Translation

Translation software is a valuable tool for efficient and professional translation work: as well as offering a significant gain in efficiency, another major benefit of computer-aided translation is the consistent use of specialist terminology at all times.

We work with one of the most advanced computer-aided translation applications. Each text we translate is split into sentence-based units by the application, and the original text and the translation are stored together in a database called a translation memory. As the application automatically recognises any segments of text which have already been translated from the translation memory, it helps make sure our translations are consistent with previous projects and terminology recognition features ensure that we use approved terminology consistently. When we receive an updated version of a text that we have already translated there is no need for our clients to mark every section that has been updated. Instead, the software automatically inserts the existing translation and shows us what still needs to be translated, saving everyone time and ensuring accuracy.

Please note that computer-aided translation as used by the Language Service is not the same as machine translation. In computer-aided translation, professional translators use software to edit a text in an environment that is designed to facilitate translation. If parts of a text have already been translated by the translator, they are inserted automatically by the application, checked by the translator and edited if necessary. Machine translation is produced entirely by an application or free online translation services without any human correction, using vast databases of generalised texts of varying quality that are usually harvested from internet sources.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information on how we work.

As well as providing translations, the Language Service is also responsible for English terminology management on behalf of the University Administration.

Terminology management tasks involve recording, managing and standardising specialist terms. Our aim is to make English documents at FAU understandable and unambiguous, helping to ensure that the language used to present FAU to an English-speaking audience is professional and consistent.

Ideally, terminology work should start in the source language before translation is even started, in other words it is just as important to standardise terminology in German at the University. This means for example that authors should use one term consistently for one concept, avoiding synonyms and ambiguity. This is not about whether a chosen word is right or wrong; the purpose of this work is to ensure a systematic approach, clarity and consistency. The next step is to define a suitable term in the target language. Once again, our aim is to translate central terms the same way (consistently) in each instance.

Using terms consistently helps our international students and our international members of staff who are not yet familiar with the ins and outs of the German university system to recognise and understand individual terms. It can be misleading, for example, if the names for types of modules or examinations are not used consistently. Ideally, frequently used terms such as those used to refer to types of modules ought to be used consistently across all faculties and degree programmes.

In order to ensure that this is the case, we work with a central database for recording and managing terminology.

Ongoing/recurrent projects (selection)

• Translations for the FAU website fau.eu
• Translating press releases
• Translating and updating print publications such as frisch!, At a glance or Facts and figures
• Translating the research magazine friedrich
• Translating selected articles for the magazine alexander
• Supporting the appointment procedure by translating calls for applications and written communications
• Translating and updating English versions of examination regulations
• Translating texts for diploma supplements for all degree programmes, specifically point 4.2 Programme Requirements/Qualification Profile of the Graduate
• Translating new module titles each semester
• Translating the FauSt student survey each year
• Translating websites for FAU faculties and institutions

Completed projects (selection)

• Translating image brochures for various institutions and faculties
• Translating the mein studium website for the Institute in Learning Innovation
• Website localisation for the Application Portal
• Translating occupational safety documentation
• Translating standardised texts for certificates and final academic records.