Nowadays, technical language is everywhere whether it is in the form of user guides, knowledge bases, and software applications. All these contain specialized terms and complex concepts which require precise wording and a great degree of accuracy.
Efficient technical translation helps to ensure that customers around the world understand the product or service they are using. Like any translation, technical translation also comes with its own set of good and bad things.
In this guide, we will get to know what technical translation is and what the importance of technical translation is.
What is Technical Translation?
Technical translation is the process of converting the meaning of a technical text from one language to another. Technical translation requires technical and scientific knowledge and skills to use technical terminology in both the source and target languages.
This term of technical translation is quite vague and it does not give the clarity of technical translation of actual subject matter. Unlike other translations like medical or literary translations, which are self-explanatory, technical translations can be ambiguous. Technology refers to all areas with specific terminology, style, and even sector-specific.
Technical translation entails translating texts in various scientific fields and other technical subjects. This particular field of translation requires in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and specific skill sets.
The professional translator should have the skill set to work on technical translations. And they should be capable of using technologies such as Translation Memory( TM). Translation memory is beneficial in situations where the document is large and contains repetitive content.
A recent study by Imperial College London reported that 82.5% of Professional translators still use Translation Memory( TM) technology. TM Tools is used by professionals who focalize on financial, technical, or marketing texts. The demand for technical translation and technical language is higher than for other types of translation.
Top features of Technical translation
Technical translation is a very demanding and challenging process that requires specific methods. Here are the top features of technical translation.
1. Requires Technical knowledge
This field has become expansive and comprises technical terms and scientific data. It should be performed by Professional technical translators who are specialized in subject matter knowledge and can easily translate technical documents. This field requires understanding technical jargon and related technical terminologies.
Technical translation includes translation of technical documents like user manuals, technical instructions, patents, quality control protocols, product catalogs, and websites of technology companies. The types of technical translation include Legal translation, Patent translation, Aeronautical translation, Financial translation, and so on.
2. Specific writing style
Technical translation requires a specific writing style and an understanding of complex terminologies. In technical translation, translators employ a formal tone lacking personalization. Technical translation consists of conjugated verbs and must be written in 3rd person. It makes the technical translation clear, accurate, and easy to understand.
3. Plethora of Formats
Professional technical translators are skilled and qualified to work across different genres. It requires a unique skill set. Translators work on various formats such as patents and patent applications to scientific papers. There is a range of varying technical translation services.
4. Easy-to-Comprehend Work
Technical translators who are working across a variety of fields have one common goal, which is to achieve clarity and accuracy in their translated work. The documents such as user manuals, product guides, and Patents require a rigid and unique structure.
Technical translators ensure that they employ the ideal writing style. Professional translators craft their translated work in a way that is clear, accurate, and appropriate for readers around the globe.
Moreover, Professional translators use their extensive knowledge to simplify technical terms, allowing users to understand the brand’s original message.
Importance of Technical Translation
Machine translation and online translators do not guarantee accuracy and could turn out misleading. Technical translation is growing because of the cooperation between international and local companies. It is a highly specialized service for corporations and organizations. The importance of technical translation can be present in the following ways.
Builds links with Global Economy
The need for skillful technical translators has increased drastically and will increase in the upcoming years across various corporate sectors. Translation of technical documents in native languages is feasible as it establishes a global presence on the international market and also generates significant profits and revenue.
Expansion of Business Globally
Translating technical documents gives you the chance to grow your business in a new foreign market. The brand grows exponentially if the brand’s system instructions and quality assurance methods get translated into the native language of the target market. It will create interest in the brand’s future product launches.
Accuracy
Technical documents contain technical terms with specific meanings. The user manual or product guide specifically needs extra care when translating. Correct technical terminology should be used in consideration of the documents, terminology should be used consistently throughout the process.
Cultural Nuance
Technical translation generally includes technical terminology that is quite complex. An effective technical translation not only requires the use of correct terminology but also requires localization. A professional technical translator should understand the cultural nuances in the target language, which allows communication in a formal and correct tone.
Brand Perception
In marketing strategy, every professional knows the way the customers perceive the brand is everything. Getting your technical documents translated accurately, keeping in mind the cultural nuances shows the level of respect you have for your customers and that will only get reciprocated. Every brand wants to carry that Brand Persona to its new target market.
Technical translation is a vital service and will be relevant to almost every industry. Technical translation might be more expensive than standard translation but it adds value and helps avoid potentially costly errors. If your company needs technical documents translated, get in touch with Naarg Data Media Services to discuss your requirements. Naarg is the best translation company. We believe that technical manuals and documents should only be translated by specialised technical experts.
We at Naarg specialize in translating technical documents for our corporate clients. At Naarg, we are proud of our track record of accurate technical document translations into various languages. Our team includes technical specialists proficient in translation and the technical domain.
We provide our technical translation services to some of the world’s biggest companies. Reach us at info@naargmedia.com to know more about our technical translation services.