SPECIALISED: TECHNICAL TRANSLATION (Freelance Translator)

Created from Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO0D3XPlkV8video

Concepts covered:technical translation, engineering background, freelance translator, client relationships, consistency

The video discusses the field of technical translation, featuring three experts who transitioned from engineering to freelance translation. They emphasize the importance of technical knowledge, consistency, and building direct client relationships for success in this specialized area.

Table of Contents1.Becoming a Technical Translator: Insights from Experts 2.Navigating the Nuances of Technical Translation 3.Staying Updated with Technological Advances in Translation 4.Building Long-Term Client Relationships in Technical Translation 5.Balancing Technical Knowledge and Translation Skills in Technical Writing

chapter

Becoming a Technical Translator: Insights from Experts

Concepts covered:technical translation, engineering background, career transition, specialized knowledge, freelance translator

This chapter discusses the journey and qualifications required to become a technical translator, featuring insights from three experts in the field. The experts share their backgrounds in engineering and physics, and how they transitioned into technical translation, highlighting the importance of specialized knowledge in their previous fields.

Question 1

Many technical translators start as engineers.

Question 2

What motivated Nicole to become a translator?

Question 3

Diana started working full-time as a translator in _____.

Question 4

CASE STUDY: A translation project involves highly technical software engineering documents. You have translators with backgrounds in electrical engineering, software engineering, and quality management.

Which translator is least suitable for this project?

Question 5

CASE STUDY: A client requests a technical translation for a medical device manual. You have three translators: one with experience in electronics, one in medical devices, and one in environmental technologies.

Select the most suitable translators for this project.

chapter

Navigating the Nuances of Technical Translation

Concepts covered:technical translation, software, industrial machinery, automotive, contextual understanding

The chapter discusses the specifics of technical translation, focusing on fields such as software, industrial machinery, automotive, and civil engineering. It highlights the importance of having a relevant professional background and personal curiosity to excel in technical translation, emphasizing the value of practical experience and contextual understanding.

Question 6

Experience in engineering aids technical translation accuracy.

Question 7

What personal trait is important for technical translators?

Question 8

Diana believes you need _____ to enjoy technical translation.

Question 9

CASE STUDY: You are a technical translator working on a project involving industrial machinery. You encounter a term that is ambiguous and could have multiple meanings depending on the context.

All of the following are correct steps except...

Question 10

CASE STUDY: As a translator with a background in civil engineering, you are tasked with translating a technical document related to electrical engineering.

Select three correct strategies to ensure accuracy.

chapter

Staying Updated with Technological Advances in Translation

Concepts covered:technological advances, translation, direct clients, engineering background, client research

Nicole discusses how she stays updated with rapid technological advances through her translation work, learning from client materials and conducting extensive research. She primarily works with direct clients, leveraging her previous engineering contacts to build her client base.

Question 11

Translators must stay updated with rapid technological changes.

Question 12

What is a key benefit Nicole finds in translating?

Question 13

Nicole learns about new technologies while _____.

Question 14

CASE STUDY: You are a technical translator who has recently shifted from an engineering career. You need to keep up with technological advances.

All of the following are ways to stay updated except:

Question 15

CASE STUDY: You are a translator who has built a client base from your previous engineering contacts. A new client seeks your services based on a recommendation.

Select three actions to maintain client relationships:

chapter

Building Long-Term Client Relationships in Technical Translation

Concepts covered:technical translation, client relationships, consistency, efficiency, profitability

The chapter discusses the author's experience in finding clients for technical translation work. It emphasizes the importance of consistency and long-term relationships with clients, highlighting that working with regular clients can lead to increased efficiency and profitability over time.

Question 16

Technical translators often work with small companies.

Question 17

How can technical translators ensure long-term client relationships?

Question 18

In technical translation, you usually work with _____ companies.

Question 19

CASE STUDY: You have been working with a technical translation client for a year. The client appreciates your consistency and expertise. They are now considering hiring an agency for future projects.

All of the following are benefits of staying with you except...

Question 20

CASE STUDY: You are a freelance translator who has built a strong relationship with a mid-sized company. They rely on you for consistent and accurate translations.

Select two correct benefits of this relationship.

chapter

Balancing Technical Knowledge and Translation Skills in Technical Writing

Concepts covered:technical translation, CAT tools, consistency, technical knowledge, translation skills

The chapter discusses the importance of balancing technical knowledge and translation skills in technical writing. It highlights the necessity of using CAT tools for consistency and the misconception that technical translation is boring.

Question 21

Technical knowledge is more important than translation skills.

Question 22

How should translators balance technical and translation skills?

Question 23

What is a common misconception about technical translation? It is _____.

Question 24

CASE STUDY: You are tasked with translating a technical manual for a new software. The client emphasizes the importance of accuracy over stylistic elements.

All of the following are correct applications of technical translation except...

Question 25

CASE STUDY: A client is concerned that technical translation is boring and lacks creativity.

Select two correct aspects of technical translation.

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