Translation, localization or transcreation?
In this blog post, Flurina Kühn-Schwendimann explains the differences between translation, localization and transcreation.
Specialized translations in critical industries
Flurina Kühn-Schwendimann (freiberufliche Übersetzerin)
Precision matters: Specialized translations play a key role in critical industries
In our increasingly globalized world, communication transcends borders and languages. Companies, organizations, and individuals must continually seek solutions for overcoming the challenges posed by language barriers. This endeavor has led to the emergence of the important field of specialized translations, which play a crucial role in ensuring precise and efficient communication across a wide variety of industries and fields.
What are specialized translations?
With specialized translations, content is transferred from one language to another while preserving the terminology, style, and intricacies specific to a particular field. Specialized translations differ from general translations in that they necessitate a thorough understanding of the specific subject and its distinctive terminology.
Specialist translators not only need to master the language but are also required to keep up to date with the latest developments, trends, and regulations in their chosen industries. This continuous learning process not only ensures accurate translations but also guarantees that they reflect the latest industry standards and best practices.
Specialized translations in various fields
The crucial aspect of specialized translations is the compelling need for precision. In specialized fields, precision is not only desirable but also absolutely essential. A minor translation error in a medical document, legal contract, or specialized manual can result in significant consequences.
In addition, specialized translations play a critical role in ensuring compliance with legal requirements and industry standards. Strict regulations apply to various industries and sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, the chemicals industry, and explosion protection. Specialist translators guarantee that documents not only comply with these regulations but also ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Maintaining brand identity and message consistency is a crucial concern for companies that are expanding internationally. Specialist translators are highly skilled at effectively adapting content to various cultures and languages while preserving the essence of the brand identity. This not only facilitates international expansion but also enhances the brand's image and perception among a wide range of target groups.
Scientific and technological progress heavily relies on the exchange of information across borders. Precise translations facilitate access to global knowledge and enhance effective collaboration among researchers, engineers, and developers. Specialist translators play a crucial role in making it possible for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations to reach a wide audience throughout the world.
In healthcare, specialized translations can be a matter of life and death. Accurate translation of medical records, prescriptions, and patient information ensures that no important information is lost in translation, ultimately improving patient care and safety.
The crucial aspect of specialized translations is the compelling need for precision.
Why specialized translations are more important in some fields than in others
Specialized translations are particularly important in certain fields and industries such as explosion protection, the chemicals industry, and pharmaceuticals due to their special complexity and risks. Here is a tabular overview summarizing the reasons why specialized translations are so crucial in these fields:
| Aspect | Explosion protection | Text3 | Pharmaceuticals |
| Security and compliance | Important for safety instructions, warnings, and procedures. Mistranslations can lead to catastrophic accidents. | Crucial for Safety Data Sheets (SDS), hazard labels, and compliance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Misunderstandings can lead to accidents, environmental hazards, and liability claims. | Essential for accurate drug information, clinical trials, and patient instructions in order to ensure patient safety. Errors can have life-threatening consequences. |
| Technical complexity | Requires precise translations of technical and safety concepts for devices and systems. | Exacting technical specifications and chemical nomenclature that is needed to accurately convey chemical properties are involved. | Deals with complex scientific and medical terminology for medication-related documents, including pharmacology and regulatory specifications. |
| Compliance with statutory regulations | Compliance with specific standards such as ATEX for explosion protection. Non-compliance can lead to legal problems and safety risks. | Compliance with international regulations such as REACH is crucial for safe trade. | Compliance with strict regulatory requirements, such as those set by the FDA and EMA, is crucial for drug approval and maintaining international regulatory compliance. |
| Liability and risk minimization | Translation errors can lead to liability claims relating to safety procedures and device specifications. | Mistranslations can have consequences such as chemical accidents, environmental damage, and harm to the health of employees. | Accurate translations minimize the risk of litigation, product recalls, and harm to patients. |
The human factor in specialized translations
Despite significant advancements in machine translation in recent years, the technology remains ill-suited for specialized translations. Given the industry-specific terminology, context, and required cultural sensitivity, the expertise of human translators is required. These specialists possess the knowledge and practical experience required to navigate the complexity of their specific domains. In certain situations, the possibility of using a custom translation engine alongside
can be considered, but it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the feasibility of this approach in consultation with translation experts.The role of technology
Technology should also not be underestimated in the field of specialized translations. Translation tools, including translation management systems with built-in translation memories, terminology databases, and quality assurance features, assist translators in maintaining consistency and improving efficiency. In combination with the expert knowledge of specialist translators, these tools provide a compelling blend of precision and speed.
The bottom line
In a globalized world in which precise communication is essential, specialized translations serve as the vital link between industries and societies around the globe. Whether safeguarding the health of patients, ensuring legal compliance, or nurturing cross-cultural business relationships, specialist translators play a key role in breaking down language barriers. So the next time you are faced with an important document in a foreign language, remember the vital importance of specialized translations and the dedicated professionals who make it all possible.
