Latest from the blog

Posted on10 October 2016

Translation Agency Tips: #35 How best to use reference material

reference material, atlas translations, claire suttie, translators, tips, technical translation, translators


Whether the source materials you’ve been given to work on are of a technical nature or whether they’re fairly straightforward, if your client has provided you with some reference material you’ll need to make sure you use this efficiently.

The very nature of translation is subjective, so if a client has had something translated before in a style they liked, it’s beneficial to all parties that they provide this for reference when working on new materials. It’ll help you with terminology, style and tone, and make sure you deliver an end product you know your client is happy with.

If you’ve undertaken a translation focused around a technical subject, you must take into account that this client is entrusting you with something that could be crucial to their business or personal life. Sometimes we receive manuals for factory machinery or legal certificates, and if the client hasn’t provided any reference materials, it’s very important to find your own source of reference to use for the project.

For example, in the case of a technical manual you may not always know everything about the topic nor be aware of some of the specific terminology or elements used in a particular industry. In such cases you can refer to specialised websites. First of all you may want to check out the website of the company that the translation is for and make sure the terminology used is consistent with the client’s preferences (if there are any existing translations). Another option would be to look at other similar companies’ websites, or at approved technical glossaries available on the web, which would prevent you using incorrect terminology.

Translating materials in a topic you’re unfamiliar is not something we’d ever recommend, but the occasion may arise when you’re in this situation. If you aren’t working in a field you’re especially experienced in, it is essential, before starting working on the project, to take the time to immerse yourself in the subject. Search for glossaries, read articles, watch videos, and consult other colleagues who may be able to provide additional information.

Also, ask the client to provide any reference material they have available; especially in the case of technical manuals, illustrative diagrams and specialised glossaries, this can be very helpful.

In many instances there can be several possible translations for the same term, and all of these can be correct, depending on the different context. The differences can vary depending on how formal the word is, the style the client requires or the industry in which that specific term is used. If/when you come across such a term, it is always best to raise a query for the attention of the client or check with a specialised term base to avoid any mistranslations.

Following these steps should help you to provide a translation your client will be happy with, and one that has been perfectly adapted to the necessary target language.

If you’d like help with technical translations and perhaps how to supply the best reference material to your translator, please chat with us using the ‘live chat’ box at the bottom of the screen – or contact us – whatever suits you best.
Save
Save

ISO 17100 – ISO 17100:2017 for Translation Services (since this standard began, in 2008, externally audited annually).
Mindful employer

Mindful Employer Plus – As a Charter member, our team have access to an Employee Assistance Program with 24/7/365 support, as we work toward achieving better mental health at work.
Federation of Small Businesses and the Self-Employed

A proud member of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), a dynamic and inclusive not-for-profit membership organisation. FSB is dedicated to supporting and empowering small businesses across the UK and is committed to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and succeed.

Atlas Translations has been accredited by the Fair Tax Foundation since February 2024. The Fair Tax Foundation is a not-for-profit social enterprise developed by a team of tax justice, corporate responsibility, and ethical consumer experts. It was launched in 2014.

We’ve been registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) since 2004. Go to https://ico.org.uk/ for more information.

We hold a full membership in the Association of British HealthTech Industries. The ABHI supports the HealthTech community by providing products and services that help people live healthier lives. As the voice of the industry, we show the value of health technology and overcome barriers to people benefitting from it now and in the future.

Certified since 2003, externally audited annually. ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), applicable across all sectors. ISO 9001 provides a framework to respond to changing quality requirements in line with changing demands across society, economics and the environment.
Logo

Disability Confident Committed is creating a movement of change, encouraging employers like ourselves to think differently about disability and take action to improve how we recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. Being a DCC employer is a unique opportunity to lead the way in our community and show that we’re a disability inclusive employer.

Corporate membership of the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) since 1994. Corporate Member of the Year 2021. ITI is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and all those involved in the language services sector.

CIEP: We’ve held Corporate membership Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading since 1993. CIEP are an international membership organisation that offers training and community for editorial professionals (copy editors and proofreaders) while helping members develop business confidence.

ATC: We hold full membership with the Association of Translation Companies, a trade association representing the interests of language service companies in the UK and internationally. It is the leading voice for companies operating in the UK’s language services industry.

Living Wage Employer: As a living wage employer, we believe our staff deserve a wage which meets every day needs. The Living Wage Foundation has a mission to encourage employers to play their part in tackling in-work and post-work poverty and provide a decent standard of living by paying the real Living Wage, adopting Living Hours and Living Pensions as well as wider good employment practices.
4-day week

Proudly a 4-Day Week Employer since 2019. Amongst other items, the 4-Day Week initiative calls for a reduction to the maximum working week from 48 hours per week to 32 hours per week by 2030.

 
GBC_Accredited_Logo

A member of the Good Business Charter since 2022. The GBC is a simple accreditation that organisations of all sizes in the UK can apply for in recognition of responsible business practices.
PIF

We’re a proud member of the Patient Information Forum (PIF), a membership organisation for anyone producing health information and support. PIF promote access to trusted, evidence-based health information for patients, carers, the public and healthcare professionals.