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Unraveling Technical Manual Translation: Specialized Services and Multilingual Challenges
Madrid, 24/11/2024
Translating technical manuals requires a precise understanding of the content and a commitment to accuracy.
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In this article, we delve into the diverse services available for technical manual translation, ranging from translation with ISO 17100-certified proofreading and quality control to more cost-effective options like post-editing. We also emphasize the significance of selecting the appropriate language variant to cater to diverse audiences.

Translation Services for Technical Manuals: Beyond Words

Quality is paramount in technical manual translation. Our range of translation services offers various options to ensure that translated content meets the highest standards of quality. These options include:


Translation + Proofreading + Quality Control (ISO 17100):

service involves translating the technical manual by a specialized native speaker of the target language, followed by a thorough review by a second linguist and stringent quality control adhering to ISO 17100 standards. This certification ensures that the translation process meets recognized international standards.


Translation + Quality Control:

Like the previous service, this option focuses on translating technical content by a specialized native translator in the target language, followed by comprehensive quality control, although it lacks ISO 17100 certification.

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Post-editing + Quality Control (ISO 18587):


Post-editing involves reviewing and refining a translation produced by artificial intelligence or machine translation systems. This service, certified to ISO 18587, guarantees that human review enhances accuracy and consistency in technical content.


Post-editing + Proofreading + Quality Control (ISO 18587)

Similar to the previous option, this approach includes an additional human review step after post-editing. This comprehensive process ensures optimal quality in technical manual translation.



Technology and Expertise: Key Factors in Technical Manual Translation

Translating technical manuals demands not only advanced language proficiency but also a profound understanding of the specific industries they belong to. To tackle this complexity, technical translators rely on advanced tools like terminology databases and translation memories.

Terminology databases serve as centralized repositories of industry-specific terms, ensuring linguistic consistency in translations. Translation memories enable translators to reuse previously translated segments for the same client, ensuring continuity and coherence across projects.


Multilingual Challenges: Localization and Language Variant Selection

Technical manual translation faces unique challenges when content needs to be multilingual. Choosing the right linguistic variant is crucial, as differences between variants can impact reader comprehension. For instance, differences between Latin American Spanish and Spanish from Spain, including structural and lexical variations, underscore the need for precise localization.

When translating manuals into multiple languages, specific variants like British English or American English are typically chosen for each language. However, in languages with significant variant differences, such as Portuguese from Portugal and Portuguese from Brazil, offering two versions is essential for accurate understanding.


Selecting a Translation Company: Beyond Words on Paper

Choosing the right translation company is a pivotal step in the technical manual translation process. It's crucial to opt for a vendor that understands the significance of cultural localization and possesses expertise in relevant technical fields

Selecting a company that prioritizes translation is even more advantageous. This ensures the integration of multicultural elements from the outset, essential for averting misunderstandings and projecting a genuine brand interest.


More than Just Translation: Accurate and Culturally Relevant Communication

In essence, translating technical manuals transcends mere word transposition. It's a strategic process necessitating specialized services and a profound grasp of technology and industry context. The choice of service type and language variant is crucial, as is selecting a translation company that values localization and cultural adaptation.

A quality translation not only conveys precise information but also establishes a culturally relevant connection with the target audience, contributing to overall brand success.