TECHNICAL Translation
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Supporting Solutions
Supporting multi-lingual OPERATIONAL AND SYSTEMS DOCUMENTATION
TECHNICAL TRANSLATION
Technical translation supports communication in contexts where documentation is used to carry out tasks, operate systems, and apply defined procedures. Unlike scientific texts, which are written to communicate knowledge, or medical texts, which are used to inform health-related decisions, technical content is created to guide action.
Technical documents often define methodologies, sequences, conditions, limits, and specifications that must be interpreted consistently for work to be performed as intended. Inaccurate or ambiguous translation can alter how instructions are understood, disrupt processes, or introduce operational and safety risks.
The role of technical translation is therefore functional and execution-oriented. It focuses on conveying technical meaning clearly and consistently across languages so that documentation can be applied in practice. Translation decisions are guided by how information will be used in operational environments, rather than by stylistic or explanatory considerations.
Santium supports technical translation by applying linguistically informed, domain-aware workflows that prioritize consistency, clarity, and appropriate handling of technical terminology. Work is carried out with attention to context of use, operational constraints, and the potential consequences of misinterpretation, supporting reliable use of technical documentation across languages.
WHAT QUALIFIES AS SCIENTIFIC CONTENT
Technical translation applies to content created to guide action, operation, or implementation. These texts define how tasks are performed, systems are operated, components are assembled, or requirements are met. Their primary function is practical execution rather than explanation or interpretation.
Content typically handled under this service includes:
- operating procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- technical manuals, guides, and reference documentation.
- engineering and manufacturing documentation.
- technical specifications, requirements, and standards-based content.
- safety, quality, and compliance documentation with an operational function.
- IT and software documentation intended to support configuration, use, or maintenance.
What distinguishes technical content is its instructional and operational role. Meaning is conveyed through precise sequencing, conditional logic, defined constraints, and consistent terminology. Translation accuracy is evaluated based on whether instructions can be followed correctly and consistently in the target language.
This service does not cover scientific research and scholarly dissemination, medical or patient-facing materials, or legal and patent drafting. By clearly defining the scope of technical content, this service ensures that translation approaches remain aligned with the operational, safety, and execution requirements of technical environments.
CORE TRANSLATION PRINCIPLES
Technical translation is guided by principles that reflect how technical documentation is read and used in operational environments. The objective is to support consistent interpretation and correct application of instructions, specifications, and requirements across languages.
Accuracy of Instruction and Intent
Technical content often defines specific actions, conditions, and outcomes. Translation choices aim to preserve the original intent of instructions so procedures, sequences, and constraints are understood as intended.
Terminological Consistency
Technical terms are selected based on established usage within the relevant domain and applied consistently throughout related documents. Stable terminology helps prevent confusion, especially when documentation spans multiple components, systems, or processes.
Structural Coherence and Logical Flow
The structure of technical documents, such as numbered steps, conditional statements, warnings, and references, carries meaning. Translation preserves this structure to maintain logical flow and functional clarity.
Handling of Risk-Sensitive Language
Technical documentation frequently includes safety-related language, warnings, limitations, and conditions. Translation decisions account for how such language is interpreted in practice, reducing the risk of misunderstanding that could lead to improper use or unsafe outcomes.
Together, these principles support technical translation that enables documentation to be applied reliably across languages while respecting the operational context in which it is used.
LINGUISTIC AND SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERTISE
Technical translation requires strong linguistic skills combined with familiarity with the technical domain in which the documentation is used. Translators must be able to interpret specialized terminology, technical structures, and domain-specific conventions while maintaining clarity and consistency in the target language.
Technical competence in this context refers to an understanding of how technical concepts, systems, and processes are typically described and documented. This includes awareness of standard terminology, schematic references, and the conventions used in procedural, instructional, and specifications-based content.
In practice, many translators are not formally trained engineers or technicians. For this reason, technical translation often incorporates subject-matter expert (SME) review to support accuracy and resolve domain-specific ambiguities. SMEs assist in validating terminology, confirming technical plausibility, and clarifying instructions where linguistic interpretation alone may be insufficient.
Linguistic competence remains essential. Technical documentation frequently relies on precise sequencing, conditional logic, and concise phrasing, where small linguistic shifts can affect interpretation or execution. By combining linguistic expertise with SME-supported technical review, this service supports translations that align with how technical documentation is intended to function in operational settings.
CONTEXTS OF USE
Technical translation is applied in contexts where documentation is used to support the operation, maintenance, configuration, or verification of systems and processes. These contexts are defined by practical use, where translated content must be interpreted consistently to support correct execution.
Technical translation is commonly applied in the following contexts:
- Manufacturing and production environments, where procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation guide day-to-day operations.
- Engineering and industrial settings, including documentation related to design, installation, maintenance, and system operation.
- Information technology and software, where technical documentation supports configuration, deployment, administration, or troubleshooting.
- Safety, quality, and compliance programs, where documentation defines requirements, controls, and operational constraints.
- Training and internal technical communication, where materials are used to support consistent understanding of processes and systems across multilingual teams.
Across these contexts, technical translation supports the reliable use of documentation by maintaining clarity, consistency, and alignment with how technical information is applied in real-world operational settings.
DELIVERABLES AND FORMATS
Technical translation deliverables are provided in formats that support review, submission, publication, and institutional dissemination. Santium accepts the full range of common authoring and submission formats and can also support professionally formatted publication outputs when required.
Supported formats include:
- Editable documents (e.g., Word or equivalent) for author review, collaboration, and revision.
- Tabular formats (e.g., Excel) used for structured scientific content, tables, and reference materials.
- Structured and markup formats (e.g., XML, IDML or similar) used in publishing and content management workflows.
