Three Crucial Tips for Successful Technical Translations

Technical translations are generally considered to be among the most demanding translation jobs of all. The reason being that when comes to data sheets, information booklets, user manuals and so on, any misleading information can render the rest of the document redundant. But as more businesses branch our globally than ever before, technical translations are becoming mandatory for many.

Three Crucial Tips for Successful Technical Translations

So with this in mind, what follows is a brief overview of three critically important tips for those in need of technical translation services:

  1. First and foremost, this is one instance where automated translation software really must be avoided at all costs. When it comes to technical language and industry-specific jargon, there really isn’t a piece of translation software in existence that can deliver a complete and accurate result. If you’re looking to confuse and mislead the target recipient of the document, automated translations are a good way of going about it!
  2. If you have editorial control over the technical document, it’s a good idea to keep the content as simple as possible. There will be limitations as to how much the text can be simplified, but anything that makes it at least slightly easier to translate will make a big difference. Likewise, if the text can be in any way condensed, the removal of unnecessary content will make the whole document much quicker and easier to translate.
  3. Last but not least, if you work with a translator that has a better understanding of the target culture and language than you do, it’s a good idea to give them plenty of freedom and flexibility. As opposed to insisting that they translate every single word and phrase verbatim, allow them to make changes where necessary in order to convey the relevant meaning and context.

For more information on technical translation services in all areas of business, get in touch with the Semiotic Transfer team today.

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