Monday, November 8, 2021

Translation Memory in Technical Translations

 

Translation memory databases are one of the most important tools in the technical translation process. When used in conjunction with in-country reviewers, translators that are subject matter experts, glossaries, and style guides, PLG’s technical translation services are unmatched in quality and accuracy.

How does translation memory work?

Translation memory databases collect all the translations your company completes and stores them in a database in the form of phrases. For example, “Technical translation requires a subject matter expert. The translator should also be a native speaker.” will be stored as two separate phrases and our software will pair those with the translations.

When you send PLG a technical translation project, we will analyze the file for wordcount and as our software breaks down your document into manageable parts, it will cross reference these phrases with our database and find matches. Phrases that match 100% will be translated the same way across time, different documents, and even different translators.

This way, you can be sure that our translators will translate your materials the same way every time so that your business’ technical terminology remains consistent in any language. Have confidence to know that you can rely on PLG as your premier technical translation service provider.

Learn more about our translation memory here.

If you would like a quote, visit our website here. Alternatively, give us a call and we’ll go over any questions you have.

Monday, October 18, 2021

Technical Translation Requires Native Subject Matter Experts

 

Technical Translation

PLG has 2 main requirements for all technical translators to ensure accuracy and decreased turnaround of technical translations.

When it comes to translation of highly technical documents (user manuals, SDS’s, demonstration video transcripts, etc.), there is a lot at stake. Incorrect translations can result in misuse of equipment which in turn can lead to unexpected costs of repair or in worst cases, injury. Alternatively, client’s may lose respect for your brand if they are marketed translations that are awkward and seem like they were completed by google translate.

With all these potential risks, it pays to ensure that technical documents are translated correctly. How does PLG go about reducing the risk of these unexpected and unwanted consequences?

One way is through procedures. Usage of glossaries, translation memories, mechanical reviews and more are effective tools in the battle against mistakes. But while these are important, your first line of defense is of course the translator.

Translators need to be detail oriented and hard working. They need to be responsive and dedicated to professional development. But there are two qualities that PLG looks for in translators above all else. They need to be native speakers and subject matter experts.

Read more about PLG’s ISO 17100 certified procedures here.

Technical Translators Must Be Native Speakers

Technical Translation Native Speaker


Translating word for word is not enough when it comes to technical translations. Nuances in language are developed at every level from countries to municipalities. Someone speaking Spanish in Spain and someone speaking Spanish in Mexico may use completely different vocabulary to describe the same thing or concept. You would never translate marketing material destined for America using a Scottish lens.

Depending on your target audience, it is imperative that the translator assigned to your project is a native speaker of that region. That way, they can take advantage of their life experience to make sure that your translations not only are accurate, but also reflect the dialect and slang of the region. Your documents will effectively sound as though they were originally written in your target audience’s native language.

This important detail not only reduces risk of misinterpretation, but also protects your company’s image abroad. Imagine purchasing an expensive piece of equipment, opening the user manual, and discovering that the English was written so poorly that much of it is not understandable. Your loss of respect or trust in the product is how potential client’s may feel about your documents if you do not have them translated by a native speaker.

Learn more about PLG’s language capabilities here.

Technical Translators Must Have Subject Matter Expertise

The second, equally important quality we require from our translators when assigning them to projects is relevant subject matter expertise. You would not want a translator that only has experience with legal documents translate your machinery user manuals or vice versa.

When PLG assigns translators to projects, we require that they have at least 2 years of experience translating similar documents. Given the specific services our clients perform, it is difficult to find a expert in their exact subject area that has a strong enough grasp of both languages to handle translation. That being said, pairing translators that have experience in the industry with our QA procedures, extensive research, and tools like translation memory and glossaries ensures that your documents will be translated correctly.

Due to their experience, they will have knowledge of the industry specific terminology in the language of your target audience.  Usage of incorrect terms can lead to rework, an expensive, unwanted consequence of using an inexperienced translator. If native speaking clients or staff find issues with your translation, they will need to be resubmitted and edited. The best way to mitigate this cost is to put in effort in the beginning during translator selection to ensure that translator working with your materials has experience in the industry and with similar projects.

Additionally, their experience not only decreases the risk of error, but also decreases turnaround times. A knowledgeable translator will not require additional research. Less instances of confusion will allow PLG to translate faster and accommodate more stringent deadlines.

Learn more about PLG here.

