When it comes to language, there are different usages, and by default different kinds as well. The language we use in our everyday lives includes literary, scientific, and technical words. In recent years, though, technical language has become more prevalent everywhere you look, in guides, product instructions, software applications, and more. We always find those complex words specialized in a specific area or field or even purpose.
In the world of business, having accurate and efficient technical writing and translation ensures that customers around the globe get the whole idea of a specific product or application. For this reason and more it is an essential pillar for companies to have an experienced technical translator within the translation team.
In this context, it is important to know what it means by technical translation and what its uses and challenges are.
What is technical translation?
Technical translation refers to the process of transferring the meaning of a technical text from one language to another. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to possess scientific or technical knowledge, as well as proficiency in the use of technical terminology and jargon in both the source and target languages, as well as the ability to translate concepts with precision. Having a good knowledge of the product or field which is written about is as important as having a good knowledge of both languages.
As we have mentioned above, you can find technical terminology everywhere, and basically it is related to an industry or field of study or work. Such as medicine, business or engineering. It is most likely to contain peculiarities, such as abbreviations, that you wouldn’t find in everyday language.
Why does technical translation matter?
Today, companies are going global with their visions and plans. They are expanding their target audience and aiming to reach as many audiences as possible. The success of their approach, service or even product depends on how it appears to people worldwide.
Technical translation is the way by which companies can ensure that their product or service is appealing and practical for people from different cultures and mother tongues.
Let’s make it clearer; take mobiles for example. When tech companies first invented mobiles they had a specific vision to make it a global device used to connect people with each other, and they succeeded. Yet, a primary part of their approach included making mobile phones interface experience suitable for people speaking all different languages in the world.
The settings, applications and inner system text of the mobile should be translated from the original language to the targeted one, otherwise, foreign users wouldn’t know how to use it.
The main benefits of technical translation for companies:
- Enhance the experience of your customers by communicating complex information accurately (knowledge bases, product specifications, user guides, etc).
- Make sure that products and services are in compliance with local and international standards (e.g. product labels, safety instructions).
- Ensure the protection of intellectual property on foreign markets (patent translations).
- Providing a localized version of your product will increase the company’s reach and sales as well.
Types of technical translation
In fact, it contains more topics than we think. Starting from insurance documents, product guides, reaching to finance reports. Here are the most important technical translation examples:
- Health documents:
This involves translating technical documents related to health regulations, such as: medical devices instructions, patient data history and medication prescriptions. It is very important to make sure that the translation is perfectly accurate as it has to do with patients’ lives and health. - User manual:
Software, hardware, and consumer electronics instructions must be translated into multiple languages so that international consumers can properly use these electronic products and programs. For example: when you first make a subscription with a website online to make use of its service, you need to be provided with a user manual in a language that you understand. - Software strings:
This type of technical translation includes translating interface elements, such as: buttons, menus, labels and more in websites, applications or even mobiles. - Product description:
This type is literally everywhere. From small products like board pens, to big ones, you always find a description on the back of each product we use in our lives, instructing us on how to use it. All companies from different fields include writing description -and translating- on their products, including cosmetics and beauty, toys and more.
The key challenge in technical translation
As this kind of translation is more accessible, it is important to make sure that the accuracy and quality of the translation are at the maximum possible. Any tiny or small mistake has a bigger impact and consequences than we think; public embarrassment, lawsuits and the worst of all: a poor user experience.
In order for customers to determine if they truly need a specific product, it will help them to have the message accurately delivered, which will also ensure they enjoy it.
No question, not having proper knowledge of a particular field is one of the main technical translation problems. A highly qualified, experienced team of linguists who are familiar with the field is necessary for each specialty in such a translation process, since each has its own prerequisites and specialized terminology.
How localization technology can streamline technical translation
Localization is the process of translating any kind of text in a way that fits into a particular culture and background. It is not only about literal texts, but also related to business topics. Professionalizing technical translation requires including localization in the translated text in order to optimize the process of delivering the message to customers.
Businesses can manage large amounts of content with localization, reduce errors, save time and money, and maintain consistency of quality across all translations.
Companies should keep in mind that they are dealing with different consumers around the world, with different languages and even dialects. A word in Palestine doesn’t mean the same in Algeria or Morocco, which will affect the user experience with the product. That’s why in addition to technical translation, companies should also consider localization when planning to go globally with their product.
Conclusion
It is not only a matter of being a good business person, but also a matter of communicating with your audience, giving them their needs in the most clear and accurate way. By leveraging excellent technical translation you will guarantee that your product can be easily used and understood, which will improve your efficiency.
Customers today look for the bottom line, if they don’t see it from the first sight are most probably won’t go for your product, that’s why it is important to be as clear as you can and direct.
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