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Now more than ever, there is a growing demand for professional translators and interpreters. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within this field is projected to between 2016 and 2026 – a much higher average than all other occupations.
These projections reflect an overarching need for language and cultural mediation around the world. As a student in our Online M.A. in Translation program, you can do your part to connect citizens in diverse locations that speak a multitude of languages.
Once you’ve completed your online translation courses and have earned your degree, there are numerous directions that you can choose to take your career in. One of these is within the world of technical translation.
What Is Technical Translation?
A technical translating specialization is one that involves the translation of various documents produced by technical writers – most commonly in scientific and technological fields. This is a specialized career path; it necessitates a high level of knowledge of the required languages, a familiarity with the specific subject of the documents, and a fluent-level understanding of industry terminology.
The types of documents that require day-to-day technical translation will vary, depending on the industry and company you work with. Some examples of these documents may include:
- Technical articles and publications
- Patents
- Installation manuals and troubleshooting guides
- White papers
- Product requirements and spec sheets
- User interfaces
As you can see from the list above, technical translators can choose to work in sectors such as telecommunications and IT, science, the automotive industry, engineering, and many more.
Technical Manual Translation
Technical manual translation concerns the translating of technical documents that often have a narrow scope and target audience.
A career in technical manual translation involves working with documents that provide instructions, guidelines, or information on how to use, assemble, operate, maintain, or troubleshoot technical products or systems. This type of translation focuses on providing clear, step-by step instructions tailored to a specific audience who needs practical guidance on using a product or system effectively.
Some examples of materials that you may work with as a technical translator include:
- User manuals
- Maintenance manuals
- Repair guides
- Training manuals
- Service manuals
- Safety manuals
- Installation guides
- Operating procedure documentation
- Technical specification manuals
Machine Translation from Language Computing Tools
Computer-assisted translation tools and terminology management play an important role in technical translation. Translation memories, for example, can enhance your consistency when working with field specific terms, and boost your productivity.
Depending on the language pair and the genre involved, machine translation applications can also optimize technical translation workflows by providing target language suggestions for source text passages in an automated fashion. Technical translators need to have sound post-editing skills when working with machine translation output in this capacity.
Things to Keep in Mind as a Technical Translator
Thinking about becoming a technical translator? Here are some other factors to consider.
Select an Area That Is a Good Match for You
As you begin to look into options for your technical translation career, we recommend pursuing jobs in an area that you already have a moderate level of knowledge or interest in.
Doing this will help give you a leg up, as you will already have an idea of what to expect in the projects and translations that you’d be assigned. You’ll also have a better idea of the day-to-day terminology that may be required.
Consider Your Company’s Guidelines
Every company has its own set of policies, brand voices and guidelines. For instance, while one company may want their technical translations to be more neutral, another company may want translations that are more casual and easier for audiences to understand.
The guidelines given to you by your company will impact how you perform your translations every single day, so it’s important to always keep them in mind.
Answering Your FAQs on a Career in Translating Technical Documents
What are some challenges I may face while translating technical documents?
Technical documents often contain specialized terminology, complex concepts, and industry-specific information. You will need to have a deep understanding of both the source and target language you will be working with, as well as some expertise in the subject matter.
What is the typical workflow for translating technical documents?
The translation process usually begins with a review of the source documents to understand the content and identify any potential challenges. Then, you will translate the text. Following the translation, the documents will undergo editing to ensure accuracy before final delivery to the client.
What industries require technical manual translation services?
Industries such as engineering, manufacturing, technology, automotive, aerospace, and IT often require technical manual translation services to cater to diverse global markets. In truth, though, nearly any industry could require such services in the right contexts.
How can I stay up to date on terminology and technology advancements?
Continuous learning and professional development are essential for staying updated on terminology trends and technological advancements. Depending on the industry you’re working in as a technical translator, it would be important to participate in workshops, online courses, and more that are specific to your field!
How will Kent State MCLS assist me in my career for technical manual translation?
Following your completion of our Master of Arts in Translation, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to become a technical translator. Throughout your time here and following graduation, our faculty and staff will assist you in growing professionally and personally by providing numerous of career development resources.
Ready to Pursue a Technical Translating Career? Earn Your M.A. in Translation at Kent State!
If a career path involving technical translation and language computing tools sounds like the right fit for you, take the first step and apply for our Online M.A. in Translation! Reach out to us with any questions you have.
Our program offers students six languages to choose from, including some of the most spoken and printed languages in the world. These languages include:
Additionally, since the program is online, you can earn your degree from anywhere in the world. To learn more about our program and begin the application process, fill out the short form on our admissions page.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA
- Official transcripts
- Goal statement
- A five-minute oral sample in your first and second language
- Writing samples in your second language
- Three letters of recommendation
For more information on admission requirements, visit the graduate admission website.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Becoming a Technical Translator
Be sure to reach out to us with any questions you may have during the application process. We look forward to having you as a student and supporting you in your career as a technical translator.