Translation of a technical Guidebook

Abstract

The present paper intends to explore the hurdles involved in translating guidebooks or manuals as well as considering the different translation strategies that can be used to overcome the hurdles that are sure to crop up. In this paper the authors seek to apply functional translation theories. This is greatly true particularly when translating general technical terms, industry terms and contract terms. The theoretical basis for the study consists of Eugene Nida’s and Vinay & Darbelnet’s models for translation as well as theories on terminology by Rune Ingo and Terésa Cabré. Before we examine technical translation in greater detail and try to relate it to various theories of translation, it would be useful to look at what we mean by “technical translation” and contrast some misconceptions about technical translation with the realities of what it means to be a technical translator.