Technical translations resemble complex puzzles that demand an overarching perspective, precise methodology and a uniform approach. The adoption of CAT technologies is thereby particularly relevant here, perhaps even more so than in other domains. When we delve into the specifics of translating technical documents, manuals, user guides, patents, standards and construction plans, and consider the significant supportCAT technologies provide in processing these documents, we identify numerous attributes common to these translation requirements. The differences primarily emanate in the demand for industry consistency and absolute semantic accuracy in the target language, closely tied to predefined terminology.
Translating technical documents and user manuals requires meticulous attention to detail, where the translator clearly demonstrates their expertise in the subject matter of the documentation. Adding the translation of patents and standards introduces the need for precise interpretation and adherence to formal requirements to maintain legal validity and international recognition, whether it involves a trademark or a registered mark. Translations of construction plans can be seen as the icing on the cake of challenges, requiring even more precise and sophisticated handling of technical terminology and industry specifics. Localization not only considers legal but also regulatory implications in the target market. Any deviation in presenting the intent that leads to a different interpretation can have dire consequences. Every translation must be accurate and comprehensible, as perfect conveyance of meaning into the target language is crucial for the seamless use of products and services. This often involves safety, significant production costs and, not least, subsequent international distribution. A poor-quality translation could jeopardise a client’s reputation, and sometimes even their ability to continue operating in the field. Therefore, these materials always undergo rounds of expert revisions, interim reviews by the client, and often double internal checks before final completion. With CAT technologies we can process these documents quickly and efficiently in any file format, ensuring text structure correctness and consistency in translations and industry terminology.
It’s now quite rare to receive a multi-page MS Word document for translating a print catalogue with export formats like XML, CSV, JSON becoming more prevalent. Prepared materials in graphic formats from Adobe, Corel, QuarkXPress, etc., are also on the rise. Graphic formats are a world of their own, and our internal DTP (Desktop Publishing) department assists in localization preparation. Our DTP experts review the document structure, prepare images and diagrams for localization and, if requested by the client, adjust the document for final use post-processing. This often involves text volume differences between the source and target languages. If the target language text is longer, the prepared text boxes in the document may not accommodate the increased length, leading to text being partially hidden or cropped without further adjustments. Therefore, adjustments to image wrapping, etc., are often necessary. The DTP team estimates these final localization tasks in relation to the overall time required for completion. However, I personally have a fondness for data formats, which to me have an almost literary charm. I enjoy mining for more or less apparent connections within the data volume, a process I would describe as data mining based on data structure and message functionality. This might involve a comprehensive website export filled with formatting tags and active elements, or text intended for a small two-line display on CNC machines, where both the length and structure of the message must be preserved for immediate comprehension.
The advantages of CAT technologies in technical translations contribute to increased efficiency, consistency and semantic accuracy, essential for the successful operation of business activities and international expansion. Maintaining content and formal communication for the target audience is much easier in CAT, even when target specifics differ. The delivery of a CNC lathe to a woodworking shop or a specialised technical laboratory involves linguistic differences. The approach to manuals and these linguistic specifics can often affect the applied terminology and, in the end, it may be necessary to adjust abbreviations specifically for the field. Today, artificial intelligence systems also assist in this industry-tuned synonymising of key terms and can help localise tone for specific target reader groups.
Thanks to CAT systems and available support tools the pieces of the localization puzzle for technical documentation fit together seamlessly, enabling the high demands of many exacting clients to be fulfilled.
Josef Mareyi, CAT/AI Specialist
