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The Art and Science of Technical
Translation – What You Need to Know
In the globalized world, 75% of international brands have lost potential
customers due to incorrect translations—a statistic that emphasizes how
precision in technical translation can make or break a business. Whether it’s a
medical patent or a complex user manual, the stakes are high. But what exactly
does technical translation entail, and how can businesses navigate its
challenges effectively? Let’s dive into the nuances of technical translation and
explore why it is critical in today’s market.

Understanding Technical Translation
Technical translation is not a simple translation between two languages. It
demands a deeper understanding of industry-specific jargon, technical
concepts, and cultural nuances. This type of translation goes beyond just
words; it interprets meaning, context, and the intended application.


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A skilled technical translator must:
Thoroughly know the subject, and even more so with practical industry
experience.
Have knowledge of specific terminology for that company or the industry
standard.
Write it according to the taste of culture and linguistic preference of the target
people.
Subjects like science, engineering, and software programming require
perfection. Even one small mistake will cause tremendous effects in a product
such as product failure and a legal dispute.

When Do You Need Technical Translation?
Technical translation is called into the scene when technical documents are
translated. Here are a few examples:
Patent Translation: Patent translation calls for technical accuracy along with
strict legal compliance. A patent of a drug needs technical expertise in terms of
drug terminology and intellectual property law.

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User Manuals: The instruction content should be simple, culturally
appropriate, and free of errors. A user who misinterprets the instructions may
use the product wrongly or poses a threat to safety.
Software Localization: Localization of software interfaces, help documents,
and e-learning for international use demands careful handling of software
strings and cultural changes.
Health and Safety Documentation: Inadequate translation may compromise
worker safety and put the organization in legal peril.
Be it an article, compliance documentation, or product catalogues, technical
translation makes sure that the message is not only right but also operational.
The Mechanics of Technical Translation
The process of technical translation incorporates sophisticated tools and
techniques, which will be used to achieve consistency, reduce costs, and
increase delivery speed.
Terminology Database:
Industry-specific glossary ensures all translated
documents are uniform. For example, technical terminology in aerospace
engineering can be very language-dependent, which means there is a
significant need for a centralized terminology bank.
Translation Memory (TM): This tool saves the previously translated phrases
for reuse, thus enhancing efficiency and consistency. For example, a company
launching an update of a product can save time by reusing the pre-approved
translations from previous manuals.
Human-AI Collaboration: While machine translation engines have made great
strides in accuracy, they are still auxiliary tools. Human translators ensure that
the nuances and complexities of technical content are preserved. The ideal
approach often involves machine translation for initial drafts, followed by
meticulous human review.
Challenges in Technical Translation
Technical translation is still fraught with challenges despite the advancement
in technology:

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Terminology Complexity: The terminology in technical fields is always
changing and requires constant updating. For example, a term like
“nanolithography” in semiconductor technology can have different equivalents
in other languages.
Cultural Adaptation: A literal translation may distort the meaning. For
example, safety instructions in Japan may be written more formally than in the
United States.
Document Formatting: Some languages expand significantly when translated,
and this can affect layout and design. A manual that is translated from English
to German may require 30% more space.
Finding the right translation partner can help in overcoming these issues.

Linguidoor: Your Technical Translation Partner
Linguidoor has been one of the most trusted technical translation names for
over 10 years, with services to over 10+ industries and 65+ languages
translated with a 99.5% accuracy rate. Linguidoor is a translation service
company that harnesses the expertise of 523 professionals combined with
cutting-edge technology to translate into the global voice.

What differentiates Linguidoor?
Cultural Fluency: The translation should not only be correct but also culturally
appropriate.
Advanced Tools: Translation memory and terminology databases are used to
streamline processes and ensure consistency.
Whether it is a software localization project or a complex engineering manual,
Linguidoor ensures that your documents meet global standards.

Preparing for Technical Translation

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To maximize the efficiency and accuracy of technical translation, follow these
steps:
Finalize Your Documents: Last-minute changes can disrupt the translation
process.
Provide a Glossary: Provide a list of company-specific terms to ensure
consistency.
Design Changes: Prepare layouts to allow for text expansion or contraction.

The Cost of Inaccuracy
One of the most infamous examples of translation errors was in 1980 when a
mistranslated safety manual caused the explosion of a Japanese manufacturing
plant, costing millions of dollars. Such incidents emphasize the need to get
technical translations right the first time.
Technical translation might be more expensive than general translation, but it
is an investment in quality and risk mitigation. Cheap, inaccurate translations
can lead to lawsuits, product recalls, or reputational damage which are far
costlier in the long run.


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https://blog.zamstudios.com/the-art-and-science-of-technical-translation-what-you-need-to-know/


https://blog.zamstudios.com/the-art-and-science-of-technical-translation-what-you-need-to-know/


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Conclusion
Technical translation is both an art and a science, blending linguistic expertise
with technical knowledge. Whether you’re navigating complex patents or
localizing software for international markets, the stakes are too high for errors.
With over a decade of expertise, Linguidoor ensures that your technical
documents are accurate, culturally attuned, and ready for global success. Don’t
let translation errors jeopardize your business—partner with Linguidoor for
impeccable technical translation services.
Contact Linguidoor today and let precision drive your global ambitions.
Source URL: https://blog.zamstudios.com/the-art-and-science-of-technical-
translation-what-you-need-to-know/