Chapter One

I. What is the difference between scientific and technical translation?

Scientific and technical translation are two types of specialized

translation that are closely related, which often makes it difficult to
establish the difference between them.

The two disciplines share the same scope of action, scientific-

technological, working in areas such as medicine, chemistry or biology
among others. Both also use similar specialized vocabulary and specific
abbreviations.

For this reason, there are many occasions in which you may have
doubts about the type of translation service you need for your texts. In this
article we will list the main differences between both types of
translations.

1. The purpose of the text: theory vs. experience

The main goal of scientific texts is publishing the knowledge,

theories and studies developed by the professionals in this field. It
is communication that is highly influential academically and theoretically.

On the other hand, technical texts pursue the goal of publishing

information from a practical point of view, focusing on application. It is
communication aimed at empirical learning.

2. Types of informational texts

Having mentioned the points in common between both specialties,

the theoretical approach of scientific translation and the practical

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approach of technical translation determine the type of texts they are
aimed at.

This way, scientific translation is used in text books, essays, theses and
theoretical articles.

On the other hand, technical translation is aimed at technical user

manuals, instruction guides, patents ‫بررءاتاا خار ر ررءا‬, online assistance,
guides and datasheets.

3. Common disciplines of scientific translation and technical

translation

Once again, we insist on the close relationship between science and

technology. Nevertheless, each one of them has a specific informational
nature which make them prevail over the other in different fields.

Scientific translation is requested for texts about medicine, biology,

pharmacy, anthropology or bioethics ‫أخالقيات األبحاث والتطبيقات البيولوجية‬.

On the other hand, technical translation is common in fields related

to industry and disciplines such as engineering, telecommunications,
metallurgy ‫ ِع ْل ُم ال َم َعادِن؛الميتالورجيا‬, electronics, computing or automobile.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration‫خ‬ ‫ ال عاونخبينخال خصررصررااخالد ع‬in Scientific

Translation

Scientific translation often requires collaboration among various

disciplines to ensure that specialized knowledge is accurately conveyed.
For instance, a translator working on a medical research paper might need
to consult with medical professionals to understand the nuances of certain
treatments or terminology.

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 Such interdisciplinary collaboration not only enhances the quality
of the translation but also ensures that the context and intent of the original
text are preserved. This approach is crucial, especially in fields where
precision can significantly impact research outcomes or clinical practices.

Emerging Technologies in Technical Translation

In recent years, emerging technologies have greatly influenced the

field of technical translation. Tools such as Computer-Assisted Translation
(CAT) software and Machine Translation (MT) are becoming increasingly
prevalent. While these tools can streamline the translation process and
improve efficiency, they also require skilled translators who can review
and refine the output for accuracy.

Additionally, technical translators must stay updated on industry-

specific jargon and technological advancements to produce relevant and
effective translations. This ongoing learning process helps ensure that
technical documents are not only linguistically correct but also aligned
with the latest industry standards and practices.

4. Target audience they are aimed at

Both types of translations are aimed at a target audience with

different levels of specialization. From students, teachers, researchers
and communicators to audiences inexperienced in these matters but
interested in learning even if it is not for professional reasons.

The difference is set by the purpose of the text itself. Scientific

translations are theoretical texts that need to be read slowly and are aimed
at gaining knowledge.

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 Technical translation is aimed at communicating the application of
science as a means to obtaining a practical result that is immediate.

5. The role of the language used

Specialized translators in scientific and technical translation, know

how to adapt to the features and purpose of each text. They know the
appropriate terminology and the ideal register they must apply.

The language of a scientific translation is educated and academic,

just as it corresponds with the theoretical field. As for technical
translation, it is mostly practical and avoids circumlocutions ‫ اإلطالة‬in
order to be concise and make the text more accessible and therefore
facilitate its practical application.

II. Linguistic and Translational Tips:

There are some linguistic and translational tips that should be kept in
mind by both the scientific and technical translators.

