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.

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