If Tech Specs Look Like Double Dutch Get Them Translated!
Now for most of us, if we received a document explaining Frequency Division Multiplexing or elaborating upon carrier frequencies or vestigial sideband transmission, it would sound very much like Double Dutch.
Imagine then, receiving the self same tech specs actually in Dutch...
the mind boggles just to think about it.
With the advent of the EU, open boarders and the free flow of cross boarder trade and cooperation this scenario is actually being played out very frequently.
British Engineering firms, for instancevery often receive technical reports and build specifications in a multitude of foreign languages, from either foreign partners, or divisions of their own firm that are located abroad.
The problem isn't just confined to Engineering though.
Just imagine being Doctor having to read through a vital set of medical notes...
in German! So what's the answer? Well, you could try to translate the whole thing in house.
Unfortunately, in spite of the best efforts of all concerned a smattering of holiday linguistics doesn't come close to sufficing when it comes to technical translations.
In fact, the result is very often similar sounding to the French Policeman in 'Allo Allo'! Obviously, the only sensible recourse is to get the document professionally translated, but therein lays another problem.
A great many companies offer translation services, but when it comes to translating technical publications, you are virtually looking at another 'language within a language'.
Sadly many businesses have found this out to their great cost.
For example; all electrical equipment manufactured and sold in Europe is required to be CE Approved.
This entails stringent adherence to a pre-submitted and approved manufacturing specification.
Any deviation from the specification, accidental or otherwise, voids the CE approval and renders the fabricator liable to a range of sanctions.
It is, therefore, of vital importance that any translations are strictly accurate throughout.
So how do you select a company that can successfully handle all of your technical translation needs? oThe first thing that you should be looking for is that all a potential company's translators are native speakers of the language required and hold some sort of qualification in their language as well.
oYou would certainly want someone with many years of experience in technical translation.
oIdeally you would want your translator to possess some sort of qualification in their field of technical expertise.
This definitely narrows down the field with regards to suitable suppliers of translation services.
Imagine then, receiving the self same tech specs actually in Dutch...
the mind boggles just to think about it.
With the advent of the EU, open boarders and the free flow of cross boarder trade and cooperation this scenario is actually being played out very frequently.
British Engineering firms, for instancevery often receive technical reports and build specifications in a multitude of foreign languages, from either foreign partners, or divisions of their own firm that are located abroad.
The problem isn't just confined to Engineering though.
Just imagine being Doctor having to read through a vital set of medical notes...
in German! So what's the answer? Well, you could try to translate the whole thing in house.
Unfortunately, in spite of the best efforts of all concerned a smattering of holiday linguistics doesn't come close to sufficing when it comes to technical translations.
In fact, the result is very often similar sounding to the French Policeman in 'Allo Allo'! Obviously, the only sensible recourse is to get the document professionally translated, but therein lays another problem.
A great many companies offer translation services, but when it comes to translating technical publications, you are virtually looking at another 'language within a language'.
Sadly many businesses have found this out to their great cost.
For example; all electrical equipment manufactured and sold in Europe is required to be CE Approved.
This entails stringent adherence to a pre-submitted and approved manufacturing specification.
Any deviation from the specification, accidental or otherwise, voids the CE approval and renders the fabricator liable to a range of sanctions.
It is, therefore, of vital importance that any translations are strictly accurate throughout.
So how do you select a company that can successfully handle all of your technical translation needs? oThe first thing that you should be looking for is that all a potential company's translators are native speakers of the language required and hold some sort of qualification in their language as well.
oYou would certainly want someone with many years of experience in technical translation.
oIdeally you would want your translator to possess some sort of qualification in their field of technical expertise.
This definitely narrows down the field with regards to suitable suppliers of translation services.