Always keep the dictionary at hand

(1) Translation of Abbreviations

1. AD (Full Name: anno domini)

‫بعد الميالد‬

2. am (Full Name: ante meridiemi)

ّ ‫قبل‬
‫الظهر‬

3. CV (Full Name: curriculum vitae)

‫سيرة الذّاتيّة‬
ّ ‫ال‬

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4. et al. (Full Name: et alii)
‫وآخرون‬

5. etc. (Full Name: et cetera)

‫ وهكذا دواليك‬-‫إلى آخره‬

6. e.g. (Full Name: exempli gratia)

‫على سبيل المثال‬

7. ibid (Full Name: ibidem)

‫سابق نفسه‬
ّ ‫ال َم ْرجع ال‬
8. i.e. (Full Name: id est)
‫أي‬-‫ بمعنى‬-‫وهذا يعني‬

9. MA (Full Name: Magister Artium)

‫درجة الماجستير‬

10. N.B. (Full Name: nota bene (singular)/ notate bene (plural))
‫ملحوظة‬

11. PhD (Full Name: Philosophiae Doctor)

‫درجة الدكتوراة‬

12. pm (Full Name: post meridiem)

ّ ‫بعد‬
‫الظهر‬

13. vs. or v. (Full Name: versus)

‫ في مواجهة‬-‫ ضد‬-‫في مقابل‬

14. CBC (Full Name: Complete Blood Picture)

‫صورة كاملة للدّم‬

15. TSH (Full Name: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

‫تحليل الغدّة الدّرقيّة‬

16. DNA (Full Name: Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

‫الحمض النّووي‬
ِ

17. IQ (Full Name: Intelligence Quotient)

‫نسبة الذّكاء‬

18. GPS (Full Name: Global Positioning System)

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 )‫نظام تحديد المواقع (أو التموضع) العالمي‬

19. AIDS (Full Name: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

‫مرض انهيار جهاز المناعة ال ُمكتسبة‬

20. ATM (Full Name: Automated Teller Machine)

‫ي‬
ّ ‫صرف اآلل‬
ّ ‫ماكينة ال‬

21. ISBN (Full Name: International Standard Book Number)

‫رقم الكتاب المعياري الدّولي‬

22. Radar (Full Name: Radio Detection and Ranging)

‫كشف المدى وتحديده بالموجات الالسلكية‬

23. Laser (Full Name: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of

radiation)

‫تضخيم الضوء باالنبعاث المحفّز‬

24. tab (Full Name: taboo)

‫محظور‬

25. arch (Full Name: archaic)

‫ مهجور‬-‫مندثر‬

26. MBA (Full Name: Master of Business Administration)

‫ماجستير إدارة األعمال‬

27. WHO (Full Name: World Health Organization)

‫منظمة الص ّحة العالميّة خ‬

28. IMF (Full Name: International Monetary Fund)
‫صندوق النقد الدولي‬
29. WMD (Full Name: Weapon of Mass Destruction)
ّ ‫أسلحة الدمار ال‬
‫شامل‬
30. BBC (Full Name: British Broadcasting Corporation)
‫هيئة اإلذاعة البريطانيّة‬
31. ICJ (Full Name: International Court of Justice)
‫محكمة العدل الدولية‬
32. HHC (Full Name: Hill Hold Control)

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 ‫نظام الثبات على المنحدرات (هذا المختصر يستخدم في مجال السيارات)‬
‫)‪33. CC (Full Name: Cubic Centimeters‬‬
‫سعة اللتريّة (هذا المختصر يستخدم في مجال السيارات)‬
‫ال ّ‬
‫)‪34. CVT (Full Name: Continuously Variable Transmission‬‬
‫فتيس – ناقل حركة أوتوماتيكي (هذا المختصر يستخدم في مجال السيارات)‬
‫)‪35. TPMS (Full Name: Tire Pressure Monitoring System‬‬
‫نظام مراقبة ضغط اإلطارات (هذا المختصر يستخدم في مجال السيارات)‬
‫)‪36. HCG (Full Name: Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin‬‬
‫اختبار الحمل (هذا المختصر يستخدم في مجال الترجمة الطبية)‬

