As a translator, you often have to deal with complex and specialized terminology that may not be familiar or understandable to your clients. Whether you are translating a technical document, a website, or a presentation, you need to find a way to simplify the language without losing accuracy or meaning. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Before you start translating, you need to know who your clients are and what their level of knowledge and interest in the topic is. Are they experts, beginners, or somewhere in between? Are they looking for detailed information, general overview, or specific instructions? Depending on your answers, you may need to adjust the tone, style, and vocabulary of your translation. For example, if you are translating a user manual for a software product, you may want to use simple and clear language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and provide examples and illustrations. If you are translating a research paper for a scientific journal, you may want to use more formal and precise language, explain technical terms and concepts, and cite sources and references.
The technical terminology are the windows in the high edifice of specialized text. If the technical terminology is used in the original, it means it should be retained in the translation as well. However, along with icluding the technical terminology, a glossory-let can be annexed to the translated text to explain the specialized terminology. This way, firstly, the technicality of the translated text will not be liable to an induced loss via de-terminolization; and secondly, the readership competency will be promoted to a higher level in regard to comprehending the scientific import of the speciaized discourse, both in content and form.
Plain language is a writing style that is clear, concise, and easy to comprehend. It eliminates unnecessary words, complex sentences, and passive voice. Instead, it relies on common words, active verbs, and short paragraphs to communicate effectively and efficiently. To use plain language, you can identify the main purpose and key points of your translation, organize your information logically with headings and subheadings, use simple words and avoid jargon and acronyms, write short and direct sentences rather than long and complex ones, use active voice instead of passive voice, use examples, diagrams, tables, or charts to illustrate your points, and check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
The beauty of translation is that you need to understand the original message in the first place before you can translate it into another language. Breaking it up into meaningful chunks might help with translation but bear in mind that this may not work in all languages in all context. Do not be afraid to split longer sentences into smaller, manageable segments, making sure that the original meaning is preserved.
When translating, you may need to use technical terms that are specific to the field or industry. To ensure your clients understand, you should always define and explain them. Depending on the context and format of your translation, you can provide definitions or synonyms through parentheses or footnotes, create a glossary or list of terms at the end of your document or website, use hyperlinks or cross-references to direct your clients to other sources, or make analogies or metaphors to compare the term to something familiar.
One of the best ways to simplify your technical terminology is to get feedback from your clients or other translators. They can help you identify any unclear, confusing, or misleading terms or expressions in your translation. They can also suggest alternative words or phrases that are more suitable or understandable for your target audience. You can ask them to review your translation and provide comments or suggestions on how to improve it. You can also use online tools or software to check your readability, clarity, and consistency. After you get feedback, you should revise your translation accordingly and make sure it meets your clients' expectations and needs.
Simplifying technical terminology is not always easy, but it is essential for effective and professional translation. By following these tips, you can make your translation more accessible, engaging, and informative for your clients.