Technical authors are highly skilled at presenting complex information clearly, using very precise vocabulary. They have strong attention to detail and a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter they are writing about.
When a technical writer requires one of their documents to be translated, it is crucial that it be performed accurately — maintaining the meaning of any specialised terminology and ensuring that the document remains easy to understand.
TTC wetranslate has the skills and experience necessary to translate technical documents into a variety of languages. Our talented team of qualified translators has worked with many types of technical documents including user manuals, warranties, and textbooks. They will ensure your technical documents remain accurate and clearly convey your message.
This article will take a look at the challenges posed when translating technical documents, then highlight 10 reasons why technical authors use our translation services.
The challenges posed when translating technical information
There has been an increase in demand for technical document translation services, largely due to the advent of the Internet and rise of globalisation. Technical documents like user manuals, warranties, websites, and textbooks often require translations so they can be used by consumers in other markets. Because of the technical nature of this material, translations can often be challenging and must be undertaken with great care.
The key challenge faced by translators is translating complex terminology and ensuring it retains same meaning. The next challenge involves making the document easy to understand in the new language. Dialect usage, context and writing style can play an important role here.
The final challenge for translating technical information is that these projects usually have short deadlines. This is because most technical documents are associated with a business venture that requires translations as quickly as possible.
Here are the top 10 reasons why technical authors love working with our team:
#1 — You will receive all your files in same file structure and name convention
It is crucial that every aspect of the translation of your technical documents remain consistent with the original — including the file structure and naming conventions used to manage your documents. Our team will maintain that structure and naming convention, making it easier for you to manage your translated documents.
#2 — You will not have to change your graphic file formats
Many technical documents have illustrations containing text that must be translated. It is important that this text be translated accurately while maintaining the quality of the original image.
Our translators use a variety of image editing applications to ensure both of these requirements are met. All images are carefully edited so they maintain the same level of quality as the original and we always use the same graphic file formats as the original document.
#3 — Conditional text is kept in the same format
Conditional text is quite common in technical writing that describes a range of products or services. Our translators are very familiar with handling conditional text in technical documents and will keep these sections in the same format for all translations.
#4 — If you require manipulation of screenshots we can handle this too
Many instructional manuals contain screenshots. Our translators will ensure that each screenshot is translated, either by editing the image or by retaking the screenshot and then translating into the appropriate language.
#5 — Your TOC and Index files will be fully functional
Our translators will translate any metadata associated with your documents, including index pages and tables of content.
#6 — Your hyperlinks will be working and re-created if necessary
If your document contains internal or external hyperlinks, they will be updated with the correct translation and url. They will then be tested to ensure each link is up to date and working.
#7 — We will be able to work with your choice of technical authoring software
Our team works with a wide variety of technical authoring software packages. If you have a preference that your articles only use a specific software package to avoid compatibility issues, we will be happy to meet your requirement.
#8 — We will fit in to your document flow control, including the transfer of files
Our translators can integrate their documents with any document flow control processes or software packages that you are using.
#9 — You demand accurate translations fit for purpose
TTC wetranslate is one of the most experienced translators of technical content. Our company has worked with dozens of technical authors and companies over the years. We work with a wide variety of technical documents including user guides, engineering documents, textbooks, research papers, patents, manuals, product specification sheets, and websites.
All translations accurately reproduce the structure and style of the original text without adding unnecessary idioms or colloquialisms. Our team can adopt any official vocabularies that your business uses and adhere to any style guides that you provide.
Our company is accredited by the Association of Translation Companies (ATC). We have a proven track record for providing accurate translations, so you can be assured that your work is in safe hands at TTC wetranslate.
#10 — You often require fast turnaround times
We understand that most technical authors and businesses have tight deadlines that they must meet. That’s why our company has a strong focus on speed and efficiency.
If you would like to learn more about our translation services for technical authors, contact TTC wetranslate on info@ttcwetranslate.com, or call us on +44 (0)1245 216930.
