Techno-scientific terms omitted from translation

In summary, the two terms "visible light interference" and "the non-visible spectrum" were omitted from the translation because they have little impact on radio astronomy and are too general.
  • #1
louislaolu
15
0
TL;DR Summary: Why were the two terms "visible light interference" and "the non-visible spectrum" omitted from the translation?

I am doing a contrastive study of a Chinese sci-fi novel and its English translation.

The following is a more faithful translation of the original:
The initial considerations were purely technical. Unlike traditional astronomy, radio astronomy didn’t have as many demands on atmospheric quality and visible light interference, but required minimal electromagnetic interference on the non-visible spectrum.

The actual English translation is as follows:
The initial considerations were purely technical. Unlike traditional astronomy, radio astronomy didn’t have as many demands on atmospheric quality, but required minimal electromagnetic interference.

Could anyone please tell me why the translator omitted the terms "visible light interference" and "the non-visible spectrum"?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Personal choice by the translator, I should think.
 
  • #3
Thanks!

The following is an explanation I found:
The translator has omitted "visible light interference" and "non-visible light bands" from translation, as the wavelengths of visible light are several orders of magnitude different from those used in radio astronomical observations, and have almost no impact on the latter. Moreover, "non-visible light bands" has a too broad a scope, being too general, and omitting it has no impact on the relevant scientific descriptions.

Do you think it makes sense?
 
  • #4
louislaolu said:
The following is an explanation I found:
The translator has omitted "visible light interference" and "non-visible light bands" from translation, as the wavelengths of visible light are several orders of magnitude different from those used in radio astronomical observations, and have almost no impact on the latter. Moreover, "non-visible light bands" has a too broad a scope, being too general, and omitting it has no impact on the relevant scientific descriptions.
I think the translation is far easier to understand than the "more faithful" translation. At least for someone with a little understanding of the problems of optical and radio astronomy. The bane of (terrestrial) optical astronomy is air turbulence (leading to the "sparkling" of stars and blurred photographic images), whereas in radio astronomy a severe problem is interference from all sorts of electrical devices.

I have no idea of the correct technical terms in Chinese. They may circumscribe something imported from another language. A too "faithful" translation can turn out to be barely intelligible.
louislaolu said:
Do you think it makes sense?
Yes.
 
  • #5
WernerQH said:
I think the translation is far easier to understand than the "more faithful" translation. At least for someone with a little understanding of the problems of optical and radio astronomy. The bane of (terrestrial) optical astronomy is air turbulence (leading to the "sparkling" of stars and blurred photographic images), whereas in radio astronomy a severe problem is interference from all sorts of electrical devices.

I have no idea of the correct technical terms in Chinese. They may circumscribe something imported from another language. A too "faithful" translation can turn out to be barely intelligible.

Yes.
Thank you for the very useful reply!
 

FAQ: Techno-scientific terms omitted from translation

What does "techno-scientific terms omitted from translation" mean?

"Techno-scientific terms omitted from translation" refers to specialized technical or scientific vocabulary that is not translated into another language, either because there is no equivalent term in the target language or because the original term is widely recognized and understood in its original form.

Why are some techno-scientific terms left untranslated?

Some techno-scientific terms are left untranslated because they are universally recognized within the scientific community, ensuring clarity and consistency. Additionally, translating these terms might lead to confusion or misinterpretation if there is no precise equivalent in the target language.

What are the challenges of translating techno-scientific terms?

Translating techno-scientific terms can be challenging due to the highly specialized nature of the vocabulary, the lack of equivalent terms in the target language, and the need to maintain accuracy and clarity. Misinterpretation can lead to significant errors in understanding and application.

How do translators handle techno-scientific terms that have no direct equivalent in the target language?

Translators often handle such terms by using the original term, providing a descriptive explanation, or creating a new term that closely matches the original concept. They may also use footnotes or glossaries to ensure the reader understands the term.

Can the omission of techno-scientific terms from translation affect scientific communication?

Yes, the omission of techno-scientific terms from translation can affect scientific communication by creating barriers to understanding, especially for those not familiar with the original language. However, it can also facilitate communication by using universally recognized terms that are understood by the global scientific community.

Similar threads

Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
10K
Back
Top