The first thing you need to know is that this kind of translation has its own specifics. Not all translators can work with a medical text. Excellent knowledge of the language and even a translator’s diploma do not guarantee high-quality translation services for specialized texts.
What is special about translating medical texts?
When reading documents in our native language, not all of us are able to understand what is stated in them. This is a rather specific area of activity, which consists of great amount of professional terms.
Medical texts contain:
- Shortenings and abbreviations. Many words are borrowed from Latin, so some abbreviations may be in Latin. The translator must know not only the target language, but also Latin. Some abbreviations can be deciphered differently, so the specialist who works on the document must understand the specifics and context.
- Specific terms. Common, familiar words in medical documents can mean something completely different. An incorrect translation can be confusing.
- Different measurement systems. We all know about miles and kilometers, but there are similar discrepancies in medicine: volumes and levels may vary in different countries. When translating, it is necessary to translate not only words, but also adapt them to the accepted measurement system.
- Stable combinations. Yes, medicine has its own phrases that are accepted among doctors. If you make a mistake here, they will understand what you are talking about, but from the point of view of a professional approach, such mistakes should not happen.
Remember that human life depends on the accuracy of the data. Ambiguous interpretation, errors, inaccuracies - all this should not be in a medical translation. What is important here is not mechanical translation, but thoughtful work on the text. However, it is not enough to know general medical terms. The same word can have different meanings in different branches of medicine.
Another feature of translation is working with handwritten text. This affects the speed of service execution. There is no need to be afraid of illegible handwriting if a professional translator who specializes in medical texts works on the document.
How to choose a translator?
The first rule is to trust experienced companies that have a large number of highly specialized translators on their staff. One freelance translator cannot replace an entire team in the field of medical translations. It is impossible that one person translates texts on dentistry and cardiology. You need to have a huge amount of knowledge.
Reasons why it is better to entrust medical translation to a translation bureau:
- Translators have 2 educations: philological and medical.
- They know how to work even with unique and rare terms.
- The bureau consults with doctors of the relevant specialization to clarify complex or ambiguous points in the text.
- All texts are checked for errors and typos.
- Continuous professional development, including in the medical field.
When choosing a translator and bureau, pay attention to whether they have experience of work with medical texts and documents.
