Online Search for Translators

Translators should use the Web as a lexical resource

In the ever-evolving landscape of language, translators are tasked with not only rendering text from one tongue to another but also with ensuring that the terminology they employ is current, accurate, and appropriate for the subject matter.

The Internet, with its vast repository of information, has become an indispensable tool for translators in their quest for terminological precision. However, the abundance of resources can be as overwhelming as it is helpful. This article offers strategies for effective Internet research of terminology across various topics to aid translators in harnessing the full potential of the Web as a lexical resource.

Understanding the Subject Matter:

Before diving into research, it is crucial for translators to have a solid grasp of the topic they are working on. A translator who is well-versed in the subject matter can discern credible sources from unreliable ones and is better equipped to understand context-specific nuances of terminology.

Start with Broad Research:

- Utilize encyclopedic websites like Wikipedia to get a general overview.
- Watch educational videos on platforms like YouTube or TED to familiarize yourself with the subject.

Narrow Down to Specialized Databases:

- Access online libraries, academic databases like JSTOR, and e-books for in-depth knowledge.
- Use professional networks such as LinkedIn to connect with experts in the field or post.

Terminology-Specific Research Methods

Once the general context is set, translators need to delve into the specifics of terminology. Here are some methods to ensure the accuracy and relevance of terms:

Terminology Databases:

- Make use of established terminology databases like IATE (the European Union's terminology database), or UNTERM (the United Nations terminology database).
- Check WIPO Pearl, it is the Multilingual Terminology Portal of World Intellectual Property Organization.
- You can use TERMIUM Plus®, it is an electronic linguistic and terminological database operated and maintained by the Translation Bureau of Public Services and Procurement Canada.
- There are special databases for medical translation: EDQM, MedDRA, IATE, CIOMS, and others.

Online Forums and Discussion Groups:

- Join Kudoz Help Network at ProZ.com or forums at TranslatorsCafé where peers discuss and solve terminological queries.
- Participate in discussions to gain insights from other professionals' experiences.

Utilize Search Engines Strategically:

- Conduct targeted searches using specific keywords and phrases.
- Employ advanced search techniques like using quotation marks for exact phrases or the minus sign to exclude certain terms.
- Try AI-search with ChatGPT.

Check Corporate and Governmental Websites:

- When dealing with terminology related to certain products, services, or regulations, refer to official company or government websites.
- Look into industry-specific glossaries, which can often be found on professional association websites.
- Review press releases, white papers, and official documentation where specific terminology is likely to be used.

Cross-Checking and Verification

To avoid the propagation of errors, cross-checking is an essential step in terminological research:

Cross-reference Terms:

- Verify terms across multiple reputable sources.
- Check for consistency of usage in different texts and contexts.

Use Online Dictionaries and Thesauri:

- Refer to well-known online dictionaries like Oxford, Merriam-Webster, or Collins for definitions and synonyms.
- Consider bilingual or multilingual dictionaries for direct term comparisons.

Validate with Language Corpora:

- Utilize corpora such as the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) to see how terms are used in real-life contexts.
- Analyse language patterns and frequency of term usage.

Translators must stay abreast of changes and new developments in terminology

Staying Updated

The dynamism of language necessitates ongoing learning and adaptation. Translators must stay abreast of changes and new developments in terminology:

Follow Industry News:

- Subscribe to newsletters and podcasts related to your fields of specialisation.
- Attend webinars and online workshops.

Maintain a Personal Knowledge base:

- Keep a personal and regularly updated database of terms and materials encountered during research.
- Use software tools designed for terminological management, like Multiterm.
- Build your knowledge base with a special tool, I recommend Obsidian.

Internet research of terminology

This is a multi-faceted task that requires translators to be methodical, critical, and resourceful. By understanding the subject matter, utilizing a variety of research methods, cross-checking information, and staying updated on linguistic developments, translators can enhance the quality of their work and contribute to the fidelity of interlingual communication. As they navigate the digital lexicon, the strategies outlined in this article can serve as a compass, guiding translators to linguistic precision and excellence.

Well to know that each language and each field of expertise has its own tricks in terminology research. I know how to discover each term and choose the meaning adequate to the topic, auditorium, and style.

I will share my expertise with fellow translators in my online courses