‫‪:‬تءجدةخالكلدااخالدزيج )‪(Translation of Blends‬خ‪2.‬‬

‫(من كتاب قواعد الترجمة العلميّة وال ِت ّقنيًّة لألستاذ الدكتور خالد توفيق)‬
‫)‪smog (smoke + fog‬‬ ‫مزيج من الضباب والدخان‬
‫مدمن عمل )‪workaholic (work+ alcoholic‬‬
‫جامعتا أكسفورد وكمبريدج )‪Oxbridge (Oxford + Cambridge‬‬
‫المصور )‪Pictionary (picture + dictionary‬‬
‫ًّ‬ ‫القاموس‬
‫جازوهول (وقود يتركب من ‪ %90‬جازولين نقي خا ٍل )‪gasohol (gasoline + alcohol‬‬
‫من الرصاص و‪ %10‬كحول)‬

‫صءفيَّةخ )‪3. (Translation of Prefixes‬‬

‫‪:‬تءجدةخالسوابقخال َّ‬
‫(من كتاب قواعد الترجمة العلميّة وال ِت ّقنيًّة لألستاذ الدكتور خالد توفيق)‬
‫‪auto-‬‬ ‫ي‬
‫طيّار آلي ‪ autopilot‬آلي‪-‬ذات ّ‬
‫سوء التغذية ‪ malnutrition‬سوء‪ -‬نقص ‪mal-‬‬
‫علم األحياء المجهري ‪ microbiology‬صغير‪ِ -‬مجْ َهري ‪micr(o)-‬‬
‫ملفوظ باستخدام الشفتين ‪ bilabial‬ثنائي ‪bi-‬‬
‫جبهة ‪ forehead‬أمامي ‪fore-‬‬
‫األشعة تحت الحمراء ‪ infrared‬تحت ‪infra-‬‬
‫مبيد للبكتيريا ‪ bactericide‬بكتيريا ‪bacteri-‬‬

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ped- ‫ طفل‬pediatrician ‫طبيب أطفال‬

4. (Translation of Suffixes) ‫صءفيَّةخ‬

َّ ‫تءجدةخاللواحقخال‬:
-itis ‫ التهاب‬arthritis ‫التهاب المفاصل‬
-ectomy ‫ استئصال‬appendectomy ‫استئصال الزائدة الدُّو ِديَّة‬
-emesis ‫ تقيُّؤ‬hyperemesis ‫فرط التقيؤ‬
ّ ‫تضخم‬
-megaly ‫ تض ُّخم‬splenomegaly ‫الطحال‬
-philia ‫ حب‬pedophilia ‫التحرش باألطفال‬
ُّ
-ology ‫ تخصص‬-‫ علم‬meteorology ‫علم األرصاد الجوية‬
-therapy ‫ عالج‬physiotherapy ‫العالج الطبيعي‬
-cs ‫تخصص‬-‫ علم‬optics ‫علم البصريات‬

5. Translation of Nouns that include the suffix “-ache” :

There are some nouns that end with the suffix “-ach” in order to refer
the pain felt in the organ referred to in the noun. Examples are as follows:

headache ‫ ألم الرأس‬-‫صداع‬

ّ ‫ال‬

stomachache ‫ألم المعدة‬

toothache ‫ألم األسنان‬
backache ّ ‫ألم‬
‫الظهر‬
earache ‫ألم األُذن‬

6. Translation of Adjectives (i.e. colors) ending with the suffix “-ish” :

blackish ّ ‫مائ ٌل (ضاربٌ ) إلى ال‬
‫سواد‬
bluish ُّ ‫مائ ٌل (ضاربٌ ) إلى‬
‫الزرقة‬
brownish ّ ‫مائ ٌل (ضاربٌ ) إلى اللون البن‬
‫ي‬
greenish ‫مائ ٌل (ضاربٌ ) إلى ال ُخضرة‬

