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What do you do if you need to translate technical terms during an interview?

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If you are a translator or an interpreter, you may face the challenge of translating technical terms during an interview. Technical terms are words or phrases that have a specific meaning in a certain field or industry, such as engineering, medicine, or law. They can be difficult to translate because they may not have an exact equivalent in another language, or they may have different connotations or implications. How can you deal with this situation and impress your interviewer? Here are some tips to help you.

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Natalia Tikhonova

Teacher, interpreter, linguist l M.Sc. in Linguistic science and foreign literatures

1 Prepare in advance

One of the best ways to avoid getting stuck with technical terms during an interview is to prepare in advance. Research the field and the company you are applying for, and familiarize yourself with the common terms and concepts they use. You can use online dictionaries, glossaries, or databases that specialize in technical translation, or consult with experts or colleagues who have experience in that domain. Make a list of the most important terms and their translations, and review them before the interview.

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Natalia Tikhonova

Teacher, interpreter, linguist l M.Sc. in Linguistic science and foreign literatures
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If you need to translate technical terms during an interview, there are several strategies you can employ to ensure effective communication. Here are some steps you can take: 1. Prepare in advance: Familiarize yourself with the technical vocabulary relevant to the interview. Review the industry-specific terminology, acronyms, and concepts that are commonly used. This will help you understand the context and be better prepared to translate if necessary.

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2 Ask for clarification

Sometimes, you may encounter a technical term that you are not sure how to translate, or that has multiple meanings depending on the context. In that case, don't panic or guess. Instead, ask for clarification from the interviewer or the speaker. You can politely explain that you are not familiar with that term, or that you need more information to translate it accurately. For example, you can say something like: "Could you please explain what you mean by X?" or "How do you use Y in your work?" Asking for clarification shows that you are attentive, professional, and willing to learn.

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Natalia Tikhonova

Teacher, interpreter, linguist l M.Sc. in Linguistic science and foreign literatures
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2. Ask for clarification: If you come across a technical term that you're uncertain about, politely ask the interviewer for clarification. It's better to seek clarity than to provide an incorrect or incomplete translation. This demonstrates your commitment to accuracy and your willingness to learn.

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3 Use paraphrasing or describing

Another strategy to deal with technical terms that are hard to translate is to use paraphrasing or describing. Paraphrasing means using other words or synonyms that have a similar meaning or function as the original term. Describing means explaining the concept or the idea behind the term in simple language. For example, if you don't know how to translate "API" (application programming interface), you can paraphrase it as "a way for different software to communicate" or describe it as "a set of rules and instructions that tell one program how to access and use another program's features". Paraphrasing or describing can help you convey the essence of the term without losing too much precision or detail.

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Natalia Tikhonova

Teacher, interpreter, linguist l M.Sc. in Linguistic science and foreign literatures
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3. Paraphrase and simplify: If you encounter a technical term that you're confident about translating, try paraphrasing it in simpler language to ensure that both you and the interviewer are on the same page. Break down complex concepts into more accessible explanations to facilitate understanding.

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4 Avoid literal translation or jargon

One of the worst mistakes you can make when translating technical terms is to use literal translation or jargon. Literal translation means translating word for word without considering the context, the culture, or the intended meaning. Jargon means using obscure or specialized terms that are not understood by the general audience or the target language. For example, if you translate "cloud computing" as "computación en la nube" in Spanish, you may confuse your listeners who may think you are talking about actual clouds. Similarly, if you use "cyberspace" or "netizen" in English, you may sound outdated or pretentious. Avoid literal translation or jargon and opt for clear and natural language that suits the purpose and the tone of the interview.

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5 Practice and improve

Finally, the best way to improve your ability to translate technical terms is to practice and improve. Seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or clients on how you can enhance your technical translation skills. Read and listen to materials related to the field or the industry you are interested in, and note down the terms and expressions that are frequently used. Take online courses, workshops, or tests that can help you expand your vocabulary and knowledge. The more you practice and improve, the more confident and competent you will become in translating technical terms during an interview.

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6 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?

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Natalia Tikhonova

Teacher, interpreter, linguist l M.Sc. in Linguistic science and foreign literatures
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4. Active listening: Pay close attention to the interview questions and the technical terms used by the interviewer, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. 5.Contextual understanding: Gain a deeper understanding of the overall context of the interview. 6. Be honest and transparent: If you're unable to translate a technical term accurately or you're uncertain about its meaning, it's essential to be honest. Remember, it's normal to encounter technical terms that you may not be familiar with, especially in specialized fields. Your ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow is often just as important as having pre-existing knowledge of all technical terminology.

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What do you do if you need to translate technical terms during an interview?

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2

3

4

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1 Prepare in advance

2 Ask for clarification

3 Use paraphrasing or describing

4 Avoid literal translation or jargon

5 Practice and improve

6 Here’s what else to consider

Translation

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