Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika –
Зарубежная лингвистика и
лингводидактика – Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The specific features of technical translation in
construction and engineering
Usmonkhon NISHONOV
1
Fergana State Technical University
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received November 2024
Received in revised form
10 December 2024
Accepted 25 December 2024
Available online
25 January 2025
Technical translation in construction and engineering is a
crucial aspect of international cooperation, ensuring effective
communication between specialists from different linguistic
backgrounds. The accuracy and consistency of translated
technical documents are essential for the successful execution
of engineering projects, compliance with international
standards, and the prevention of critical misunderstandings.
This study explores the specific features of technical translation
in construction and engineering, highlighting key challenges
such as terminological consistency, linguistic complexity, and
contextual adaptation. The research employs descriptive,
linguistic, and comparative analysis methods to examine
translation processes and propose effective strategies for
overcoming common difficulties. The findings suggest that
technical translation requires specialized knowledge, adherence
to standardized terminology, and the use of appropriate
translation techniques, such as transliteration, adaptation, and
semantic equivalence. The study also emphasizes the role of
modern translation tools and artificial intelligence in enhancing
the efficiency and accuracy of technical translations.
2181-3701/© 2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol3-iss1
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
technical translation,
construction terminology,
engineering translation,
linguistic challenges,
translation strategies,
international standards,
artificial intelligence in
translation.
1
Head, Department of Uzbek Language and Language Teaching, Fergana State Technical University. Fergana,
Uzbekistan. E-mail: u.nishonov@ferpi.uz
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
264
Qurilish va muhandislik sohasidagi texnik tarjimaning
o‘ziga xosligi
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar:
texnik tarjima,
qurilish terminologiyasi,
muhandislik tarjimasi,
lingvistik muammolar,
tarjima strategiyalari,
xalqaro standartlar,
sun’iy intellekt va tarjima.
Qurilish va muhandislik sohasidagi texnik tarjima xalqaro
hamkorlikning muhim tarkibiy qismi bo‘lib, turli tillarda
so‘zlashuvchi mutaxassislar o‘rtasida samarali muloqotni
ta’minlaydi.
Texnik
hujjatlarning
aniqligi
va
izchilligi muhandislik loyihalarining muvaffaqiyatli amalga
oshirilishi, xalqaro standartlarga muvofiqlik va muhim
tushunmovchiliklarning oldini olish uchun zarurdir. Ushbu
tadqiqot qurilish va muhandislik sohasidagi texnik tarjimaning
o‘ziga xos xususiyatlarini o‘rganadi, terminologik izchillik,
lingvistik murakkablik va kontekstual moslashuv kabi asosiy
muammolarni yoritib beradi. Tadqiqotda tavsifiy, lingvistik va
komparativ tahlil usullari qo‘llanilib, tarjima jarayonlari
o‘rganiladi va umumiy qiyinchiliklarni bartaraf etish bo‘yicha
samarali
strategiyalar
taklif
etiladi.
Natijalar
shuni
ko‘rsatadiki, texnik tarjima maxsus bilim, standartlashtirilgan
terminologiyaga rioya qilish va mos tarjima usullaridan,
masalan,
transliteratsiya,
moslashtirish
va
semantik
ekvivalentlikdan
foydalanishni
talab
qiladi.
Tadqiqot,
shuningdek, zamonaviy tarjima vositalari va sun’iy intellektning
texnik tarjima sifatini oshirishdagi rolini ta’kidlaydi.
Уникальность технического перевода в сфере
строительства и инжиниринга
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
технический перевод,
строительная
терминология,
инженерный перевод,
лингвистические
проблемы,
переводческие стратегии,
международные
стандарты,
искусственный интеллект
в переводе.
Технический перевод в области строительства и
инженерии
является
важной
составляющей
международного
сотрудничества,
обеспечивающей
эффективное взаимодействие между специалистами,
говорящими
на
разных
языках.