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Greyish ّ ‫مائ ٌل (ضاربٌ ) إلى اللون‬
‫الرمادي‬
reddish ‫مائ ٌل (ضاربٌ ) إلى ال ُحمرة‬
whitish ‫مائ ٌل (ضاربٌ ) إلى البياض‬
yellowish ّ ‫مائ ٌل (ضاربٌ ) إلى ال‬
‫صفرة‬

7. Translation of Words ending with the suffix “-borne” :

The following words are used in medical contexts ‫(للتعبير عن كيفيةةةة انتقةةةال‬
)‫العدوى‬:
food-borne ّ ‫منقول عن طريق‬
‫الطعام‬
water-borne ‫منقول عن طريق الماء‬
blood-borne ‫منقول عن طريق الدّم‬
air-borne ‫منقول عن طريق الهواء‬
rodent-borne ‫منقول عن طريق القوارض‬
droplet-borne ‫الرذاذ‬
ّ ‫منقول عن طريق‬
mosquito-borne ‫منقول عن طريق ال َبعوض‬

8. Common Translation for Terms:

Scientific and technical translators should avoid uncommon
translations for terms and use the common one.

bowleg ّ ‫فَ َحج الساقين؛‬

‫تقوس الساقين إلى الخارج تحت الركبة‬

earwax (‫)شمع األذن‬ ‫ِصمالخ األذن‬

nosebleed ‫نزيف األنف‬ ُّ ‫ا‬

‫لرعاف‬
crowding ‫الرصص تداخل األسنان‬
ّ

9. Noun Plurals:
analysis analyses ‫تحليل‬
thesis theses ‫أُطروحة‬

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 crisis crises ‫أزمة‬
focus foci ‫بؤرة‬
appendix appendices ‫ُملحق‬
nucleus nuclei ‫نواة‬

Exercises
I. Choose the correct translation from (a), (b), (c), and (d):
1. Biden promised to restore political calm and confront health and economic
crises.
(a) ‫غالء األسعار‬ (b) ‫األزمات االقتصادية‬
(c) ‫القالقل السياسية‬ (d) ‫الكساد االقتصادي‬

2. "Herd immunity" is the indirect protection from an infectious disease.

(a) ‫العدوى المبكرة‬ (b) ‫التطعيم اإلجباري‬
(c) ‫المناعة المبكرة‬ (d) ‫مناعة القطيع‬

3. Raya Al-Hassan obtained an MBA in finance from George Washington

University in 1990.
(a) ‫درجة الدكتوراه‬ (b) ‫ليسانس اآلداب‬
(c) ‫ماجستير إدارة األعمال‬ (d) ‫الثانوية العامة‬

4. Political analysts say that most American Muslims and Black Americans voted
for Biden.
(a) ‫المحللون السياسيون‬ (b) ‫أهل السياسة‬
(c) ‫كبار المسئولين‬ (d) ‫رجال السياسة‬

5. Lebanon appoints the first female Interior Minister in the Arab Word.
(a) ‫وزير داخلية‬ (b) ‫وزير العدل‬
(c) ‫رئيس الوزراء‬ (d) ‫وزير الصحة‬

6. ISBN is ................... .
(a) ‫منظمة العفو‬ (b) ‫رقم الكتاب المعياري الدولي‬
(c) ‫هيئة األغذية والزراعة‬ (d) ‫منظمة العمل الدولية‬

7. IMF is ........................ .
(a) ‫البنك الدولي‬ (b) ‫االتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم‬
(c) ‫صندوق النقد الدولي‬ (d) ‫الهيئة البرلمانية‬

8. WMD is ...................... .
(a) ‫أسلحة الدمار الشامل‬ (b) ‫منظمة األغذية والزراعة‬

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‫رابطة العالم اإلسالمي )‪(c‬‬ ‫التوقيت المحلي للقاهرة )‪(d‬‬
‫‪9. TSH is ........................ .‬‬
‫الحمض النووي )‪(a‬‬ ‫مرض انهيار جهاز المناعة ال ُمكتسبة )‪(b‬‬

