Translation and localisation projects can be daunting, especially if it is the first time you’ve undertaken this kind of project, or you require multiple languages and linguistic projects to be completed. Languages are notoriously ambiguous – words or phrases that may be interpreted one way in a certain region, can mean something entirely different in another dialect, language or area, so ensuring that your translation is linguistically accurate can be difficult without the assistance of a professional language services provider.
However, there are ways to improve the accuracy, quality and appropriateness of translation projects, especially if you are managing multiple projects of a highly technical nature.
Terminology databases are one such example and offer huge benefits for all major translation or localisation projects. They help to achieve a consistent, precise and quality translation that acts as guide to the translation team working on the project.
Below, you’ll find a few examples of what a terminology database actually involves, how they can improve and aid your translation project, and how to create one.
1. What is a Terminology Database?
A terminology database may also be called a glossary, lexicon or term-base and it is a compilation of frequently used, industry specific, technical terms that serve as a guide for your Language Services Provider (LSP) and the linguists, project managers and language experts who are likely to work on your project.
It is an organised record of specific vocabulary for the purpose of ensuring a consistent translation, no matter into which language it will ultimately be translated.
It offers vital information regarding your industry terminology and frequently used phrases or terms, ensuring linguistic accuracy and industry precision, with the added bonus that it can be used time and again for future translation projects, reducing timescales and costs.
A professionally created terminology database might include the following:
• Names
• Specific terms relating to industry such as, medical machinery, legal terms, and so on.
• Frequently used phrases (industry specific)
• Titles
• Acronyms
• Non-translated information (for example, universal standards or terminology)
• Company logos or taglines
A professionally created terminology database will include the source language and approved target language translations and should include context for use and be made available to every linguist working on the translation project.
Why Use a Terminology Database?
Once you have understood what a terminology database is, and how it is created, it is simple to see why they are so essential.
Here are the main reasons why a terminology database is vital for your translation project:
• Improves Translation Quality– translations that use a terminology database have clear guidelines for frequently used terms, words and phrases, meaning there is less room for error or confusion, so quality is improved.
• Maintains Translation Consistency – because terminology databases are available to every linguist working on the project it means that they are all translating from the same blueprint. Each time a specific term is translated it can automatically be translated correctly (through translation memory software systems where available) ensuring consistency.
• Reduces Translation Time – terminology databases eliminate the need for additional research on the part of the linguist working on your project as frequently used terminology is already stored in the translation memory software.
• Reduces Translation Costs – translation or localisation projects that involve multiple languages or specialised content can be time-consuming and expensive, so any tools that save time, can also save money. The terminology database is used for every translation project and only needs to be created once (although new terminology may be added over time) so it is a tool that is used again and again but only has one initial set up cost.
Terminology databases are vital for successful translation projects and ensuring your LSP offers this service should be a priority, especially if your translation requires specialised terminology, high levels of accuracy, or is an ongoing, multilingual project.
At Creative Word, we use terminology databases, or glossaries, for every translation project, and alongside our translation memory software and expert native-speaking linguists, helps us to offer accurate, consistent, culturally appropriate, and cost-effective translation every time.
If you’d like to know more about how a terminology database could help with your translation project, please contact us here.
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