Точность
и
последовательность перевода технической документации
необходимы для успешной реализации инженерных
проектов, соответствия международным стандартам и
предотвращения критических недоразумений. Данное
исследование рассматривает особенности технического
перевода в строительной и инженерной сферах, выявляя
основные проблемы, такие как терминологическая
согласованность, языковая сложность и контекстная
адаптация. В исследовании применяются описательный,
лингвистический и сравнительный методы анализа,
изучаются
процессы
перевода
и
предлагаются
эффективные
стратегии
для
устранения
распространённых трудностей. Результаты показывают,
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
265
что технический перевод требует специализированных
знаний, соблюдения стандартизированной терминологии
и применения соответствующих переводческих техник,
таких как транслитерация, адаптация и семантическая
эквивалентность. Исследование также подчёркивает роль
современных
переводческих
инструментов
и
искусственного интеллекта в повышении качества
технического перевода.
INTRODUCTION
Technical translation plays a crucial role in the construction and engineering
sectors, where precision, accuracy, and adherence to industry-specific terminology are
essential. In a rapidly globalizing world, international cooperation in construction and
engineering projects necessitates effective communication between specialists from
different linguistic backgrounds. Accurate translation of technical documentation,
including engineering specifications, construction manuals, and regulatory standards, is
essential to ensure compliance with international norms and prevent critical
misunderstandings [1, 2].
The increasing complexity of construction projects, the emergence of new
materials and technologies, and the integration of digital tools into engineering design
and execution further highlight the need for high-quality technical translations.
Translation errors can lead to significant consequences, including structural failures,
financial losses, and legal disputes [3]. Therefore, technical translators working in the
construction and engineering fields must possess not only linguistic proficiency but also
specialized knowledge of engineering and architectural terminology.
This study aims to analyze the specific features of technical translation in
construction and engineering, identifying challenges in translating industry-specific
terminology and discussing strategies to improve translation accuracy. The main
objectives of this study include:
Examining the process of translating technical terminology in construction and
engineering.
Analyzing linguistic and contextual challenges encountered in technical translation.
Proposing practical translation strategies based on real-world examples.
To achieve these objectives, the study employs descriptive, linguistic, and
comparative analysis methods. By examining construction-related documents, standard
regulations, and translated texts, this research provides insights into the complexities of
technical translation in this field and suggests methods to improve translation quality.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The study of technical translation in construction and engineering has received
increasing attention in translation studies and applied linguistics. Several researchers have
examined the challenges of translating technical terminology, the role of standardization,
and the impact of cultural and linguistic differences in the translation process.
Technical translation differs from general translation due to its emphasis on
precision, consistency, and domain-specific terminology. Unlike literary translation,
where creativity and flexibility are valued, technical translation requires strict adherence
to established terminologies and a clear, objective style [4]. In construction and
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
266
engineering, translated documents must maintain the exact meaning of the original text
while ensuring that terms align with internationally recognized standards, such as those
provided by ISO, ASTM, and Eurocode [5].
One of the major challenges in technical translation is the presence of polysemy
and synonymy in technical terms. Some terms may have multiple meanings depending on
the context, which can lead to confusion or incorrect translations [6]. For instance, the
English term
beam
may refer to a load-bearing structural element in construction or a
directional light source in physics. Without proper contextual knowledge, a translator
may misinterpret such terms, leading to potential engineering errors.
Another challenge is the lack of direct equivalents in the target language. Some
technical terms may not have a one-to-one correspondence in different languages,
requiring the translator to use transliteration, adaptation, or descriptive translation [7].
Additionally, the grammatical and syntactic structure of technical texts in different
languages can vary significantly. For example, English technical texts often use passive
voice, while Uzbek and Russian technical texts tend to prefer active structures, which can
create difficulties in maintaining natural readability and coherence [8].
To address these challenges, standardization plays a crucial role in technical
translation. The use of international glossaries and standardized terminology databases
helps maintain consistency and accuracy across translated documents [9]. Organizations
such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) have developed guidelines for technical
documentation in construction and engineering, which serve as reference materials for
translators [10].