‫نسبة الذّكاء )‪(c‬‬ ‫تحليل الغدة الدرقية )‪(d‬‬

‫‪10. Trump got support because he addressed Americans' fears about terrorism,‬‬
‫‪immigrants and taxes.‬‬
‫اإلرهاب )‪(a‬‬ ‫السياحة )‪(b‬‬
‫الصناعة )‪(c‬‬ ‫السياسة )‪(d‬‬
‫‪11. The Saudi Crown Prince emphasized the importance of exchanging visits‬‬
‫‪between investors of both countries.‬‬
‫رجال األعمال )‪(a‬‬ ‫رجال السياسة )‪(b‬‬
‫رجال الصناعة )‪(c‬‬ ‫المستثمرين )‪(d‬‬
‫?‪12. Will Russian-Turkish relations deteriorate further‬‬
‫تتقدم )‪(a‬‬ ‫تتدهور )‪(b‬‬
‫تتطور )‪(c‬‬ ‫تنمو )‪(d‬‬

‫‪13. Vaccination saves millions of people every year.‬‬

‫نقل األعضاء )‪(a‬‬ ‫البنج )‪(b‬‬
‫التطعيم )‪(c‬‬ ‫الحقن المجهري )‪(d‬‬

‫‪14. The WHO declares the end of Corona in many countries.‬‬

‫منظمة العفو )‪(a‬‬ ‫منظمة الصحة الدولية )‪(b‬‬
‫هيئة األغذية والزراعة )‪(c‬‬ ‫منظمة العمل الدولية )‪(d‬‬
‫‪15. WHO is ................... .‬‬
‫منظمة العفو )‪(a‬‬ ‫منظمة الصحة الدولية )‪(b‬‬
‫هيئة األغذية والزراعة )‪(c‬‬ ‫منظمة العمل الدولية )‪(d‬‬

‫‪16. IMF is ........................ .‬‬

‫البنك الدولي )‪(a‬‬ ‫االتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم )‪(b‬‬
‫صندوق النقد الدولي )‪(c‬‬ ‫الهيئة البرلمانية )‪(d‬‬
‫‪17. WMD is ...................... .‬‬

‫أسلحة الدمار الشامل )‪(a‬‬ ‫منظمة األغذية والزراعة )‪(b‬‬

‫رابطة العالم اإلسالمي )‪(c‬‬ ‫التوقيت المحلي للقاهرة )‪(d‬‬

‫‪18. TSH is ........................ .‬‬

‫الحمض النووي )‪(a‬‬ ‫مرض انهيار جهاز المناعة ال ُمكتسبة )‪(b‬‬

‫‪11‬‬

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(c) ‫نسبة الذّكاء‬ (d) ‫تحليل الغدة الدرقية‬

II. Write the Full Name of the following acronyms: (3 X 3 = 9 Marks)

ATM tab WHO

III. Translate the following acronyms into Arabic: (14 Marks)

ATM CBC ICJ WMD IQ

IV. Translate the following blends into Arabic:

smog (...................) gasohol (....................) Pictionary (....................)

Oxbridge (....................) workaholic (....................)

V. Translate the following Prefixes and their examples into Arabic:

infra- (................) infrared (....................)
mal- (....................) malnutrition (....................)
bacteri- (....................) bactericide (....................)
micr(o)- (....................)microbiology (....................)
bi- (....................) bilabial (....................)
auto- (....................) autopilot (....................)
fore- (....................) forehead (....................)
ped- (....................) pediatrician (....................)
prefixes (......................)

VI. Translate the following Suffixes and their examples into Arabic:

-megaly (...........................) splenomegaly (...........................)

-therapy (...........................) physiotherapy (...........................)

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-itis (...........................) arthritis (...........................)
-cs (...........................) optics (...........................)
-ology (...........................) meteorology (...........................)
-emesis (...........................) hyperemesis (...........................)
-ectomy (...........................) appendectomy (...........................)
-philia (...........................) pedophilia (...........................)
Suffixes (...........................)

References
Technical Translation vs. Scientific Translation

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