Tekniske oversettelser - translatørens mareritt eller en helt normal utfordring?

Abstract

It is a fact that many translators are reluctant to take on technical translations. At the same time, it is also the case that very many translation assignments involve varying degrees of technical content, even in cases where the source text appears to be about a completely different field. It is difficult, in other words, for a full-time translator to completely avoid technical translations even if he or she would prefer to say ‘no’ to this type of assignment. In my contribution, I discuss how translators can produce acceptable translations of technical texts without themselves having a technical background or extensive prior knowledge of the technical field in question. It is primarily a matter of knowing where to look for the answers you need and, not least, staying in close contact with the client.