Lire cet article en français: [[Differents Types de Traduction de Documents]] --- 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]] ## Audiovisual Media Translation [[Video Subtitling and Audio Transcription]] 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|Video Subtitling Timeline From Subtitle Edit]] Transcription is the process of turning spoken audio into text. These days automated systems like [Happy Scribe do this very well](https://www.happyscribe.com/), which also offers the possibility of manually checking. Outputs can be used in video subtitling, or in written form to understand the media in question. ![[transcription-interface-happy-scribe.png]] ## Technical Translation [[The Process of Technical Translation]] includes researching and standardizing termbases. 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. Our [[Technical Experience as Analyst and Project Manager]] helped with this process. This mind map represents some of the themes involved: ![[technical-translation.png]] - Purpose of Technical Translation: Support for machine sales, advanced usage, and better understanding. - Definition of Technical Translation: documents such as procedures, maintenance, and installation manuals. - Management using a Term databases, standardizing terms to ensure accurate communication - Target Audiences: Users, manufacturers, resellers, and end users. We built a [[Notion Machine Tools Partner Database]] when exploring engineering and the machine tools arena as a speciality area for technical translation. ## 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 and stylistically appropriate. This might include aspects of grammar, lexical adjustments, and coherence, and improving a text 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. A translator spends much of their time checking terms are consistent, and machine intelligence enables us to do more. The process may reformulate text to make it more understandable, updating content, typos and grammar. ![[translator-in-post-editing.png]] Post-editing can have a significant impact on the quality of a website. This improves readability while also making information easier to understand 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. - **Assess quality**: 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 established **glossaries, style guides, and terminology databases**. - Standardize phrasing, especially in technical, legal, or medical fields. - Adjust tone and formality. - Check for typos, 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* – Ability to consult technical dictionaries, patent databases, and industry standards 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.