Over the past couple years at Precision Language &
Graphics Inc., we have seen an increased number of translation requests for
materials in various technical fields, such as engineering, specifically for
manuals. Though we cannot say exactly what has stimulated the growing demand,
it is evident that the economy is recovering and international commerce is
likely to follow suit. Within the last few weeks we have had the pleasure of
supporting technical manual translations totaling several hundred pages of
highly technical content. These projects are not like common translations, and
a few quality assurance measures should be taken. These include, but are not
limited to, measurement specifications, glossary building and the use of a
specialized translator.
When requesting a quotation for a technical manual, one
thing that is important to clarify is whether or not measurements and other
numbers will need to be converted in the target language, e.g., 1” to 2.54cm.
For general translations such as product packaging, measurements will be
converted. However, with technical manuals, it is up to the client to decide if
they want them converted because the measurements in technical manuals are
often very specific, and a conversion that is rounded to the nearest millimeter
could even cause a problem. This is why most clients choose not to convert
measurements for highly technical materials.
Another quality assurance measure to take, before beginning
the project, is to utilize the best-fit translator. A general translator will
not suffice for technical translations. It is imperative that a specialist,
with a background in the material field, is chosen to support the translation.
Without this industry background, it would be near impossible to translate
heavily technical content.
Once the project has started, we will create a short
glossary of terms and ask that the client have someone within the company who
speaks the target language, if available, review the translations provided. With
technical materials, there is often terminology that is industry-specific. By
creating and reviewing a glossary, we can be sure to use terms that are
preferred by the client according to the industry/company. If the client does
not have someone to review the glossary, we still create one to store and use
for future translation projects for that specific client. By using glossaries
and translation
memory software, in addition to our regular quality assurance measures, we
strive to ensure the highest level of consistency and accuracy of translation.
After we have completed the project and returned the final
files to the client, we welcome any feedback. If the client has a
representative in the target region or someone to review and/or edit the
translations, we request that the edits are sent to us. This allows us to know
and understand any changes and apply them to future translation projects. This
continuous improvement will guarantee that the process is refined after each
project.
If you have any translation needs, for technical materials
or others, please contact us at info@plg-online.com
or call 847-413-1688.
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