| Did you know that technical translations account for | | | | letters, advertisements, brochures etc for technology |
| almost 90% of the world's translation output? This is | | | | companies. Writers and translators in this area need as |
| according to one study carried out in 2002. Well, this | | | | much technical knowledge as the audience. |
| does not surprise anybody given the importance | | | | Types of Technical Documents |
| attached to technical translation and the multitude of | | | | There are various types of technical documents |
| technical information which requires output into | | | | produced in industry. The type varies depending on the |
| understandable languages. | | | | subject area, products being written about and the |
| Companies too are becoming global hence; the | | | | industry in which the firm operates. The examples of |
| increased need to be able to effectively communicate | | | | technical documents frequently produced include the |
| with customers. | | | | following. |
| Technical translation is also a requirement in some | | | | Proposals |
| parts as part of legislation. An example is the | | | | Proposals are ideas put forth by individuals or firms. |
| European Union regulation which requires standardized | | | | They generally describe an offer to carry out an |
| translation as part of provision of technical | | | | undertaking. Their main feature is the persuasive |
| documentation in a variety of languages. | | | | nature they're written in. The ultimate aim of a proposal |
| The aim of technical translation is to convey new | | | | is to show that the writer understands the readers |
| technical information to a new audience, often viewed | | | | needs and give proof that that he is committed to |
| as laypeople by the translator. It is not aimed at | | | | fulfilling his promise. Hence, a translation of proposals |
| reproducing source data as in scientific translation. This | | | | has to hold this. |
| is the major difference between technical translation | | | | Reports |
| and scientific translation though many people will | | | | A report consists of a statement containing factual |
| always use the two interchangeably. | | | | information to enable readers analyze a particular |
| The major functions of technical translation are as | | | | situation and take appropriate action. Accurate |
| below. | | | | translation of the information therefore, is needed in |
| Technology education -This is educating the masses | | | | order to retain the writer's ideas. |
| about technology. The audience in this case is | | | | Instructions |
| non-technical. This type of writing leads to the | | | | Instructions are one of the mainstays of technical |
| production of user manuals, reports and other technical | | | | communication. Technical writers will probably write |
| guides. For an effective education their translation has | | | | more instructional documents than any other type of |
| to be concise. | | | | document. There are several types of instructional |
| Traditional technical writing-This is all about writing for | | | | document. A few these are user guides and repair |
| an already technical audience. Here the writers need | | | | manuals. Repair manuals are designed for readers |
| strong technical knowledge and understanding of the | | | | who are not necessarily the actual users of the |
| descriptions they make. Writings in this type include | | | | product, most likely engineers. Hence, the translator in |
| repair manuals, programming guides and technical | | | | this area has to be a traditional technical writer. |
| specifications. | | | | Basically, for safety reasons. |
| Technology marketing- This involves writing sales | | | | |