Specialized translation 1

Specialized translation

Terminology is a crucial characteristic of specialized texts: ‘the translation of any text in which there is a specific terminology belonging to a professional or academic field’ (Aixelà). Byrne suggests that the primary function of ‘technical texts’ is informative, whereas a scientific text will discuss, analyse and synthesise information with a view to explaining ideas, proposing new theories or evaluating methods. Hence, Byrne concludes, the language used to fulfil these communicative aims is different, with consequences for choosing appropriate translation strategies.

Characteristics of specialized texts

The label ‘specialized text’ is narrowly constrained to a highly restricted set of genres or limited subjects, and translators even of scientific and technical texts would need to be versatile and inventive. Specialized or LSP will be used to indicate the non-literary translation. LSPs vary ‘horizontally’ from subject field to subject field, and vertically on expertise involving both authors and readers. LSPs texts have informative, instructive and persuasive functions. The emphasis is on the written language, as translation usually operates in this mode.

Skills required for translators

Translators of non-literary genres need to acquire specialist knowledge in order to establish a frame within which they can make well-motivated translation decisions if they are to produce a coherent target text. The modern-day translator needs to be conversant not only with developments in relevant subject fields, but also with technology, legal issues such as contracts, marketing, project and terminology management, and ethical issues. Literary translators also need to be familiar with many of these professional skills, but they are not generally expected to have subject-field expertise.

Cultural elements in LSPs

Cultural elements in LSPs are often brought to light by the act of translation precisely because the translator identifies different source-culture and target-culture customs. The role of cultural factors in specialized translation has been demonstrated in relation to the configurations which map conceptual fields, not only in the example of legal, commercial and political discourse, but also in science and technology, in which problems can arise for translating terms with a metaphorical base. The scope of ‘culture’ includes technical issues, such as format of measurements, dates, times and numbers.

Localization in translation

Localisation is a category of translation associated with certain genres and subject matter. It focuses on cultural adaptation. LSP texts always have a communicative purpose which is situated in a particular socio-cultural context, often linked to a particular professional discourse community.