Technical Translation: Usability Strategies for Translating Technical Documentation

Based largely on my doctoral dissertation “Textual Cognetics and the Role of Iconic Linkage in Software User Guides”, this book is intended to serve as an introduction to technical translation and usability for translators and translation researchers. In this book we will look at how it is possible to improve the quality of technical translations by drawing on cognitive p- chology, usability engineering and technical communication to develop skills which can be implemented during the text production stage of the translation process to ensure more usable texts. This book draws on a broad range of research and makes it accessible and applicable to an audience with a background primarily in translation although those with backgrounds in technical writing will also find the discussions of usability, cognitive p- chology and usability testing useful. Technical translation has traditionally been regarded as the poor cousin of “real” translation. Often regarded as a vocational, practical andat times rather basic type of translation, it has been largely neglected in the literature on translation theory. The work that has been done in this area has largely been restricted to terminological issues or technical issues (e. g. tools such as translation memories and machine translation, etc. ) or does not fully reflect the reality of modern translation and needs to be updated (e. g. Pinchuk 1977, Sykes 1971). However, technical translation is a much more prom- ing avenue of theoretical investigation than many suspect.

This book is an introduction to technical translation and usability for translators and researchers. It draws on a broad range of research and makes it both accessible and applicable to those involved in the practice and study of translation. After exploring various theoretical aspects of technical translation, readers learn how to improve and assess the quality of technical translations by using cognitive psychology, usability engineering and technical communication to develop skills which can be implemented during the text production stage of the translation process. A practical usability study is described to illustrate the theories, methods and benefits of usability engineering.

This book is unique in that it discusses technical translation from a theoretical and practical point of view. Without this book, translators and researchers would have to read numerous books in a wide range of areas.