Terminology Management in Translation Services: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

Terminology management is a critical aspect of the translation process that involves identifying, organising, and maintaining terminology and related information belonging to a specific company, brand or subject. Translation services use terminology management to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across their clients’ translation projects.

This blog post will explore the concept of terminology management in translation services and its significance in producing high-quality translations.

How does terminology management in translation services work?

Terminology management involves the use of specialist tools and processes to identify and manage terminology effectively. For example, digital platforms, such as terminology management systems, can create and maintain a centralised database (or termbase) of terminologies and related information, such as definitions, context, and usage.

By maintaining this comprehensive termbase, translation services can ensure that they use the correct terminology consistently throughout a project. This process not only helps to improve the overall quality of the translation but also saves time and reduces the risk of errors or misunderstandings.

What are the benefits of effective terminology management?

Consistency

One of the most significant benefits of terminology management is improved consistency. When terminology is not managed effectively, translators may use different terms to describe the same concept, leading to confusion and inconsistencies in the final translation.

By maintaining a centralised termbase of approved terminology, translation service providers can ensure that all translators use the same terminology consistently throughout a project, even if they are working in different languages or on other parts of the project. This strategy helps ensure the final translation is accurate and clear for the reader.

Efficiency

Another valuable benefit of terminology management is increased efficiency. Having access to a termbase, translation teams can quickly access the information they need without wasting time searching for it. This ease of access can significantly speed up the translation process, especially for larger or more complex projects. In addition, by using consistent terminology, translators can work more effectively, reducing the risk of errors or misunderstandings and improving overall productivity.

Quality outputs

Terminology management is also essential for maintaining quality standards in translation projects. When terminology is not managed effectively, translations may contain errors or inconsistencies, which can have serious consequences.

For example, a mistranslation or incorrect use of terminology in a medical document could lead to serious health risks for patients. Using terminology management, where all terminology is approved, ensures that information is consistently conveyed in the correct and most appropriate manner for the reader and that translations are of the highest quality.

What tools are used for terminology management?

Translation services may use several different tools and processes for terminology management. One of the most common tools is a terminology management system (TMS), a software application designed specifically for managing terminology. TMSs typically include features such as term extraction, term validation, and term synchronisation, allowing translation services to create and maintain a termbase consisting of approved terminology.

These termbases can then be accessed by CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools that support a translator when working on the translation project.

In addition to using specialised tools, effective terminology management also requires a structured and consistent approach to terminology identification and organisation. This approach may involve creating a terminology management plan, which outlines the specific steps and processes involved in managing terminology for a particular project or organisation. It may also include establishing a terminology committee responsible for identifying, validating, and approving terminology for translation projects.

Terminology management is a critical aspect of the translation process that plays a significant role in ensuring consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in translation projects. Its centralised termbase of approved terminology helps improve the translation’s overall quality, reduce the risk of errors and increase efficiency.

Mission Translate leverage terminology management throughout our translation services to ensure we provide a consistently high level of translations for all our clients. If you need assistance with a translation project and would like to know more, please get in touch with our team.