10 Tips For Translating Manuals
Do you ever look at the recipe on a packet, then throw it away, only to realize a minute later that you need it again? You are not the only one. Everyone has been there where they had to pick the packet from the trashcan so they can look at the recipe once more. Even after all this time, none of us keep the packet aside until we are done cooking. We like living dangerously and then realizing we need help within seconds. But imagine if there was no recipe on a packet at all? What would you then? You will feel completely lost for sure but you wouldn’t know how to cook either. Even if you had cooked a thousand times before, you will realize you needed that recipe to help you. But we don’t have to imagine all that because there is always a recipe on the packet.
10 Tips for Translating Manuals:
How can I translate easily?
If you are a translator and want to complete your projects more easily then you should start working on your skills. You can improve your translation skills by reading books and newspapers. You should also work on your vocabulary. Once you get better at your second language, you will be able to translate easily.
How do I prepare for a translation exam?
In order to prepare for your translation exam, you should:
- Read as much as you can
- Work on your writing skills because they matter a lot for a translator
- Learn about your culture so you can use it in your translations
- Work on your vocabulary and familiarize yourself with idioms and phrases
How can I improve my translation quality?
If you want to improve your translation quality, then you should:
- Read the source text before you start working on it
- Create a rough draft of the translation
- Take a rest to freshen up your mind
- Polish your draft and remove all the errors from it
- Reread it before handing it over to the client
How do you translate a passage?
If you have to translate a passage then you should read it first to understand the context. Once you have developed an idea about the source text then you should start working on it. Make sure you translate the metaphors and idioms while keeping your target audience in mind. The resulting text should be linguistically and culturally accurate.
Here are 10 tips for translating manuals that will help customers receive accurate instructions with their products:
- Right Qualification:
Manuals have specific information about the product they come with. If it is something technical than a legal translator can’t handle it. So, make sure the right professional is handling the interpretation.
- Talk to the Creators:
No one knows a product better than its creators. The interpreter should discuss the manual with them. This will help them develop a better understanding of the product they are writing about.
- Learn About the Company:
Each company has its own tone that it follows in every document which is presented to the public. The interpreter should learn about the company, talk to them about their goals and vision, and read their previous informational material to better understand their tone.
- Make a Glossary:
Each field has a different set of common terms that are used in every other document. Before you start working on the translation, make a glossary of repeated words and difficult terms so you have no difficulty while working. Even if you forget something, you can find it in the glossary.
- Meet International Standards:
When translating technical manuals, keep International Organization of Standardization’s recommendations in mind. Meet the standards which are followed all over the world to keep the tone of the manual professional.
- Make it Personal:
No matter which language you are translating into, avoid using words like ‘user’ and ‘customer’. Use the word ‘you’ and its alternative in other languages. This will show it to the users that the manual was not written by a machine and they will feel a personal connection to your brand.
- Simple Language:
Avoid using complex sentences and keep it simple as much as you can. Manuals shouldn’t have long and complex sentences so make it direct and straightforward for the readers.
- Know the Audience:
As a translator, you should be aware of the audience of the manual. You can’t write for someone if you don’t know a few basic things about them. You should ask your client about the target audience before you start working on the translation.
- Instructive Tone:
If you are not giving clear instructions to the users in a manual, you are not writing a good guidebook. Give them instructions like ‘click’ ‘open’ ‘rotate’ etc.
- Review and Edit:
Read the manual after translating it and change every part that doesn’t make sense to you. If it is difficult for you to understand, the customers will definitely not be able to read it without getting confused. Make changes until you are satisfied with the results.
Translating a manual can be tricky but following the basic tips mentioned above can help you get through the process easily. Just make sure you are making the language exactly how you like to read on instructive documents and user manuals. This way you will be able to do a satisfactory job.
