What is technical translation?

Nowadays we often hear about technical translation, but what exactly is that?

I will start at the beginning: What is technical translation?

1. What is technical translation?

Technical translation consists of the translation of technical texts (user guides, instruction manuals, etc.) and generally include highly specialised terminology.

This type of translation encompasses a wide range of specialised texts that require great skills and extensive knowledge of the relevant terminology. In a way, technical translation can be considered a branch of specialised translation.

1.1 Technical terminology

One of the main characteristics of technical texts is their clear, precise and unambiguous use of language, which aims to guide the reader through the process they describe.

Therefore, a technical text will always be demonstrative and descriptive. Some of the main characteristics of this type of texts are:

• Frequent use of technical terms and specialised language to avoid ambiguities.
• Presentation of the content in a clear and precise manner.
• Creation of neologisms.
• Consistency of terminology
• Argumentative-descriptive text.
• Objectivity and absolute absence of subjectivity.
• Description of the application of methods and the correct use of tools.

It is also worth mentioning that such texts are much more rigid in their translation than other texts. While there are translation types that give the translator some space for creativity (in the target language), technical translation is rather less flexible.

This is because in this translation type it’s essential produce an identical message as in the original, in order to avoid interfering with it.

1.2 What is the main topic of technical translation?

Technical translation is mainly focused on the industrial sector. Their main goal is usually to provide concrete and precise information to the reader.

It is a job that demands the utmost precision in terminology use and sentence construction. Some of the fields that can be covered by this text type are: engineering, automotive, physics, electronics, mining, telecommunications, metallurgy, biology or energy.

2. What kind of documents require technical translation services?

The most common projects in this field are manuals, user guides, data sheets, specifications, tests and patents. Translation of tool, machine and instrument manuals could also be included.

Who is qualified to realise a quality technical translation job?

The world of technical translation is extremely dynamic. Therefore, the translator must do his or her homework and be aware of all sections that are susceptible to misunderstandings. One way to ensure the highest quality for a technical translation is to work under ISO standards.

As I have indicated above, when we talk about technical translation we are talking about highly specialised and technical texts that require the translator to have broad knowledge of specialised terminology depending on the subject matter.

Therefore, it is essential those translations are carried out by professional technical translators who are terminology field specialists. This way, the possibility of inaccurate meanings or mistakes due to lack of knowledge of the subject matter is zero. No room for errors.

The translation, in this case, must be an accurate and adequate reproduction of the original. No room for creativity.

3. What are the advantages of entrusting technical translations to a team of professional translators?

• Reliability
• Accuracy
• Profitable
• Quality
• Precise
•  And, above all, guaranteed satisfaction!

These are just some of the benefits companies get when they rely on AbroadLink for the translation of technical documents.

We are fully aware of the challenges involved in the translation of technical documents, and we know that counting on a team of professional language experts is indispensable to ensure highest quality.

We will take care of your technical translations and everything will run smoothly! Contact us without obligation.