Learn the secrets to improving translation quality: Introduction to regular study sessions

2. Study Group Theme

The following are some of the themes that have been covered so far.

 

• Points to note in Japanese-English translation (original text)
• Tips for Part-of-Speech and Collocation in Japanese-English Translation
• [Specific Project Name]: Notes on Translation
• Common Errors in Japanese-English Translation for IT and FA: Top 3
• Efficient Use of Parts of Speech (Tips for Avoiding Redundant Expressions and Improving Readability)

 

We frequently focus on themes that analyze common errors often seen in IT and FA related translations, and ways to avoid them. We also frequently cover topics such as writing according to technical writing rules and efficient use of parts of speech.

 

According to the survey conducted by our company for participants, the two themes that received the most support were as follows.

 

• Efficient Use of Parts of Speech (Tips for Avoiding Redundant Expressions and Improving Readability)
• Tips for Part-of-Speech and Collocation in Japanese-English Translation

 

"Part of speech" is an important element in improving the quality of Japanese-English translation. Therefore, our translators are highly interested in the efficient use of parts of speech. For example, if we translate "After use, please clean the product." to "Please clean the product each time after you finish using it.", the phrase "each time after you finish using it" contains unnecessary pronouns such as "you" and "it", making it grammatically redundant. Such use of parts of speech is not suitable for technical writing, especially in IT and FA translation. Even if it is accurate, attention must be paid to the appropriateness of style and expression. Therefore, to make it more concise and natural, we can change it to "Please clean the product after each use."

 

At study sessions, we cover a wide range of topics from basic parts of speech usage to advanced grammar structures and applications.
We also introduce frequently covered themes in our blog, so please take a look.

 

• Common Mistakes in IT and FA Translation Part 1: How to Use "which" and "whose"
• Common Mistakes in IT and FA Translation Part 2: How to Use the Non-Restrictive "which" and Restrictive "that" Correctly
• Common Mistakes in Translating IT and FA Field ③ - Is the Subject the User or the System? Correct Translation Method for Explanation Text in Tables-
• Common Mistakes in IT and FA Translation Part 4: Striving for Readability Over Advanced Grammar
• Common Mistakes in IT and FA Translation #5: Avoiding the Use of Inappropriate Prepositional Phrases
• Common Mistakes in IT and FA Translation #6 - Avoiding Ambiguous Dependencies

 

Below are some examples that were covered in past study sessions. (Note: Some content has been modified in accordance with confidentiality obligations.)

3. Introduction of Some Examples Covered

Example 1: Efficient Use of Parts of Speech (Ways to Avoid Redundant Structures and Make it Easier to Read)

Source	Set the folder to save pen information.
Translated Text (Before Correction)	Sets the folder in which the pen information is to be saved.
Translated Text (Revised)	Sets the folder in which to save the pen information.

"Saving pen information" is not an incorrect expression, but in order to make the sentence more concise and easier to read, you can use a prepositional phrase instead of a postpositional phrase.

 

Example 2: Efficient Use of Parts of Speech (Avoiding Redundant Structures and Making it Easier to Read)

Source	These metal joining methods are usually adopted for strong permanent joints.
Translated Text (Before Correction)	These methods of joining metal are normally adopted for joints that are strong and permanent.
Translated Text (Revised)	These methods of joining metal are normally adopted for strong permanent joints.

"It is not wrong to construct a sentence using the phrase "joints that are strong and permanent" (a relative clause modifying a noun), but it is recommended to make it simpler and easier to read by using "strong permanent joints".

 

Example 3: How to Apply Correct Collocation

Source	When communication between the device and external PC is disconnected during IXScan.
Translated Text (Before Correction)	This message is displayed when communication between the system and [the] external PC is cut during IXScan operation.
Translated Text (Revised)	This message is displayed when communication between the system and [the] external PC is lost during IXScan operation.

For the original term "切断", "cut" is also not incorrect. However, from a collocation perspective, "communication is lost" is more natural. This is an example where collocation takes priority over a literal translation of the original text.

 

Example 4: How to omit expressions in context and avoid redundancy

Source	The status of the trackball or rotary encoder function will be displayed in the assist display area.
Translated Text (Before Correction)	The status of function of the trackball or rotary encoder is displayed in the assist display area.
Translated Text (Revised)	The function of the trackball or rotary encoder is displayed in the assist display area.

The original "status of function" is translated as "the status of function", but even if it is only "the function", the meaning of "status" is naturally included in the context, so there is no need to translate it. It is better to avoid redundant expressions.

4. Future Outlook

In the future, we will utilize the actual screens of Trados and other CAT tools to introduce specific examples of how to improve translation and share knowledge. The purpose of this initiative is for translators to experience a sense of being in an actual work environment. In addition to providing knowledge on effective translation methods from Japanese to English, especially in IT and FA translation, we also plan to provide specific information on how to effectively utilize features such as translation memory and terminology bases in CAT tools. We believe that this will allow us to deliver information that will contribute to improving the quality of translation to all of you.