Technical translation: understand the importance of the cultural coefficient

Business globalization has created an urgent need for professional technical translation. It takes professionals capable of handling important tasks like this one.

What is technical translation? Technical translation covers specialized content like manuals and scientific papers, requiring deep knowledge of the subject matter. It’s not about literal, word-for-word translation — it’s about conveying the original meaning while accounting for the target audience and the document’s purpose.

Why culture matters. A key point: foreign terms can carry entirely different meanings in other languages. The word “arreda” (a regional expression from Minas Gerais, Brazil) is a good example of how a cultural blind spot can lead to a translation that’s inappropriate or even offensive. To avoid this, it’s worth researching local traditions, talking with native speakers, studying the regional culture, and understanding its social, political, and economic context.

Technical vs. sworn translation. Sworn translation applies to official documents and requires notarization. Technical translation doesn’t need legal recognition — just a professional who specializes in the subject matter at hand.

The translator’s role. Success comes down to experience and contextual knowledge. It takes a specialized professional who does the research needed and genuinely understands the destination culture.

Bottom line: the combination of professional translation and cultural understanding is essential to avoiding serious problems, including lost business.