Technical translation refers to the process of translating a series of documents classified as technical due to their nature. The concept of technical translation is used for specialized texts on a very specific topic and whose terminology is not evident for those who do not master the specialty. The technical translations cover the translation of many kinds of texts from different branches, but always referred to a scientific discipline.(view)

In this article, we will analyze what are the key points that affect technical translation and what aspects you should consider if you want to hire a translation of this type.

Technical texts always refer to a scientific discipline. Authors of scientific and technical articles use specialized terminology and are always specialists on the subject. Language used is not literary and the tone is formal.

Technical documents have a rigid structure. They are usually texts where objectivity, clarity and conciseness are constant.

Which topics are considered a technical translation?

Delimiting the topics according to their technical nature can be a complicated task. However, in general, technical translations refer to texts related to the world of science, engineering and technology. The term technical translation is complemented with the term scientific-technical translation, since the borders between science and technology are not very clear and many objects of study share both disciplines.

However, what we do know is that science is a set of theoretical concepts, while the technique refers to the application of that knowledge. There are authors who identify intermediate categories between science and technique.

The possible documents that embrace these concepts could be divided in three subgroups:

Computing: this subgroup refers to all texts related to computing, such as the application designs themselves, specific manuals, user guides, etc.

Engineering: this classification would include all designs, instructions, processes and industrial or construction procedures.

Science or scientific academic documents: Essays on experiments, specialized press articles, theses, papers or books on pure science.

UNESCO nomenclature for technical translation

UNESCO has established an international nomenclature to designate all branches of the fields of science and technology. Thus, the texts that deal with any of these topics and that should be translated would fall within the concept of technical translation.

Engineering Sciences: Agronomy, Aeronautical engineering and technology, Biochemical technology, Engineering and chemical technology, Computer technology, Construction technology, Engineering and electrical technology, Electronic technology, Engineering and environmental technology, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Instrument technology, Materials technology, Engineering and mechanical technology, Medical technology, Metallurgical technology, Metal products technology, Automotive technology, Mining technology, Naval technology, Nuclear technology, Oil and coal technology, Power technology, Railway technology, Space technology, Telecommunications technology, Textile technology, Transportation systems technology, Unitary operations technology and Urban planification

Sciences: Agricultural chemistry, Agricultural engineering, Agronomy, Domestic animals, Fish and wild animals, Forest, Horticulture, Phytopathology, Veterinary sciences

Another field that must be taken into account within the concept of technical translation is that related to New Technologies, a category that changes on a daily basis in the international arena and is of great interest to the entire scientific community. It is imperative that the translator is up to date on these issues. Beyond the Internet and Computing sector, these new technologies are:

Microelectronics, Computing,Telecommunications, Automation, Laser technology, Biotechnology, Renewable energy, New Materials