Specialized Translation

Specialized translation is defined as the translation of content relating to a certain genre or kind (contracts or patents), a specific field (such as law or IT), a specific medium (like movies or videos), and the application of specific procedures or protocols (such as software or other more complex multimedia supports). It thus calls for specialized vocabulary and knowledge.

Specialized translations can be classified into eight major categories:

• literary translations;
• commercial or marketing translations;
• legal translations;
• scientific translations;
• medical translations;
• technical translations;
• audiovisual translations;
• and IT translations.

Literary translations are focused on capturing the author's original message in the target language, in this case, French. Given their artistic quality, they are one of the most intricate specialized translations. Therefore, it involves more than merely translating the writing word for word; it also involves communicating the intended meaning beyond the boundaries of the target culture through the author's style and literary and artistic aesthetics.

Marketing and commercial translations focus on the translation and localization of any content used in a marketing strategy, or any content that seeks to represent the image of your brand or your business, draw in new clients, keep existing ones, promote purchases, persuade, communicate, touch an emotional chord or set you apart from the competition. As a result, this translation also serves a compelling and mobilizing purpose beyond merely relaying practical information.

Legal translations, on the other hand, require the utmost accuracy in term selection to faithfully convey the intended meaning and legal terminology of the original text. There is no creative interpretation or recreation here; each term has an equivalent. To avoid injustice, legal translation requires knowledge of both legal systems, as well as exact linguistic and documentary skills.

Scientific translations are also quite practical, as they involve presenting norms and instructions (periodicals, scientific research articles, and papers have strict structures and formats), elements that must be adapted (such as cultural references or units of measurement), and discipline-specific terminology. These fields include mathematics, physics, chemistry, earth sciences, biology, and environmental sciences.

Medical translations are similar to scientific translations in every way. They are rigorous and standardized, requiring knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical terminology as well as cultural equivalences. Medical translations, like scientific, technical, IT, and legal translations, require precision and reliability to prevent serious repercussions such as compromising the health of patients who take medication based on imprecise instructions.

Technical translations must also be rigorous and precise to guarantee the safety of mechanics, engineers, and other users of the tools and machines involved. Their main goal is to provide concise instructions or directions.

Audiovisual translations focus on on translating and adapting any product that displays on screens of any size. Consequently, they take into account audio, visual, and textual elements. Audiovisual translations, like literary translations, entail a thorough understanding of the target culture and language to accurately and artistically adapt cultural references or artistic messages.

IT translations, on the other hand, require rigorous attention to detail, technical knowledge of computer language, and a knowledge of vocabulary specific to the field. In fact, even the smallest mistake can cause issues in this field and affect the user's experience. That is why, as part of my audiovisual translating training, I was required to use computer language.

I specialize in audiovisual and commercial/marketing translations, as described in my prior services. Although they are not among my specializations, I am trained in the translation of all the other specialized translation categories.