Tech Biz Writing

The translation of technical material presents both writer and linguist with special problems. There is no such thing as a perfect translation. Several translators, given identical texts, will produce different solutions to the puzzle. There is, though, a middle way through the complexity, balancing accuracy of fact (essential in a technical document) with interpretative freedom. The exact end-product will, of course, depend on the requirements of the particular job. Generally, there are three types of translation:

* A literal translation rendering the original clause by clause.
* A free translation giving the translator wider scope for adaptation into the vernacular.
* A partial translation in which a summary is made of the original text.

A snappy sales brochure, for example, requires above all else a true colloquial rendering for the target community. Either the translator must be a competent copywriter with the freedom to adapt the material to local requirements, or the verbatim translation should be given to a copywriter in the target country for further work.

At the other extreme, a description of a maintenance procedures for an intricate piece of equipment with stringent safety precautions, would call for a strictly formal translation, in which each sentence is rendered literally into the new language.

Writers producing texts for which translations will be necessary, should bear certain points in mind. A badly edited or poorly punctuated document will cause problems in the original let alone in translation. Writers should always ensure that their meaning is clear and unambiguous, avoiding inconsistent terminology, the use of colloquialisms, and any other loose deviations from a tight and accurate text which a translator will need to do a good job.

Choosing the right translator is an important consideration from the outset. Starting on the premise that practitioners work best when translating into their own native tongue, two other points immediately arise: their understanding of the source language, and their technical competence to handle the subject matter. Both aspects will be crucial to the quality of the finished product.

If it falls to the author to do this, how to engage a suitable translator? Fortunately the possibilities are wide:

* Local contacts — agencies, foreign wives or husbands of friends &c.
* Directories, Yellow Pages, the Internet, for listings of bureaux or translators.
* The British Standards Institution (BSI) has a translation advisory service.
* Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates may keep lists of their nationals who offer a translating service.

Translating is a well-paid occupation — or so it seems from an author’s viewpoint. The price of translation is usually quoted as a rate per thousand words or, for small jobs, a unit called a folio, 75 words, is used, and is the least that will be charged for. The main factors likely to put up the cost of any translation are, the language to be used (i.e. non-Roman scripts like Arabic, Japanese or Russian will be significantly more expensive), and any special requirements such as side-by-side translations or additional copywriting skills. Cost assessment will be based on:

* Time factors.
* Technical content.
* Specialised subject matter.
* Specifications or standards to be observed.
* Language — European/non-European/non-Roman script.
* Any proofreading or other tasks involved.

English is now the major world language in terms of international communication. In areas of science and technology this dominance is even more pronounced. The Internet has only increased the change from lingua franca to lingua britannia, or more specifically, lingua america. Over the years this has tended to give the British a false sense of security. An insular mentality has prevented any great leaps forward, but one way of counteracting it is to make sure that all technical and customer support documentation receives the best possible translation into the language of the target population. Efficient communication overcomes many other deficiencies.

Next: 43. Abstracting and Abridging.