Technical Document Translation: 1 to 1
In “Technical translation and related disciplines”, Geoffrey Kingscott states that technical translation is by far one of the leading translation outputs and linguistic service demands across the globe, with a proportion of 90% of textual ground being covered by professionals and subject matter experts in the field.
Additionally, as stated by Williams and Chesterman in “The Map: A Beginner's Guide to Doing Research in Translation Studies”, the translation of technical documentation requires high profile technical knowledge, as well as “a mastery of the relevant terminology and vocabulary tokens”.
Technical Document Translation involves a specialized process and a wide range of documents in different fields, such as owner's manuals, patents, user guides, scientific, medical, engineering, and automotive journals, consumer goods guides, technical equipment, and machinery descriptions, mechanical engineering guides, or other IT documents. According to Byme and Dordrecht in “Technical Translation: Usability Strategies for Translating Technical Documentation”, this translation process harnesses specialized terminology, as well as high-profile, mandatory linguistic techniques and conventions.
Effective Technical Document Translation: Process breakdown
Due to their complex nature, effective technical document translation processes must be defined before beginning work on the translation. Compared to classic, ‘dictionary-in-hand’ grueling technical translation processes, proficient Language Service Providers will always ensure a streamlined translation and localization process, consisting of:
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Volume Analysis and timeframe estimations:
The source content is analyzed to determine the exact number of new and repeated words to be translated and the extent of TM (Translation Memory) leverage. (Learn more about the specifics of TM leverage in our article, What is Translation Memory - AD VERBUM)
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File Preparation:
The source content is prepared for translation in a bilingual setting using a CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) tool and an existing/new Translation Memory.
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Translation, Editing, Proofreading:
The source content is translated into the target language, edited, and proofread, with each step performed by an independent native speaker and subject-matter expert of the target language using a CAT tool.
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Quality Assurance:
Quality assurance specific tools and software are employed to check the translation for potential linguistic and stylistic errors. (Learn more about Linguistic Quality assurance in our article Quality Assurance in Translation Services - AD VERBUM)
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Formatting and Layout:
The target document is reviewed to make sure that the layout is the same as in the source document, involving a DTP (Desktop Publishing) step if required by the client and file format.
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Implementation of Client Feedback:
Client feedback is incorporated into the Translation Memory and the client-specific glossary and/or style guide where applicable.
Examples and Benefits of Successful Technical Document Translation and Localization Services
One relevant example of the paramount role of effective technical document translation and localization services provided by subject matter expert Linguistic Service Providers comes from Cisco, a worldwide leader in IT, networking, and cybersecurity solutions.
In 2017, they initiated a highly technical software localization project for the software-fulfillment process in their Tokyo office. In ensuring and streamlining the success of their overall technical document translation and localization process, they:
- Aligned the user interface to follow user preferences across different user applications.
- Localized every possible user interface flow into their target language
- Tasked a team of designated Linguistic Service Providers and subject matter expert linguists to review application screens and ensure source-target language rendition consistency
Adapting the user experience for their target country-specific requirements and localizing their technical content in a ‘disciplined way’ has given them a sought-after competitive advantage, as well as made a positive impact on the Cisco brand, customer engagement, and sales.
Considering the above technical translation success story, the main benefits of an appropriate technical translation and localization process can be summarized as follows:
- Increased global revenue with multilingual content
- Enhanced brand awareness
- Increased brand engagement
- Improved user experience
- Reduced overarching customer support expenses
- Boosted sales and ROI
