This post includes a summary of our 732 French to English translation, revision and audiovisual projects by sector and type between 2018 and 2024 totalling 2.5M words. ## Our translation projects Herewith a graphical summary of our translation projects between 2018 and 2024. ![[translation-projects-summary.png|Graph summarizing French to English translation projects from 2018 to 2024]] ## Different types of translation Lire cet article en français: [[Differents Types de Traduction]] --- Translation is a diverse field that goes beyond simply converting words from one language to another. From literary works and technical manuals to legal contracts and business documents, each category requires specialized skills and knowledge to ensure accuracy, clarity, and cultural relevance. In this post, we explore the unique challenges and the expertise needed to deliver high-quality results in each. ## Business Legal Translation Examples of business legal translations: Adoption decision, Airline Reservation Agreement, Share Trading Certificate, Grant claims, Conditions for renouncing a lease, and Credit Card Provider Agreement. Contracts such as for vehicle purchase, support and maintenance, provision of security and insurance services, and building rental. Works council electoral protocol, in-house advice on competition law, comments on a distribution agreement, Staff Collective Agreement, and Statutes of the European Research Institute. ![[business-legal-translations.webp|Infographic representing business and legal documents translated from French to English]] ## Audiovisual Media Translation [[Video Transcription and Subtitling]] is the process of adding text so that a video displays the dialogue or narration synchronized with the corresponding audio. Subtitles can also include translations of the spoken content into another language or explanations to enhance understanding. ![[video-subtitling-subtitle-edit.webp|Subtitle Edit software showing video timeline and subtitle tracks]] Transcription is the process of turning spoken audio into text. These days, automated systems like [Happy Scribe](https://www.happyscribe.com/), do this very well, and require only manually checking. Outputs can be used in video subtitling, or in written form to understand the media in question. ![[transcription-interface-happy-scribe.png|Happy Scribe transcription interface with timecode and text output]] ## Technical Translation [[The Technical Translation Process]] includes researching and standardizing term bases. It focuses on converting documents, translation of texts, or content from one language to another. It’s common in fields such as engineering, medicine, information systems, and industries where precise and context-specific vocabulary is crucial. This mind map represents the themes involved: ![[technical-translation.png|Mind map of technical translation themes and processes]] - Technical Translation of manuals and instructions to support the sales process. - Managing terminology in [[Translation Project database in Access]] - Target audiences are manufacturers, resellers, and end users. We built a [[Evaluation of Notion with Example Databases#Notion Machine Tools Database|Machine Tools Database]] when exploring engineering as a speciality area. ## Machine Translation Post-editing Post-editing refers to the process of reviewing content produced through machine translation (MT) or other automated systems to make prose or technical documents more accurate, stylistically appropriate or understandable. This might include aspects of grammar, lexical adjustments, and coherence, rather than reworking the entire piece. **Light Post-editing** corrects only major errors and leaves minor ones (acceptable for certain informal contexts). **Full Post-editing** involves a thorough revision of MT output with a focus on quality and fluency. ![[translator-in-post-editing.png|Reviewing and editing machine-translated text]] Post-editing can significantly improve readability and help ensure that published content accurately conveys the intended message. ## Document Revision Revision refers to the process of revisiting and improving a piece of writing at any stage, whether it’s a draught of a human text or a translation. It focuses on addressing tone, style, clarity, coherence, and content organization. It’s more comprehensive than post-editing and usually involves deeper changes. The scope is much wider, reworking large sections, adjusting the message, or even restructuring the content to fit a particular purpose or audience. *Quality Control aims to:* - **Identify errors**: Spot inaccuracies and omissions. - Determine if the MT output meets with expectations. - Ensure the translation **correctly conveys the original meaning**. - Fix grammar and syntax. - Address cultural and contextual nuances to maintain relevance. - Align the text with **glossaries, style guides, and terminology databases**. - Standardize phrasing, especially in technical, legal, or medical fields. - Adjust tone and formality. - Check for spelling, formatting issues, and other minor errors after editing. - Check the final output reads naturally. The translator plays a critical role in correcting raw MT, leveraging their linguistic expertise and adhering to client-specific requirements. ## Patent translation Patent translation involves maintaining accuracy, technical expertise, legal awareness, precise terminology, and attention to detail. Typical clients are law firms, corporations, IP consultants, and research institutions. It includes: - **Patent applications** (for filing) - **Granted patents** (for legal or commercial purposes) - **Patent litigation documents** (for lawsuits or disputes) - **Prior art and research materials** (for evaluating patentability or infringement) Patent translation is highly specialized and requires - Knowledge of the specific field to understand complex inventions. - *Precision and consistency* – minor mistranslations can lead to legal disputes or loss of rights. - *Terminology Research* is the ability to consult technical resources to find exact equivalents. ## Literary translation Literary translation focuses on rendering artistic and cultural works from one language into another. It involves transferring meaning but also capturing the aesthetic, emotional, and stylistic essence of the text. This process requires both interpretation and creative flair, ensuring that the composition resonates as deeply as it did in its original form. Ultimately, it bridges gaps between worldviews and enables readers to engage with diverse perspectives. The translator’s role is pivotal so that writing can be appreciated within new cultural frameworks. ## Conclusion Artificial intelligence has transformed the landscape, but it has not replaced the need for human expertise. Each category demands judgement, contextual understanding, and domain‑specific knowledge that automated systems cannot fully replicate. What has changed is _how_ professionals combine linguistic skill with technology, quality‑control processes, and subject‑matter insight to deliver content which is accurate, culturally appropriate, and fit for purpose, whether revising machine‑generated output, managing terminology, or handling sensitive legal and technical documents\. Our experience across diverse projects reflects this evolution. We offered not only translation and post‑editing expertise that ensures clarity, consistency, and reliability. ## Other useful posts Other useful posts on translation: - This post describes [[The Technical Translation Process]] for documents, including researching, curating and standardizing terminology and term bases. - This post describes the [[The Document Translation Process]] from project setup in Trados, translation and proofing, to generating the target documents. - This post describes [[Website Localization for regional audiences|Website Localization]] for the specific linguistic, visual, and cultural preferences of regional audiences.