Technical translation for the engineering and technology sectors

Stand out from the crowd by producing fit-for-purpose technical translation for the engineering and technology sectors that focus on the needs of the end user.

“Don’t translate: write”. The best advice Ken Paver was ever given by his translation mentor provides the basis for a short series of webinars looking at how translators can use their writing skills, their translation theory toolbox, and their subject knowledge to produce fit-for-purpose technical translations capable of functioning as standalone target-language texts. 

Large volumes of basic and mediocre into-English technical translation are being produced at European and global level, simply because translators and customers underestimate the importance of technical text, or because they simply don’t know any different.

By getting translators to produce their own well-written target texts (based on French, German and Dutch source texts), these webinars will show that high-quality technical translation, written in a clear, declarative style that focuses on the “arc of meaning”, without getting hung up on terminology, can be within the grasp of every translator who is prepared to put in the effort.

The “Don’t translate: write” series of webinars is aimed at all into-English professional translators, particularly those working in the engineering and technology sectors. The aim is to use this deliberately provocative premise to open attendees’ minds to the possibilities of high-grade, fit-for-purpose technical translation produced with a constant focus on the end user’s needs, and help them to bring this new approach to the marketplace.

Translators can raise their game, delight their customers, raise their profile, and ultimately think about raising their rates if they focus on applying this set of simple, yet potentially demanding, principles to their work at a day-to-day level.

Click on the blue session number below to find out what is covered in each session

Monday 22 March
11am – 12.15pm
Session 1

Online short course

Monday 29 March
11am – 12.15pm
Session 2

Online short course

Monday 12 April
11am – 12.15pm
Session 3

Online short course

Participants will be provided with sample source texts (one text each in French, German and Dutch), which they may prepare with a view to contributing to the workshop. Preparation of text(s) in advance is optional. Participants who do not translate from French, German and Dutch can still usefully attend the workshop session if they wish.

ITI members: £60 + VAT

Non-members: £90 + VAT

Read about the speakers

Ken Paver

Ken Paver

Freelance translator/interpreter

Find out more