The difficulties of translating technical instructions The

The difficulties of translating technical instructions

The object of the study were technical instructions

The subject of the research was the manners and methods of translating the supporting technical documentation (user manuals)

The main purpose of this studying is consideration of problems of adequacy and equivalence in translating texts of technical instructions by no native speakers of the target language

As results of the work, the following conclusions can be drawn:

The main purpose of the instruction is to inform important objective material and order the necessary activities which are connected with them and to regulate the actions of a person

In many cases, translation of technical instructions and user manuals, it is convenient and necessary to use translation transformations

Permutations are changing of arrangement of language elements in the text of translation in comparing to the text of original

«If the sticker is missing, perform the following work steps to read off the “Engine code” and the “Serial number”» - «Если наклейки нет и требуется определить „буквенное обозначение двигателя“ и „порядковый номер“, то действовать следующим образом: »

«Disconnect coolant hose from radiator by pulling off retaining clip at bottom» «Отсоединить от радиатора шланг охлаждающей жидкости, сняв нижнюю»

Replacement is method of transferring of grammatical unit of source language by grammatical unit of target language with different grammatical meaning

«Drain off coolant from radiator; to do so, turn drain plug anti clockwise and attach hose to connection if necessary» – Дать стечь охлаждающей жидкости из радиатора, для этого повернуть резьбовую пробку сливного отверстия влево и при необходимости насадить вспомогательный шланг на патрубок.

«The engine is removed from the front without the gearbox after removing the lock carrier» – Двигатель снимается вперед без коробки передач при демонтированной рамке радиатора.

Additions. This type of translated transformations is based on the restoration of "relevant words" omitted in source language

«Heat insulation sleeves which are removed must be fitted in the same position when installing» – Все теплозащитные манжеты, снятые при демонтаже, при монтаже установить на те же места.

«Carefully clean connection points and the surrounding area with engine cleaner or brake cleaner and dry thoroughly before opening» – Места соединений и прилегающие поверхности перед откручиванием тщательно очищать очистителем для двигателя или тормозной системы, очищенное место тщательно высушить.

Omission. It means the removing of certain “redundant words” in translation

«Do not move the vehicle unless absolutely necessary» – Автомобиль желательно не перемещать.

«Do not use parts that have been previously unpacked and stored away loose (e. g. in toolboxes, etc. )» – Запрещается использовать детали, хранившиеся без упаковки (например, в ящиках с инструментами).

Using of these techniques helps to achieve an adequate translation

It can be concluded that the main requirements for the language of technical literature is the precise and clear presentation, description and explanation of facts

In turn, technical instructions are characterized by logical, precise, one-valued expression of thought, using of speech tools, devoid of emotional meanings and expressive feelings

Abstraction and logic of thinking, generality and structurally expressed logic of exposition are common for technical instructions

Strict observation of these requirements is the main difficulty in translation of technical instructions