Translation of technical texts is a complicated process that faces a lot of challenges. These challenges stem from differences in the structure and vocabulary of the languages, along with the ever-evolving nature of scientific terminology. Technical translation covers the translation of many kinds of specialized texts and it needs deep knowledge of subject as well as mastery of technical terminology. It totally differs from the translation of fiction, poems, magazines, newspaper articles, documentary and business documents.

According to Byrne’s view “the purpose of technical translation is, to present new technical information to a new audience, not to reproduce the source text, per se, or reflect its style or language. Technical translation is a communicative service provided in response to a very definite demand for technical information which is easily accessible (in terms of comprehensibility, clarity and speed of delivery)”. (Byrne, 2006, p.11)

Translation in technical communication has strict requirements and constraints. The objective is to produce easily understood and seamlessly integrated texts. However, authors and translators often face challenges with terminology and writing guidelines, leading to information loss and understanding difficulties. Technical translation necessitates accurate and consistent terminology to achieve correct correspondence and maintain meaning across documents and versions. Accuracy means always choosing the correct term in the target language. People use words in a different way to refer to the same thing. But you shouldn’t fall into this trap when handling technical documentation. Professional technical translators are aware of the correct meaning of each term and use it accordingly. That’s why it’s essential you give your translators the best possible insight into industry jargon and specific terminology. (Ihnatiuk, 2021, p.175) Terminology consistency and accuracy are especially important for technical texts. Ingredients of technical texts are specialized terms or designations. The basic assignment of the translator of technical texts is to solve the problem of the 'horizontal' and 'vertical' consistency of these terms. 'Vertical' consistency is what we have called 'consistency of meaning', that is, using only one concept per term in the target language, and 'horizontal' consistency is what we have called 'general language' consistency, the use of one term per concept. Furthermore, the concept should be accurately represented by the term.

Translation of technical texts is a very specific domain, mainly due to terminology. A particular focus on the subject of translation in the field of technical texts is necessary to preserve the text genre's characteristic function, terminology, and accuracy. These properties entail the characteristics of technical texts in the source language as well as potential problems during the translation process.

Technical translation is often seen as text production with knowledge input, and terminological problems are frequently recognized as one of the most central aspects of technical translation activity. Clearly, the needs of both producer and receiver or consumer of work, commercial, legal, and scientific information should be satisfied by the terminologically consistent and accurate technical texts provided by commercial, legal, scientific, and technical translators.

So, translation of technical texts is a very complex process that requires high accuracy and consistency, especially in terms. The translator has to possess not only deep knowledge of the subject but also follow the strictest rules for clarity and precision. Reaching horizontal and vertical consistencies in terminology is crucial to maintain the integrity of the original message.

References

1. Byrne, J. (2014). Understanding technical documentation. Scientific and Technical Translation Explained, 47–73. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315760391-3
2. Ihnatiuk, O. (2023). Lexical and grammatical peculiarities of Scientific-Technical Texts: New trends. SWorldJournal, (19–03), 115–119. https://doi.org/10.30888/2663-5712.2023-19-03-059