The development of science and the emergence of technological innovations make scientific and technical translation of texts more and more in demand. This type of translation of information from the original language into other languages differs from other types of translation activities. To master the technique of scientific and technical translation, an in-depth study of special terminology is required.
Scientific and technical translation of texts
Scientific and technical translation is directly related not only to the operation of new technology widely distributed in everyday life and in production. It deals with almost all issues related to jurisprudence, economics, medicine. The subtleties of translation also relate to information and computer technologies, without which the life of modern civilization can not do.
Even a confident command of a foreign language within the framework of colloquial and everyday topics does not always allow for high-quality translation of scientific and technical texts. And an ordinary dictionary does not always contain technical terms that are used in instructions and manuals for the operation of the latest technical devices.
Scientific and technical translation is characterized by formality of presentation, clear logic of constructing language constructions and accuracy of formulations. Not every foreign technical term can have an exact analogue in Russian. Therefore, to the possession of specialized technical dictionaries, it is necessary to add linguistic intuition and a good knowledge of the problems set out in the text.
Recommendations for the technique of scientific and technical translation
Expand your specialized knowledge in the field of science and technology that interests you. In order to translate scientific and technical literature in a quality manner, it is necessary to have not only a stock of general information in the field to which the texts to be translated belong. The translator should regularly and systematically deepen knowledge in the chosen field, tracking literary novelties, getting acquainted with periodicals and abstracts in Russian.
Develop the skills to accurately translate specific terms. Correspondence of the selected word or linguistic structure to the original material depends on the complexity of the text and its subject matter. Accuracy does not mean that the translation has to be literal. We are talking about the maximum approximation of the meaning of the translation to the original. To master this skill, you need to regularly practice translating texts on different topics.
Avoid using emotional and expressive elements of speech, comparisons, vivid images and metaphors in translation. The result of the translation of scientific or technical material should be a document in which the information is presented in an extremely informative, concise and specific manner. The reader of such texts appreciates not the imagery and flowery presentation, but the objectivity and uniqueness of the presentation of information.
Carefully and carefully choose synonyms for special terms. This is one of the most difficult tasks when transcribing technical texts. Terminological vocabulary is extremely informative and sometimes irreplaceable in the text. Sometimes it is better to sacrifice stylistics and allow repeated repetition of a term than to use its approximate counterparts that distort the meaning of the phrase.
Finally, be very careful about adding explanations to the translation to make the text easier to understand. Such insertions on behalf of the translator are still permissible when transcribing general scientific texts, but they should be avoided if the customer needs to translate material related to a narrow field of science and technology. In this case, only a deepening into professional terminology will help the translator.
