Is your English source text setting traps for your translators?
When preparing a technical brochure or manual for global markets, subtle language traps in your English source text can cost you thousands in translation rework, machine-translation errors, and delayed product launches.
We recently ran our SourceCheck tool on a client’s product brochure. On the surface, the technical specifications looked solid. But the text was packed with ambiguous idioms, complex phrasing, and heavy jargon that would have derailed the translation process.
Here are 3 examples of source-text traps our tool uncovered:
The “Idioms & Corporate Jargon” Trap
The source phrase: “low-touch” or “step change”
The translation risk: Literal translations of these English-specific terms make zero sense in other languages. A machine translation engine might translate “low-touch” as physically not touching an object, or “step change” as walking up physical stairs.
The SourceCheck solution: Neutralise the jargon before translating. “Low-touch” becomes low-maintenance, and “step change” becomes a significant advancement.
The “Phrasal Verb” Trap
The source phrase: “backed up by”
The translation risk: Phrasal verbs are notoriously ambiguous. Depending on the context, a non-native writer or translation engine might interpret “backed up by” as an IT data backup or physical vehicle reversing, rather than simple support or proof.
The SourceCheck solution: Standardise to an approved, clear verb like supported by or guaranteed by.
The “Heavy Noun String” Trap
The source phrase: Stacked technical descriptions like “…high-performance specification listed control panels and devices designed for stringent detection requirements…”
The translation risk: When you stack four or five nouns together, computer translation engines struggle to identify which noun modifies another. The structural hierarchy breaks, leading to nonsensical target phrasing.
The SourceCheck solution: Split multi-clause thoughts into clear, direct, single-thought sentences that lower word counts and translate effortlessly.
Clean English = cheaper, faster translation.
By using SourceCheck, we identify these linguistic friction points before a project goes to translation. Fixing these traps before localisation streamlines sentence structures, cuts unnecessary source fluff, and saves 20-30% on overall translation costs.
Stop paying to translate ambiguous, overly complex phrasing.
Want to see how your source files score?
Apply for a free consultation with the TTC wetranslate team: info@ttcwetranslate.com
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