Translations of science articles, including papers, experimental research articles, reviews and communications published in conference proceedings, require a mix of interdisciplinary skills that range from knowledge of the source language and fluency in the target language to specialist knowledge of the document’s subject matter. The skills needed for this particular type of translation are comparable to those required of science and medical copywriters or medical writers: in order for the article or paper to be recognised by the scientific community of the country of destination or the science magazine it is written for, it is fundamental to have a good grasp of its editorial standards, linguistic conventions and regulations. The professionals responsible for the translation, drafting or revision of a scientific publication at Landoor must therefore abide by the following tenets at all times:
- Maximum clarity, prioritising short and simple forms of expression;
- Maximum accuracy when reporting data and content, ensuring these are supported by testing and an exhaustive scientific bibliography;
- Consistent terminology, excluding the use of synonyms if possible;
- “Detached style” and use of formulas that leave space for additional research and experimentation (e.g. “it is postulated”, “… is suspected of”), excluding absolute assertions;
- Respect for the choices of specialists (scientific editors, revisers);
- Terminology research with checks on source reliability;
- Comprehensive reproduction of the original content and adaptation to editorial regulations and conventions in the target language/culture, with a very cautious detachment from forms of expression even if to the detriment of style.
Below is a list of just some of the specialist areas covered by the science articles, symposium and workshop proceedings, and portal and website articles translated and edited by Landoor:
- Medicine (all specialist areas);
- Dentistry and orthodontics;
- Ophthalmology and orthoptics;
- Biotechnologies;
- Biological sciences (molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology);
- Agricultural and veterinary sciences;
- Food sciences and technologies;
- Environment and security (marine biology, ecology);
- Pharmaceutical chemistry;
- Industrial chemistry;
- Food chemistry;
- Nuclear physics;
- Astronomy and astrophysics;
- Polymer materials science and technology;
- Mathematical sciences.
Translation of psychology and sociology articles
Articles on psychology and sociology are a case apart, two of the most complex and difficult to interpret and communicate areas of science due to the wide variety of schools of thought, the speed at which they evolve and the different linguistic registers required. When dealing with topics like psychological assessment and diagnosis, adolescent behaviour or economic and social change, linguistic and stylistic expertise are not enough: in-depth knowledge of specific dimensions of the socio-psychological disciplines is required, possibly supported by experience in the field, and extensive knowledge of the context in which the article will appear.
Translation of science articles – cost
The cost of translating a scientific article depends on several factors not connected with traditional criteria, such as the number of words to translate or the language pair. Very often, other more specific aspects are evaluated, such as the presence of technical terminology and specialist content, the need for a scientific review or proofreading depending on the final use of the documents, or the need to adapt the content to the standards of the specialist science magazines in which the articles will be published. These evaluations must be made together with the client in order to establish a customised work cycle aimed at achieving the desired communication goals. CONTACT US FOR A CUSTOMISED QUOTE