Technical Translations Require Expertise and Experience

Nothing is more important than accuracy when it comes to highly technical translation. Consequences of error range from expensive rework to injury. For this reason, we extensively vet our technical translators at PLG. Our top two requirements are that translators are native speakers and that they have subject matter expertise. By assigning responsibility to the correct translator from the outset, we ensure your translations are accurate and delivered on time.

Learn more about PLG’s technical translation services here.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Application of Glossaries for Technical Translation, Marketing Documents, etc.



 As time passes, the language and terms used in a specific business’s operations becomes nuanced and unique to the organization.  One of many synonyms rises to the top, becoming the default for a commonly expressed idea. A term with multiple definitions settles into one permanently.

For example, most businesses use terms like “monitor” and “screen” to describe computer hardware used to display visual information. However, for those in the health care industry, these terms are instead verbs used in reference to assessing and keeping track of a patient’s health.

For technical writers and marketing directors, these nuances are confusing enough in English, let alone having the text translated into multiple languages. The confusion increases exponentially and there is a greater risk of rework which can potentially increase a translation project’s cost by as much as 15%.

To mitigate this risk, PLG uses translation glossaries. 

What is a Glossary and How is it Created?

Glossaries (otherwise known as lexicon, term base, or terminology collection) are a collection of terms identified by our translators. After analyzing your document(s) for wordcount, repetitions, and translation memory matches, we take things a step further by picking out terms that have either high frequency or importance.

Each term is translated and the translator then inserts a definition and additional notes on usage and context. Thus, a glossary is created! It is specific to the client’s preferences and acts as an important guide for translators.

If your business has native-speaking experts (staff or clients), we ask that these individuals review the glossaries for accuracy. Their approval helps us gain further clarity on how to approach translating not just the text but the style and tone.

If your business does not have these kinds of resources, not to worry! It is our professional responsibility to verify the glossary translations through research, review of previous translations, and interviews. In our 3 decades of operation, we have developed procedures to ensure glossaries are verified in cases wherein the client cannot provide approval.

We primarily use glossaries for our technical document translation services. They can also be used for marketing translations which you can learn about HERE.

How Does This Tool Aid in Technical Translation?

The glossary helps the translator in a myriad of ways. By clarifying how the most important and potentially confusing terms should be translated at the outset, each instance of every term on the glossary will be translated with consistency across entire documents and even across all future projects.

Furthermore, although PLG prefers to assign one translator to each business, if a rush project calls for multiple translators to split a project up, the glossary ensures that across each different individual, all terms are translated in the exact same way.

This tool also influences the translator’s understanding of the business’s preferences for style and tone of translation. Additionally, the translator has a tool to reference should other confusing words appear.

Glossaries enforce consistency and reduce uncertainty. Risk of rework (when a translation client sends the project back with notes and edits) is mitigated and the project benefits from reduced cost and turnaround times. 

You can learn more about our technical translation services HERE.

Glossaries Usage in Conjunction with Other Translation Tools

In addition to the glossary, we also use our translation memory software to aid in reducing cost and turnaround and enforcing consistency. This tool captures translations from all previous projects and cross references these with your current project. Any phrases that match a previous translated phrase exactly will be identified for the translator.

Read more about our translation memory clicking HERE.

PLG’s Principles for an Effective Glossary

Below are principles we follow to ensure technical document translations and marketing material translations are as accurate as possible:

  •  Glossaries must be mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive. Meaning terms like “computer”, “hard drive”, and “computer hard drive” do not appear as separate instances.
  • The glossary will contain terms specific to each client. We will not let broadly related documents influence our term collections. Instead, we will only draw from your materials and previous projects with your company.  
  • The glossary should be as short as possible, making it easier for the translator to use and navigate.
  • Glossaries should contain more than just terms and translations. Definitions and notes on context are equally as important.
  • The glossary should contain a list of terms that should not be translated (product names, initiatives, program titles, etc.)

3 Glossary Creation Tips

In helping PLG create an effective Glossary for your technical translations, please use the following 3 tips:

  • Focus on providing us with User Facing Documents for reference. These resources have higher liability and reflect how a company wants to be seen.
  • Identify any local experts either on staff or on your client’s staff that can assist in approving our translations.
  • Ensure the dialect is correct at the outset by notifying us of where you intend to present your translations. For example: European French vs Canadian French, Latin American Spanish vs. Spanish for Spain, Traditional vs. Simplified Chinese, etc

Technical Translations Require Comprehensive Glossaries

By arming yourself with a greater understanding of Glossaries and how they can improve your technical translations, PLG can work with you to reduce cost and turnaround time for all future projects. Thank you for reading, reach out if you have any additional questions and request a quotation today!