How do you deal with technical jargon and specialized terms when using CAT tools?

1 Know your domain

The first step to dealing with technical jargon and specialized terms is to know your domain. This means you should familiarize yourself with the subject matter, the terminology, and the style of the texts you are translating. You can do this by reading relevant sources, consulting glossaries and dictionaries, and asking experts or clients for clarification. Knowing your domain will help you understand the context and meaning of the terms, and choose the best translation options.

2 Use terminology databases

The second step to dealing with technical jargon and specialized terms is to use terminology databases. These are collections of terms and their translations that you can create or access within your CAT tools. They can help you standardize your terminology, ensure consistency, and save time. You can build your own terminology databases by extracting terms from your source texts, or use existing ones from online sources or clients. You can also update and refine your terminology databases as you encounter new terms or feedback.

3 Leverage translation memories

The third step to dealing with technical jargon and specialized terms is to leverage translation memories. These are databases of previous translations that you can reuse or modify within your CAT tools. They can help you avoid duplication, increase productivity, and improve quality. You can create your own translation memories by importing your previous translations, or use shared ones from online platforms or clients. You can also review and edit your translation memories as you encounter changes or corrections.

4 Research and verify

The fourth step to dealing with technical jargon and specialized terms is to research and verify. This means you should not rely solely on your CAT tools, but also use other sources and methods to check the accuracy and suitability of your translations. You can do this by searching online, using parallel texts, consulting reference materials, or asking colleagues or clients for feedback. Researching and verifying will help you avoid mistakes, resolve doubts, and enhance your skills.

5 Customize and adapt

The fifth step to dealing with technical jargon and specialized terms is to customize and adapt. This means you should not follow your CAT tools blindly, but also use your judgment and creativity to tailor your translations to the purpose, audience, and tone of the texts. You can do this by adjusting the style, register, and format of your translations, using synonyms, paraphrases, or explanations, or adding notes or comments when needed. Customizing and adapting will help you convey the message, meet the expectations, and add value to your translations.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step to dealing with technical jargon and specialized terms is to learn and improve. This means you should not stop at delivering your translations, but also use the feedback and results to enhance your knowledge and performance. You can do this by analyzing the errors, difficulties, and successes of your translations, updating your terminology databases and translation memories, or taking courses, webinars, or workshops to improve your skills. Learning and improving will help you grow as a technical translator, and keep up with the trends and demands of the industry.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?