their subject matter as well as the specialised terminology in both the source and the target language.

Characteristics of technical translation

Technical translation requires great linguistic and professional skills. Not all translators are qualified to work in technical fields. As well as being native speakers of the language into which they translate, they must have previously specialised in the field and have experience of this type of translation.

One of the major complications of technical translation is the complexity of the terminology. For example, when translating a catalogue of industrial machinery, the translator will have to know the exact names used for these products, as well as other terms referring to the sector and industrial processes.

Aspects of technical translation not only require professional translation skills, but also training and research in the relevant field. An example would be medical content. Without the relevant medical training, the translation of this content could end up causing more harm than good. The same applies to a manual for heavy machinery operation, for example, or to translations of software and engineering documents that fall under the umbrella of technical translation.

These are just some of the types of content that require technical translation to obtain the best and most accurate results.

Translating technical language

Technical language is a type of specialised language used in various fields (engineering, programming, telecommunications, construction, industry, automotive, aviation, etc.). The peculiarities of the language in technical translation are more complex than in other types of translation. Some linguistic features of technical translations:

• Objectivity: generally speaking, texts for technical translation have an informative or explanatory purpose, but above all, they must be clear and objective.
• Accuracy: in a technical translation, unnecessary words that make the text more obscure should be avoided. Technical translation has to be precise and faithful to the original text.
• Logical style: generally speaking, the way a text is drafted will change according to the language in question. This means that one of the translator's tasks for a technical translation is to determine the correct style to draft the text in a given language: whether to use the passive or active voice for example, or the right level of formality.
• Excellent quality: you can find countless translation services online. But you should always look for a trusted translation company with experience in technical translation and, of course, translators who specialise in different technical fields.

Translators who specialise in technical translation

A technical translator is someone who, in addition to mastering the languages (the source language and the target), must also be a specialist in a specific area.

There are specialised translators in most fields: including engineering, medicine, law and marketing. It is important to be sure of the area of the source text in order to contract the most suitable professional translation service.

In addition to the translation itself, there is a whole team focused on ensuring the quality of the final text received by the customer, from the project manager to quality specialists, which guarantee the accuracy of the final translation.

Translation is a meticulous job, and even more so in the case of technical translation, which requires a high degree of specialisation in the subject area to ensure that the final text does not alter the meaning of the original in any way.

What type of text requires technical translation?

The types of technical document most often requested at ATLS include the following:

• Translations of product catalogues
• Translations of catalogues of parts or accessories
• Translations of patents
• Translations of regulations
• Translations of installation or assembly manuals
• Translations of technical instructions
• Translations of maintenance handbooks
• Translations of repair manuals
• Translations of quality specifications
• Translations of technical specifications
• Translations of training materials

Which fields come together within technical translation?

At ATLS, we are specialists in various areas of technical translation. For example:

• Industrial translation
• Aeronautical translation
• translations for the chemical industry.
• Construction translation
• Engineering projects translation
• Energy sector translation
• IT translation
• Architecture translation
• Telecommunications translation

Other areas of technical translation

Let's highlight different areas in which technical translation is used:

Translation of patents

This type of technical translation requires a high degree of specialisation when it comes to terminology. Furthermore, the correct and accurate use of language is important, as the translator must possess knowledge of the legal framework, intellectual property laws and the scientific and technical principles of the patent.

Knowledge of the source and target languages, experience with the use of tools and knowledge of the culture of both languages will give the translator sufficient scope to accurately translate the patent. The investment in the patent is at stake! . Even the smallest linguistic error can alter the document, making companies vulnerable to financial losses.

Translation of user manuals

The translation of technical manuals, much like other variants of technical translation, has a series of characteristics which must be considered at all times:

Maximum precision: manuals must explain clearly how a product works. A technical translator of user manuals must, therefore, pay very careful attention to the original text and have a clear idea of the target audience or target market. The language will then not only be accurate but will sound natural and will be much easier to understand.

Coherence: The technical translation of a user manual requires the use of the appropriate vocabulary for the field. The translation of the manual for a new mobile the phone is not the same as that for a sewing machine. It is important that the same term is always used for the same concept. and that the text as a whole is coherent.

Translation and localisation of software

The term localisation is used by translation professionals to refer to software translation, a type of technical translation involving IT and engineering. In this case, terminological coherence is also very important both when an action or event is mentioned within a programme, and within the terminology of the relevant operating systems.

It is clear that poorly translated software, unverified messages, a poorly translated user manual or even just texts lacking the right context will jeopardise the entire operational launch in a country, as well as the image of the product and the company.

Software and application localisation entails the translation of the user interface and its adaptation to the technical and cultural conventions of the target market. Our team of technical translators, IT professionals, engineers and graphic designers guarantee a complete adaptation of the product to the language, culture and needs of the target market.

At ATLS, we offer technical translation services for binary or resource files, online help content and user manuals; resizing of interface elements; checks on the localised software; and compiling and implementing the different components.

Use the services of a translation agency

As we have mentioned above, technical translation must be of excellent quality: it must be very accurate with no errors.  The best option, therefore, is always to trust a translation company that has native technical translators who specialise in the field we need to translate, who are familiar with the jargon and terminology of each area.

Using a translation company has a series of advantages:

• Rigorous monitoring of the translation by a project manager.
• Experienced native translators who are specialists in the field.
• The translation can be transferred to any format (AutoCAD, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.).
• A glossary and translation memory can be created for each project.
• Quality guarantee. We recommend you choose a translation agency that complies with the ISO 17100 standard, as this is the most stringent international quality certification.
• Deliveries guaranteed according to the agreed schedule.

In short, technical translation requires a high degree of specialisation on the part of the translator, because of the great complexity of its terminology. So, if you're looking for the best specialist translators, we're the ideal translation and international marketing agency for you!