Sometimes we think that a person speaking a particular language has the ability to correctly translate a text. However, this is not true. The same can be said of online translators offering an automatic solution.

This is one of the reasons why the work of translators is so valued. Technical translation requires a thorough knowledge of the context of an article and the semantic field of the concepts used.

That is, it is very common for people to request a translation through computer. Thus, the online translator must have specific knowledge of the vocabulary in question. However, translation goes beyond simply seeking the meaning of a word from another language.

The technical translator analyzes the context and also the language transformations that are unique to one language and different from others. For example, technical translators are asked for services such as: translation of manuals, instructions and guides.

Scientific and technical translation are closely related, however, the language of science is universal and the technical concepts are much more specific.

An error in technical translation can have serious consequences and could completely change the meaning of an expression. Literal interpretation is not synonymous with technical translation.

More attention should be paid to the text translated into the language, but respecting the original meaning. Correct terminology and appropriate context should be applied so that the meaning of a writing is of good informational quality and facilitates reading comprehension.

Given the complexity of the technical language, the translator must do a good job of documentation and research to broaden his vocabulary range. In addition, an appropriate technical translation should include timely corrections and revisions so that the work is perfect and delivered to the client in the best possible way.

It is a type of translation that requires maximum specialization. The translator answers the text from different perspectives: terminology, sentence structure, style norms and writing. The texts can have different types of content: medicine, engineering, marketing, law, among others.

Unlike sworn translation, technical translation is not a legal document. That is, no seal, stamp or signature of the notarized translator is required. So the technical translation can be sworn or not. Therefore, the main documents that normally require this translation are manuals, guides, package leaflets, theses, dissertations and TCCs, among others.

The main areas of expertise that frequently require technical translations are legal, audit, industry and commerce, consultancy, medicine, pharmaceuticals, computing, patents, bids, technical manuals, marketing, entertainment, financial, research and technology, automotive, chemistry, energy, public and private administration, engineering, telecommunications, metallurgy and transport, among others.

Jargon and abbreviations

In technical texts there are many words that are not used beyond a specific area of knowledge. Jargon and abbreviations are very specific languages and need frequent study. Therefore, they are usually not found in the language to be translated, only the source language. The translator must look for the meaning and what it represents to select the best adaptation for the target language.

Functional words

In this type, it is essential that the terminology be used consistently, as the translator must seek coherence and equivalence between languages. A misused word can cause a procedure to fail or a project to be rejected.

Symbols

They are extremely important and are present in many areas of knowledge, with different connotations and uses. The translator needs to have a specialization and a lot of experience with these technical texts to understand the function and meaning of each symbol.

Formatting

Technical documents must adhere to strict formatting and structure rules. For example, use of an irregular format may deny a request. Each type of text, depending on its content, tends to change considerably in size during its translation, as each language has a different structure. A wrong change can lead to deconfiguration of the material, and it is up to the translator to adapt the text to the norms at the end of each process.

Culture

We know that it is important that the translation of the text is correct, as well as its suitability for its respective culture and context as well. It is one of the most delicate parts, as material that disregards the cultural factor may offend the target audience, thus being considered inappropriate or irrelevant, damaging the purpose of the text.

Finishing

Technical translation is specialized translation into technical materials. What defines this type of text is not just the specialized language, but the purpose, application and target audience of the material.

An error in translation can have serious consequences and may change the meaning of an expression. Attention should be paid to the text when translating it, always respecting the original meaning. It is also necessary to apply correct terminology and context in order for the meaning of a writing to have a good quality of information and to facilitate reading comprehension. The technical translator must always be aware of all the needs already mentioned, and always try to stay up to date.