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Technical translation is usually intended for a specialized technical audience (engineers, technicians, programmers). That is why the technical translation should be highly understandable.
Optimally, the translator will be educated in the subject matter, or at least highly familiar with the technology and its terminology.
One of the common complaints made by readers of technical documentation is that the material is not written clearly.
Technical documentation often details step-by-step procedures on expensive systems. A poor technical translation can lead to system failure, or at the very least a lot of frustration on the part of the reader.
Technical translation could be ideally performed by translators who are or were engineers, software experts, architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and scientists that are specialists in their fields.
Example of technical documents include:
- Patents
- User's Guides
- Installation and Service Manuals
- Requests for Quotes/Proposals
- Tender responses
- Software and technical documents
- White papers
- Marketing brochures
- Chip data sheets and data books
- Technical training material
- Auto manuals
- System Requirements documents
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guides
Therefore, in general we can say that technical translation is the specialized translation of technical documents, anything from patents to manuals.
Technical translations need to be performed by translators or interpreters that specialize in that particular field of expertise, due to the specialized nature of the documentation.
Crucial to the document translations success is assigning the correct translator to the work, with the most experience in the desired field of expertise from subjects including physics, science, medical, avionics, engineering, optics, hydraulics, automotive, etc.
Translations need to be one hundred percent accurate, any incorrect or inaccurate technical translation of a patent or operation manual could damage the company image, and even result in dangerous and unforeseen liabilities.
All technical translations require the services of a professional translator with specialization in the required subject of the document or work.
Most technical translators are scientists, lawyers and engineers, but that in itself is simply not enough. A vast knowledge and understanding of the desired language is needed for the translator to translate the technical work in an accurate and precise manner.
When it comes to patent translation, translating foreign patents, usually engineers or scientists only have access to foreign patents through abstracts. Abstracts sometimes leave out the most detailed information needed by researchers. Precise and accurate translation of patent documents is extremely important as to avoid any possible patent infringements.
To guarantee the finest quality and professionalism of any technical translations, native speaking translators, assisted by vast resources from years of market experience, monitored, and proofread by experienced managers, should carry out all work. All of this ensures that the customer get the best, and most professional result for any of its technical translation needs.
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