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What does 'technical' mean?
Auteur du fil: Helen Hagon
Helen Hagon
Helen Hagon  Identity Verified
Local time: 15:24
russe vers anglais
+ ...
Feb 6, 2014

Maybe it's just me, but 'technical' seems to be a very vague term. A job posting requesting 'technical' translators could mean anything from software manuals to nuclear engineering procedures. Personally, I have reasonably in-depth experience of exhaust systems and manufacturing processes, but I would feel very much out of my comfort zone if asked to translate a text about electronics or mining, for example. I am reluctant to respond to a posting without knowing a little more about what the job ... See more
Maybe it's just me, but 'technical' seems to be a very vague term. A job posting requesting 'technical' translators could mean anything from software manuals to nuclear engineering procedures. Personally, I have reasonably in-depth experience of exhaust systems and manufacturing processes, but I would feel very much out of my comfort zone if asked to translate a text about electronics or mining, for example. I am reluctant to respond to a posting without knowing a little more about what the job entails. Does anyone else feel that a little more information would be useful? ▲ Collapse
 
Katalin Horváth McClure
Katalin Horváth McClure  Identity Verified
États-Unis
Local time: 10:24
Membre (2002)
anglais vers hongrois
+ ...
Respond and ask for clarification Feb 6, 2014

There is nothing wrong with asking more information about the job. Ask the exact subject field, or even a sample for evaluation. If you are submitting a quote, do not submit a rate, or submit a range only, and say that you will be able to give a precise quote when you can see a sample. You can explain this in the message of your quote. Professional agencies understand that. Good translators specialize, and won't take on jobs that are not in their area(s) of expertise.
 


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What does 'technical' mean?







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