Technical document translation is a highly specialized task that exceeds simple language translation.
This blog offers 10 key tips for successful technical document translation, from knowing your audience to communicating with subject matter experts.
What is the Technical Translation of Documents?
Technical translation is the procedure of translating technical documents that have specialized vocabulary and intricate technical content from one language to another. Examples of documents that can be translated technically include user manuals, product guides, safety guidelines, technical patents, and others.
As opposed to general translation, technical documentation translation calls for thorough knowledge of both language and topic. The intention is to communicate very specialized and frequently intricate information correctly without diminishing meaning or generating confusion.
It is estimated, by a 2022 report from CSA Research, that the worldwide market for translation services will reach $56 billion by the year 2026, with technical document translation services accounting for a substantial share of this figure.
What is Technical Terminology?
Technical vocabulary consists of the industry-specific words, phrases, and expressions utilized by a specific area or industry. For instance, words utilized by engineering, healthcare devices, or computer programming may carry specific definitions that are quite different from usual language.
The translators should interpret these terms within both the target and source languages to be able to successfully translate technical documents while conveying the accurate meaning.
Case Study: In automobile manufacturing, ‘torque’ is a measured force, yet if it gets mistranslated, it results in confusion between user manuals or safety guides. This underlines the importance of industry-specific translation knowledge.
Top Technical Document Translation Tips
After establishing the crux of technical translation, let’s proceed with the best possible tips for creating high-quality technical document translation.
Tip 1: Understand the Target Audience
When translating technical documents, it’s essential to know your target audience. The level of technical expertise varies from one audience to another, so the language and style used in the document must match the reader’s understanding.
For instance, a software user guide targeted at IT experts will need to have more technical information than one for general consumers. Adapting the translation to the particular audience will make the content accessible and useful.
Tip 2: Be Consistent in Terminology
Consistency is very important when it comes to technical translation, particularly when handling large documents or several files. Technical terms are supposed to be used consistently throughout the entire document to prevent misunderstandings.
To attain consistency, a lot of translators prepare a glossary of words that describes the way certain terms are to be translated. It is used as a guide when translating.
Inconsistent terminology can create expensive mistakes, particularly within sectors such as manufacturing or drugs, where accuracy is paramount, as Smartling says.
| Example of Consistent Terminology |
| Original Term: ‘Interface’ |
| Consistent Translation: ‘Interfaz’ (Spanish) |
Tip 3: Use Translation Memory Tools
Translation Memory (TM) software are computer programs that keep previously translated parts of text stored for reuse. When the same or similar text is encountered once again, the software automatically provides the earlier translation, ensuring consistency and accelerating the process.
Application of TM software can also cut costs for technical document translation services since repeated words or sentences don’t have to be translated from the beginning.
Common TM tools such as Trados, MemoQ, and Wordfast facilitate large-scale technical projects while maintaining accuracy.
Tip 4: Work with Subject Matter Experts
Translators can be language experts but not necessarily experts in the technical field they are translating into. This is where Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are useful. Working with SMEs guarantees that the translation is not only linguistically accurate but also technically correct.
For example, if you are translating a technical engineering manual, it would be advisable to get an engineer to check the translation to ensure the technical specifications are correct.
Tip 5: Accommodate Industry-Specific Needs
Every industry has its requirements, regulations, and guidelines. For instance, medical device instruction translations need to conform to international standards like ISO 13485, whereas pharmaceutical translations need to conform to EMA (European Medicines Agency) guidelines.
When translating technical documents, it’s important to be mindful of and adhere to these sector-specific requirements to make the translated documents legally valid and purposeful.
Tip 6: Quality Assurance for Accuracy
In technical translation, a single error can have severe consequences, ranging from product failure to safety hazards. It’s thus imperative to have a rigorous quality assurance (QA) process in place.
This could include having a second reviewer or translator review the document to ensure accuracy, consistency, and anything that is wrong with terminology or formatting. Technical document translation services sometimes employ machine-assisted QA tools to review for possible problems, but human control still plays a central role.
Tip 7: Keep Sentences Clear and Concise
Clarity is one of the most important principles of successful technical translation. Technical writing is usually dense and packed with technical information, so it’s crucial to simplify complicated concepts into clear and concise sentences.
Don’t use long, complex sentences that might confuse the reader. Instead, use simple, short sentences and logically organize the document.
Example:
Complex: “To guarantee the best performance of the device, users should pay close attention to the instructions contained in the manual and undertake periodic maintenance as set out in the guidelines.”
Concise: “Use the manual for the best device performance and periodic maintenance.”
Tip 8: Format Documents Properly
Formatting is crucial to the readability and usability of technical documents. Good formatting involves the use of proper headings, bullet points, numbering, and tables where needed.
During the translation of a technical document, the formatting needs to be retained or modified for the target language. For instance, certain languages need more room or varying font sizes because the text expands or contracts during translation.
Table Example:
| Original Text Length | Translated Text Length (French) |
| 100 words | 120 words |
Tip 9: Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Technology and industry practice are in a state of continuous change, and therefore translators must keep themselves informed about the newest trends, standards, and vocabulary in the sector. This is particularly necessary in rapidly developing sectors such as IT, engineering, or medicine, where new terms and concepts appear on a regular basis.
Ongoing training, participation in industry conferences, and maintaining contact with professional networks can assist technical translators in keeping abreast of new developments and offering more precise translations.
Tip 10: Select Seasoned Technical Translators
The success of a technical document translation project hinges on the translation expertise. Seasoned technical translators are familiar with both the linguistic and technical sides of the content, and it is essential to produce high-quality translations.
Search for translators or technical document translation agencies specializing in your sector and having a track record of working on similar projects. Translating software documentation might be different from translating medical device user manuals, for example.
Expert technical translators, as noted by GetBlend, minimize errors and ensure correct translations of difficult technical terms.
Conclusion
Technical document translation is a very technical task that needs more than language skills. With these 10 basic tips, you can be sure that your technical documents will be translated accurately and effectively, whether translating a user manual, product guide, or technical report.
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