- Presentation formats for conference papers, posters, and academic dissemination.
In addition to translation, Santium offers multi-lingual graphic design and desktop publishing (DTP) services to support scientific content prepared for high-visibility use or professional publication. This includes handling layouts, adjusting space for longer or shorter texts after translation, switching from left-to-right text flows to right-to-left when required, adjusting figures, tables, references, and typographic conventions commonly required by journals, publishers, and institutional outlets.
Publication-ready outputs can be delivered in multiple formats suitable for professional production workflows, ensuring that translated content is structurally aligned and packaged with publication standards. This allows scientific materials to move directly from translation into submission or production without additional formatting steps.
Dedicated Translation Teams
Small project-specific multi-disciplinary groups.
Translation Experience
Training and experience in scientific translation.
Preserving SCIENTIFIC integrity
Expert scientific translators
Our subject-matter expert linguists specialize in scientific translation and terminology. Assisted by the latest translation technologies, we preserve the clinical integrity of each document and deliver clear and functional translations that support patient safety and regulatory compliance
- 3,000+ translators and editors
- 140+ languages supported
- ISO-aligned, audit-ready workflows
- Follow-the-Sun project support across 14 countries
- Specialized dedicated project teams
STRENGTHEN YOUR TECHNICAL TRANSLATION
RELATED SERVICES
Already have translations but aren’t sure if they’re complete, modified, accurate or certified? We can assess what you have, identify gaps, and build on your existing materials instead of starting over. Whether you need missing content translated, outdated versions aligned, or earlier work brought up to industry standards, we’ll help you finish the job.
Technical Review & Editing
Subject-matter experts provide technical review of sensitive technical content to confirm accuracy, consistency, and operational suitability. Technical review supports translation by resolving ambiguities and validating terminology and intent, reducing downstream revisions and increasing confidence in practical use.
Linguistic Review & Editing
Linguistic reviewers refine translated content by correcting terminology, resolving unclear phrasing, and improving structure while preserving the original meaning. Editing focuses on clarity, flow, and accuracy so materials read naturally and meet professional communication standards across scientific, medical, and technical domains.
Glossary & Terminology
We build and maintain specialized terminology databases to unify language across subject-matter, studies and product lines. Controlled vocabularies reduce ambiguity, speed up editing time and strengthen quality assurance throughout the translation lifecycle.
Proofreading
Final quality checks address surface-level issues such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and typographical errors. Proofreading ensures consistency and polish across related deliverables, supporting materials that are ready for publication, distribution, or formal submission.
Publication Support Writing
Scientific texts are prepared for publication through language and structural support that improves clarity, organization, and adherence to scholarly writing conventions. Writing support focuses on presentation and coherence while preserving the original scientific content, intent, and authorship.
Desktop Publishing
Scientific and technical content is formatted for clarity and consistency across multi-page documents, tables, and figures. Layout and typographic standards are preserved to maintain document integrity and readability, with outputs aligned to publication and institutional requirements.
Graphic Design
Scientific concepts, methods, and workflows are rendered into clear, professional visual formats, including presentations, figures, diagrams and culturally-observant illustrations. Design emphasizes accuracy, interpretability, and consistency to support effective scientific communication.
Our approach
The Santium method – where precision meets purpose
Santium’s methodology bridges linguistic accuracy with scientific discipline. Every project follows a validated, ISO-aligned process that preserves meaning, measurement, and usability across languages and contexts.
From concept review to pilot testing, each stage is designed to deliver traceable, reproducible outcomes in more than 140 languages worldwide.
Clients choose Santium for our ability to balance precision with understanding.
We adapt complex materials into content that communicates clearly and performs reliably, whether for regulators, clinicians, or patients, helping organizations build trust and consistency in their markets.
Multimedia and Digital Content Localization
For Training and Onboarding
Multimedia support includes subtitles, captions, and translated audio for training modules, e-learning programs, and presentations. Content such as SOP walk-throughs, protocol overviews, and procedural demonstrations is localized for clarity and usability across languages, helping global study teams deploy localized materials.
e-Learning Translation
High-quality translations for training content, learning modules, onboarding courses, and examination materials. Lessons, tests, and interactive elements are localized for clarity, usability, and cultural relevance, helping global study teams deliver consistent learning experiences across sites, languages, and user groups.
Video Subtitling & Closed Captions
Precise, well-timed subtitles and closed captioning support multilingual training content, including onboarding videos, e-learning modules, and SOP walk-throughs. Terminology and procedural language are translated clearly so multilingual teams can follow demonstrations with ease.
Voiceover Translation (Dubbing)
Transcription, subtitling, voiceover, script localization, video production, and UX review for multimedia used in multi-language training, recruitment and onboarding, education, and research.
Transcription
Accurate, polished and secure transcription for scientific, and technical content. Audio and video files are converted into clean, structured text that is ready for analysis, review, and multilingual adaptation. Ideal for e-Learning content, training materials, interviews, high-impact meetings, presentations and documentation needing archiving or long-term knowledge retention.
Software Localization
Software localization makes your digital content, screens, and user workflows feel native in every language. We adapt UI labels, messages, notifications, and task logic so they stay consistent and aligned with your requirements. Our team understands character limits, branching, scoring dependencies, and audit needs, delivering a seamless experience across devices.
Video Production
Video production for training and story-telling. We create clear, culturally relevant videos that simplify complex concepts and branding stories in many languages. Ideal for learning, onboarding, demonstrations, and enhancing comprehension and usability of scientific workflows.
Work with us
Partner with the experts in scientific, medical and technical translation
Let’s make your content work across languages and cultures.
Across sectors and formats, we help teams deliver accurate, accessible, and culturally relevant content that works in every language.
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