For the average technician, language is often not their strongest point. Linguists, on the other hand, are not always aware of all the ins and outs of technology. How to translate four technical brochures into Chinese without getting ‘lost in translation’?
Translating technical terms into Chinese
Edo Vos of R&V Engineering recently approached MK Vertalingen with precisely this request. A tough challenge, as R&V Engineering operates in a specific niche area. The company offers an
extensive range of burners and auxiliary equipment that they design and customize to specific needs. They sell their products worldwide, including to China. But how do you translate complicated technical terms ‘spot-on’ into Chinese?
Intensive collaboration
MK Vertalingen put together a team of excellent technical translators in China. Edo Vos asked his agent in China to verify that the terminology used in the translations was correct. This agent worked closely with the team of translators. After reviewing the terminology, the translators looked again at the linguistic side of the translation. After a number of back and forth emailing sessions, translating and fine-tuning, the translation was approved by both parties. The technical terms used were then stored by MK Vertalingen in what is known as a translation memory. This way, those terms can be used in future translations without having to reinvent the wheel.
Productive collaboration
A fine example of intensive alliance of language and technology, according to Edo Vos. Reflecting on the collaboration: “What struck me was the personal contact we had with MK Vertalingen, the very rapid responses to my questions, resulting ultimately in a highly professional translation.” Martine Kuijs and her translators can also look back on a productive collaboration: “R&V Engineering had a very cooperative attitude and a thorough understanding of the challenges of our profession. This enabled us to achieve an excellent and professional result.”
More information on R&V Engineering can be found here. For more information about translating technical terms into Chinese, please contact MK Vertalingen by email at info@mkvertalingen.nl or call us on 020-7055182.