Lire cet article en français: [[Le Processus de Traduction Technique]] --- ## Definition of Technical Translation Technical translation focuses on converting documents, text, or content from one language to another while maintaining accuracy and clarity. It is common in fields such as engineering, medicine, information systems, and industries where precise and context-specific terms are crucial to facilitate communication. ![[Technical translation flowchart.png|Flowchart illustrating the steps involved in the technical translation process]] It concerns documents such as user manuals (consumer electronics, industrial machine tools), safety instructions, maintenance procedures, parts specifications, wiring diagrams, and data. Translators must possess a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as expertise in the subject, to ensure that the text is linguistically accurate and precise. ## Examples of Technical Translation Translating Machine Tool documentation, for instance, helps to ensure efficient communication of quality information across cultural and linguistic boundaries.  This is a model of the relevant themes developed with [Infranodus network analysis](https://infranodus.com/), and is shared [here on Infranodus](https://infranodus.com/markjl/tech-translation). ![[infranous-technical-translation.png|Network graph visualizing key themes in technical translation using Infranodus]] ## Why translate documents? Allows resellers and manufacturers to bridge cultural and linguistic boundaries via an organized multilingual catalogue and enhances imports and exports. Terminology helps to ensure that the right device is used to fulfil the desired **function**, and in maintenance, continued safety and **optimal** **operating conditions**. In medicine, the issues may relate directly to patient **welfare** or avoid the unnecessary cost of incorrect procedures. Legal, business, tourism, and marketing content require slightly different skills. ## Users of Technical Documentation Some manufacturers produce their documentation in English only, which thus requires translation into the local language in the target market. Precise and detailed revisions ensure that manuals are understandable by end users. ## Types of technical documents - machine user interfaces - machine tool manuals - training material - brochures and catalogues - product specifications and descriptions - contracts and legal documents ![[technical-documents-translation.webp|Collage of various types of technical documents requiring translation]] ## Confidentiality and data security It is important to ensure the confidentiality of all the documents translated and integrate industry leading security protocols to protect sensitive data. ## Providing Quality Service *Specialized Terminology*: We use the [[Translation Project database in Access]] to administer a corpus of industry-specific technical terms to ensure precise content that resonates with the audience. *Accuracy and attention to detail*: the objective is to produce translations that reflect the context of the original. *Prompt Delivery*: It is vital to understand the importance of meeting deadlines. Aim to manage your projects efficiently and deliver on time. *Confidentiality*: Treat customer information with the utmost care, and adhere to strict privacy protocols to protect sensitive data. *Defined document process:* Ensure reliable handling to guarantee quality output. ## Technical PDFs Being able to process PDFs systematically is an opportunity, since artificial intelligence cannot translate complex documentation with diagrams. ![[Processing complex pdfs.png|Diagram showing the workflow for processing complex technical PDFs for translation]] Technical and engineering documents with a high proportion of drawings, diagrams, plans, layouts, or tables require specific processing. They should be scanned with optical recognition software, but this is not usually enough to process them through the CAT tool, and may have to be regenerated from scratch. Images without translatable text do not necessarily need to be out through OCR; they can be copied over to the new source directly. Those that do may require to have overlay boxes added, depending on the clarity of the content. ## Process Summary This is a summary of the process to translate a technical PDF. First run it through an OCR system like Wondershare and convert to Word. If images have not been correctly recognized, you will need to paste the original and overlay with text boxes. Add in any tables and then check the new source for coherence. Import into Trados. Once the transdlation completed, output the target document and save as a PDF. ![[Dealing with technical images.canvas|Canvas showing methods for translating technical manuals from PDF, including handling images and diagrams]] ![[dealing-with-technical-images.png|Screenshot demonstrating the process of dealing with technical images during translation]] Technical translation may extend to any detailed document employing industry-specific terminology and comes with its own set of challenges in fields such as engineering, IT, or medicine. ![[technical-translation.png|Mind map representing the technical translation process and its components]] ## Technical Terminology Standardized terminology is vital to enabling the communication of detailed industrial data. We store this technical information (source, target, alternatives, comments, and feedback) in our [[Translation Project database in Access]]. It provides a framework to clarify translations with end users, drawing similar concepts together and distinguish others by their difference. The focus on a corpus encourages specialization in a field to maximize the ‘return on investment’. ## Skills Required A technical translator needs to have the capacity to understand the difference between similar terms and to standardize them across the current piece, but will also provide added value by referencing previous works for a particular customer or theme. ## Example projects Instruction manual for **Durma Flatbed Laser**: General Information, Machine Features, User Safety Considerations, Hand and Body Protection, Hazards, Safe Use of the Machine, Notes on Installation, Power Supply, Features of the Control Unit, including button programming, User Interface, HMI, Instructions for Nozzle Change, Laser Cutting Monitoring, and Maintenance Schedules. ![[durma laser user interface.png|Screenshot of the Durma Flatbed Laser user interface from the translated instruction manual]] Manual for **Bekamek fully automatic horizontal bandsaw BMSO 350**. Chapters translated include general information and warnings, standards and directives related, safety instructions, meaning of symbols, prohibited applications, residual mechanical risks, noise statement, connection to the electrical system, transportation and carrying, use of cutting processes, balancing and installation indication of switch functions, troubleshooting, the control panel and menus, auto, manual and maintenance modes and schedules, described operation programming (recipes), alarm and statistics screens, setting machine parameters, I/O monitoring, physical outputs, frequently asked questions, lubrication oil types, and spare parts list. ![[bekamek horizontal bandsaw machine.png|Photo of the Bekamek fully automatic horizontal bandsaw BMSO 350]] **Hazard Warning Symbols:** Caution, high voltage, danger on conveyor, of crushing on a pulley belt, on rotating components, of cutting hands with a saw blade. ![[hazard warning symbols.png|Collection of hazard warning symbols used in technical documentation]] **Control software:** This is a translation project of a programme for a machine tool. ![[translation of control program software.png|Screenshot of control program software interface for a machine tool translation project]] Instruction manual for **Deep Drilling Simple NC Variable Frequency Vertical Drilling Machine** ![[main technical data for vertical drill.png|Table showing main technical data for a vertical drilling machine]] Table of Contents for Bekamek 360 CGH ![[Bekamek 360 CGH Table of content.png|Table of contents of the translated manual for the Bekamek 360 CGH]] ## Conclusion Standardizing information increases the accuracy of communication by providing a common linguistic framework. It ensures that all stakeholders use the **same terminology**, which reduces confusion and streamlines the sales process. It can draw distinctions between similar concepts. Furthermore, it allows devices and equipment to fulfil their **desired functions** in optimal operating conditions.