Decoding the Differences: Technical Translation vs General Translation

In today’s globalised world, the need for translation has become more critical than ever. With businesses expanding and communicating across borders and people from different cultures interacting with each other daily, the demand for accurate and effective translation has increased significantly. However, translation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different types of translation are required for various purposes, and two of the most common types are technical translation and general translation.

Before diving into the differences between technical and general translation, let’s first understand what translation is all about. Translation can be defined as the process of converting written or spoken language from one language to another while retaining its meaning. This is crucial to bridge communication gaps between individuals and businesses of different languages. Translation can be classified into various categories, including literary, technical, general, and many more. While literary translation deals with the translation of creative works such as novels or poetry, technical and general translations have specific purposes and characteristics.

Understanding Technical Translation: Accuracy and Subject Matter Expertise

Technical translation refers to translating specialised texts containing technical information and terminology. This can include industries such as medical, engineering, legal, or any other field that requires specialised language. Technical translation aims to accurately convey complex and specific information from one language to another. For instance, a pharmaceutical company may need to translate drug labels and instructions into multiple languages to comply with regulations in different countries.

When it comes to technical translation, accuracy is of utmost importance. A single mistranslation can have serious consequences, especially in industries where safety and precision are critical. This is why subject matter expertise is crucial for technical translators. Translators need to deeply understand the subject matter they are working with to ensure that the translation is accurate and conveys the intended meaning.

Exploring the World of General Translation: Fluency and Cultural Sensitivity

On the other hand, general translation refers to the translation of everyday texts that do not contain specialised terminology. This can include industries such as tourism, marketing, journalism, or any other field that requires the use of language for communication purposes. The purpose of general translation is to convey information in a way that is easily understood by the target audience. This can involve translating slogans, advertisements, or news articles for a wider audience.

Unlike technical translation, fluency and cultural sensitivity are more critical in general translation. Translators need to have a strong command of both languages and be able to adapt the text to suit the cultural context of the target language. This includes being aware of idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and other nuances that may not directly translate.

Comparing Technical Translation and General Translation: Key Differences

While technical and general translation involve transferring information from one language to another, the two types have fundamental differences. Let’s take a closer look at these differences:

• Specialised terminology vs everyday language: As mentioned earlier, technical translation deals with specialised vocabulary, whereas general translation uses simple, more commonly understood language.
• Accuracy vs fluency and style: In technical translation, accuracy is the top priority. However, in general translation, fluency and style take precedence in effectively communicating with the target audience.
• Subject matter expertise vs cultural knowledge: Technical translators need to have subject matter expertise to translate specialised texts accurately. On the other hand, general translators need to have a strong understanding of cultural differences to adapt the text for different audiences effectively.

Overcoming Challenges in Technical Translation and General Translation

While both types of translation have unique challenges, there are some common difficulties that translators face in both technical and general translation. These include:

• Technical translation can be challenging due to complex terminology that may not have direct equivalents in the target language. Translators often face the task of finding appropriate ways to convey the meaning of these specialised terms, ensuring accurate and precise communication. It requires a deep understanding of the source and target languages and expertise in the translated subject matter. Despite the difficulties, skilled translators can bridge the linguistic and cultural gaps, ensuring that the intended message is effectively conveyed to the target audience.
• Linguistic barriers: In general translation, translators may come across idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and other nuances that may not have direct translations. This can pose a challenge in accurately conveying the intended meaning while maintaining the style and tone of the original text. Translators must be creative and flexible to find suitable ways to adapt the text for different audiences.

Choosing the Right Type of Translation for Effective Communication

In conclusion, technical and general translation are essential in bridging communication gaps between individuals and businesses who speak different languages. While technical translation requires subject matter expertise and accuracy, general translation relies on fluency and cultural knowledge to effectively convey information to a broader audience. Both types of translation come with challenges, but skilled translators can overcome these difficulties to facilitate effective communication and understanding across languages. So, choosing the right type of translation is important based on your specific needs and purposes.

If you need accurate and expert technical translation, don’t hesitate to contact Kwintessential. Our team of subject matter experts will ensure that your specialised texts are translated with precision and the utmost attention to detail. We have a proven track record of providing high-quality translations in various industries, so let us help you bridge the language barrier today!