Difficulty in translating Technical Documents,
Difficulty in translating technical documents.
Translating any type of document can be challenging, but technical documentation can be even more challenging. Documents such as instruction manuals, user manuals, medical documents, court documents, or any other technical or scientific document require not only accurate translation of the language used but also an in-depth understanding of the words and other concepts involved. Whether you are about to hire a linguist to translate your documents, or you are a translator who is about to take on a technical document, it is important to understand some of the challenges that exist in these documents.
Cognitive comprehension
A translator working on any type of technical or scientific text should at least have a basic understanding of the concept being discussed. This requires a certain background in the field or experience to translate the work done by professionals in the same industry. A professional linguist, for example, may have a basic understanding of some concepts presented in the medical literature.
Word information
Translating specific words also requires a linguist who has experience in the industry, or who has experience in translating texts in that field. This is especially true of the medical and legal industries, for example, each of which involves terms that may be unfamiliar to someone unfamiliar with those fields.
Accuracy is very important
Whether the technical document is a lawnmower service guide or a set of patient instructions for prescribed medications, complete accuracy is essential for technical and scientific documentation. The potential consequences of a misinterpreted document can be detrimental to the medical and legal profession for sure. But even lightweight documents – such as the lawnmower service guide we mentioned earlier – misinterpreted documents can cause at least some frustration for customers, and that can damage your company’s reputation and possibly even lose a customer. business in the future.
Meet deadline expectations
Many technical or scientific texts that require translation are bound by a strict deadline, which means that it is important to work with a linguist who can provide high-quality translation in a timely manner. This becomes even more problematic if the text is too long, such as a user manual, for example. For these types of major projects, the translator will not only need knowledge as a linguist in a particular industry but also have project management skills that ensure the final completion of the text.
Translates the world marketplace
If your translated document is intended for use in another country, you will need the services of a local translator and specialist. Simply put, the local practice involves making sure that the text is appropriate for the target audience, some of which may be of different cultures and backgrounds. Certain language and illustrations may not be appropriate in some cultures, and the translator needs to be well-acquainted with the target audience so that he can identify and translate the language and illustrations correctly.
If you are a translator preparing to take on a technical or scientific job, make sure you are ready for the job. Keep in mind all that is needed for your success. Start with small projects, if possible, and stay loyal to your client about your level of experience.
If you are looking for a competent linguist with the knowledge you need to translate your working documents, we recommend that you rely on the services of a reputable translation company. They can only connect you with a professional translator with the right knowledge; they can do a “test” of that person, making sure you have a proven track record of successful projects completed on time for satisfied customers.