What’s technical translation?
Technical translation is the translation of technical and industrial documents typically produced by technical writers (electronic manuals, user guides, engineering specifications, etc.) from one language to another. A qualified Chinese translation service provider specialized in tech must have adequate knowledge of the subject and terminology in both languages to convey the documents’ content accurately. It also requires a keen eye for detail and a focused mind, as well as the ability to translate eloquently and knowledgeably.
Why’s professional technical translation important in China?
Thinking about cutting corners by not translating the documents while selling products and services in China, or not giving importance to the translation of technical documents from your Chinese suppliers? That might cost you much more than what you would have paid for the technical translation service in the first place.
When it comes to Chinese technical translation, 100% accuracy is of utmost importance and a slight mistake may pose a detrimental effect on your reputation. In the case of health and safety-related documentation, precision in translation is a matter of life and death. A grave mistake can seriously harm the targeted audience. Professional translation from English to Chinese is a great way to show that your business cares about the customers and the people you’re working with.
A carefully crafted technical documentation in the source language and target language is also crucial when looking to be compliant with local and international standards. Without requested paperwork, your company risks losing business opportunities. Worse, there’s a potential of getting fines or being shut down by local authorities.
What are different types of technical translation?
Documents that require technical translation vary a lot from scientific journals to tech packs, engineering specifications, etc. You will likely need the need of a professional technical translator if your source text contains in-depth industrial-specific terminology. Following are a few types of documents that often require technical translation service from English to Chinese or from Chinese to English.
• User manuals and guides
• Patents and patent-related applications
• Health & Safety documents (Safety Data Sheets)
• Software strings
• Tech packs (product & technical specifications)
• Manufacturing and engineering articles
• Scientific papers
• Financial & technical reports
• White papers
• Interactive training materials
Best practices for Chinese technical translation
Chinese is unanimously considered as the toughest language to master in the world, and when it comes to English to Chinese technical translation that requires ultimate accuracy, the difficulty is elevated to the next level, and you can’t afford to just wing it. Whether you’re producing a tech pack for your Chinese factory, creating a user manual to market your brilliant technology in China, partnering with a professional Chinese translation agency that has enriching experience in technical translation is very important. Here’re some tips for a successful English to Chinese technical translation project.
Create a terminology database (translation glossary)
What’s terminology database?
A terminology database is a compilation of industry-specific, technical terms that are frequently used by the writers. It serves as a guide to technical translation.
What’s translation glossary?
A translation glossary is a spreadsheet of terminology typically created in collaboration between a Language Service Provider (LSP) and their clients. Apart from terminologies, a translation glossary often includes trademark terms, names, etc.
A good translation glossary should list key terms in the source language and translations in the target language as well as a clear definition and context of the usage.
Existing translation glossaries, style sheets, and other reference materials should be gathered and given to the Chinese technical translation agency that you’re going to hire.
What are the benefits of using a terminology database/translation glossary?
There’re many benefits of using a translation glossary, and here’re a few.
Save time: With translation glossaries, technical translators understand immediately how you want to translate specific terms, and the translation process speeds up drastically.
Improve accuracy: Translation glossaries can eliminate guesswork and improve the accuracy of the translation.
Brand consistency: Consistency is the key to the success of branding, and the consistent translation of your brand identity, value, product names, and other key terms helps your customers identify your brand. Imagine if users in China can’t associate the key terms that define your brand simply because the translator renders them in different ways. A good translation glossary is crucial to maintaining brand consistency in different markets.
Translate with localization in mind
Translating with localization in mind means to think globally and act locally. Whether you’re translating technical documents from English to Chinese or preparing website localization for Chinese market, your wording should always be planned with Chinese cultural diversity in mind. Here’re a few points to take into consideration while localizing your technical documents for the Chinese market.
Differences in format (Content layout, numbers)
Like the Roman script, simplified Chinese is always written horizontally from left to right. On rare occasions such as titles in large size to attract attention, the Chinese script might be written vertically advancing from top to bottom. There’re some significant differences between English typesetting and Chinese typesetting. Here’s a checklist for the Chinese text layout.
Use translation memory
A translation memory is a tool that helps translators in translating sentences that have been translated previously. By using translation memory, you can ensure that terminologies and other fixed terms like brand identity and product names are applied consistently across the board. In addition, it can speed up the translation process if certain phrases or sentences occur frequently within a text.
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