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18. "Technical terms pose few translation problems"-- a widely-held myth

True, scientific terms in fields like botany, zoology, etc. is both rigorous and international -- when properly used. And an illustrated parts list in, say, a tank maintenance manual, will normally be straightforward to translate.

Yet specialists writing on technological subjects in their own language are just as prone to errors, overuse of synonyms and awkward changes of register as any other type of writer.

Technical translators must be on their toes to ensure that their output reads at least as well as the original, and sometimes better -- this is hardly surprising, since it benefits from the skills and thinking of a second specialist.

To be certain of proper translation of your specific technical material, use in-house subject matter specialists to provide vocabulary and background materials up front to the translator.