Technical and Scientific Translation Service

What is translation

The basic concept of translation is to change some text from one language (the source language) to another language (the target language), while retaining the same meaning and incorporating the nuances of the original text. The cultural background of the first language should be adapted so as to suit the target language, where this is appropriate.

When translating into English, for example, a UK translator is chosen for UK English terminology and spelling and a US translator for US English terminology and spelling, depending on where the translation is to be used. The same applies, for example in French, for Belgian, French or Swiss spelling and terminology and also in similar cases for other languages which are used in more than one country.

Our Project Management

After receiving a document from our customer, we check through the original document, decide on the technical or scientific field concerned and then we pass it to a translator who specializes in that field, a translator who can deliver a text which is faithful to the original document from both the terminological and the linguistic point of view.

Pre-checking

Before starting the translation, our project management team first carefully read through the original document to point out any doubts there may be concerning the translation (terminology, method, DTP, etc.) in order to deal with any last minute problems. We maintain close contact with both the customer and the translator during the translation process. This communication is absolutely essential to ensure that the translation delivered is in keeping with our high standards.

Our translation team

We have a team of highly specialized, approved translators who have bee working for us for several years. All our translators translate only into their native language and we only use a tranlsator for work which falls within the confines of his or her specialist knowledge. We have to be certain that the translator is fully conversant with the field concerned. These factors (the target language and the specializationfield) are the two most important concepts enabling us to select the right translator. For larger projects, we create a team of translators who work closely with our specialists to ensure that the translation provided to the customer is consistent and harmonious as regards terminology, style, titles, page lay-out, etc. Our translators are supervised by a Project Manager. In addition, we are using the latest translation memory software which makes it easier for us to achieve consistent vocabulary. Translation memories are kept strictly confidential for each customer. They are also regularly up-dated and passed to translators throughout the project. Our translators also keep their translation memories strictly confidential.

Scientific and Technical Translation

A good translator has to be able to keep up with the latest developments in his or her chosen field. Visiting specialized exhibitions and reading technical and professional journals forms part of the continuous training process for every translator. Our translators take care to develop their knowledge and follow the latest trends in the worlds of industry, technology and science in order to be able to produce up-to-the-minute translations with the latest terminology.

Specialised glossaries for each customer

Very often, companies have their own in-house technical vocabulary, so we create technical glossaries for each customer, to ensure that we use the same terms in future translations. Wherever possible the same translator is used for a particular customer. Translators often are specialists in only a few technological fields - usually because they have experience of working in that particular industry. These are the most valuable translators, because they have intimate knowledge of the "ins and outs" of that technology and they know the specialised vocabulary in both languages.

Translators with the right scientific knowledge

We use scientifically qualified people, wherever possible, to ensure that our scientific translations are completely acceptable to the customer. In the same way as the translators with industrial working experience mentioned above, we use translators who have first-hand experience in a particular scientific field. They also form some of our most welcome recruits, including astronomy, biology, botany, entomology, forestry, geology, hydraulics, ichthyology, linguistics, medical science, microbiology, mineralogy, nanotechnology, pathology, physics, nuclear physics and seismology - to name but a few!

Technology in Industry

We have a wide range of technical translators. We have experts in agricultural tractors, agricultural machinery, automation, automotive engineering, aviation, chemistry, construction machinery, cutting tools, digital measuring, digital machining systems, ecological systems, EDM machining, electricity and electrical power plants, electric motors, electronics, fluid power, gas turbines, hydraulics, hydraulic presses, IT (information technology), ISO9001 quality assurance, quality management, laser technology, linear actuators, linear motors, machine tools, MAG welding, TIG welding, mechanical engineering, medecine, micro-systems, CNC machining, numerical machining systems, nuclear power plants, numerical control, organic friction, plasma cutting, plastics, polymers, process control, process engineering, pharmaceuticals, quality control, renewable energy, robotics, software, space industry, spark machining, tool making, water jet cutting, welding, wind turbines and many more fields - technical translation is our speciality.

Proof-Reading

Translation and proof-reading are closely connected. In addition to systematic proof-reading of our own translations (included in the price of the translation), Technical Translation also offers a proof-reading service for documents which have been translated elsewhere. This service is separate from our translation service and is invoiced by the word or by the hour. Please contact us for a detailed quotation.

Sworn Translation

In many countries, a sworn translation (by a legal expert translator who is appointed by the Court) is required for official formalities. Technical Translation can provide such sworn translations both to private individuals and to companies. Please contact us for a quotation.

NEW service

Web Site Design, Translation and Localization

The Internet has become the universal data base for companies and private individuals. It's a fantastic means for companies to make themselves known to prospective customers both in their own country and in other countries around the world. That's why Technical Translation established its Aftrans subsidiary. It deals with translating and localizing web sites. We not only translate your website into the language you require, we also modify certain aspects of the translated text to ensure that a person reading the translated website in the country concerned feels that he or she is at home with the language and the nuances local to that country.