Recent advancements in machine translation and artificial intelligence (AI) have
introduced new tools for technical translation. Neural machine translation (NMT)
systems, such as Google Translate, DeepL, and AI-assisted CAT (Computer-Assisted
Translation) tools, have improved the efficiency and accuracy of technical translations
[11]. However, AI-based translation still struggles with context-specific terminology and
requires human post-editing to ensure quality and correctness, especially in highly
technical fields like engineering [12-17].
Previous research highlights that technical translation in construction and
engineering is a complex process requiring a combination of linguistic expertise and
domain-specific knowledge. Key challenges include terminological consistency, syntactic
variations, and the need for standardization. While AI and machine translation tools offer
potential improvements, human expertise remains essential for ensuring accuracy. This
study builds on existing research by analyzing real-world examples of technical translation
in construction and proposing practical strategies for improving translation quality.
METHODS
This study employs a combination of descriptive analysis, comparative analysis,
and experimental methods to examine the specific features of technical translation in
construction and engineering. These methods allow for a systematic and comprehensive
evaluation of translation practices in this specialized field.
This study uses three main methods to analyze technical translation in
construction and engineering: descriptive analysis, comparative analysis, and
experimental method. These methods help understand the challenges in translating
technical terms and find effective solutions.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
267
Descriptive analysis is used to study technical texts in construction and
engineering. This helps identify common linguistic patterns, terminology structures, and
the accuracy of translations. By analyzing how technical terms are used in real
documents, this method provides insights into how translations can be improved.
Comparative analysis compares construction and engineering terms in English,
Uzbek, and Russian. This method helps find differences and similarities between
languages, identify translation difficulties, and determine how well terms match in
different languages.
The experimental method is used to evaluate the quality of technical translations.
Translated documents are analyzed to check their accuracy, consistency, and readability.
This helps determine the best strategies for improving translation quality in the
construction and engineering field.
The study is based on different sources, including international standards and
regulatory documents like ISO, Eurocode, and ASTM. These documents help ensure that
translated texts follow international rules and use the correct terminology. Another
important source is technical documentation from real construction projects, such as
engineering specifications, construction manuals, and design blueprints. These provide
practical examples of how technical terms are used. Additionally, technical dictionaries
and terminological databases are used to check and standardize translated terms.
By using these methods and sources, this study aims to improve the quality of
technical translation in construction and engineering. It helps identify common
challenges and offers solutions to make translations more accurate and reliable.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Main Characteristics of Technical Translation in Construction and
Engineering
Technical translation in the construction and engineering fields must meet high
standards of precision, clarity, and consistency. One of the primary characteristics of
technical texts is their informative and precise nature. Unlike general texts, construction-
related documents contain highly specialized terms that must be accurately conveyed
without ambiguity. Misinterpretations in technical translation can lead to critical errors,
such as structural failures or non-compliance with international standards.
Another key aspect is terminology standardization. In construction and
engineering, technical terms follow established guidelines set by international
organizations such as ISO, ASTM, and Eurocode. The table below provides a comparative
overview of commonly used construction terms in English, Uzbek, and Russian.
Table 1.
Construction Terminology Equivalents
English Term
Uzbek Equivalent
Russian Equivalent
Load-bearing wall
Yuk ko‘taruvchi devor
Несущая стена
Reinforced concrete
Temir-beton
Железобетон
Foundation
Asos/fundament
Фундамент
Beam
Nurlar
Балка
Column
Ustun
Колонна
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
268
Additionally, grammatical and syntactic structures in technical texts follow a highly
formalized and concise format. English technical documents often use passive voice, such
as
"The beam is supported by the column."
In contrast, Uzbek and Russian texts prefer
active structures. This difference necessitates careful adaptation during translation to
maintain both readability and technical precision.
Challenges in Translating Construction Terminology
Technical translation in construction and engineering encounters multiple
challenges, including synonymy and polysemy, the absence of equivalent terms, and the
development of construction terminology in Uzbek.
One of the most significant issues is polysemy and synonymy, where a single word
can have multiple meanings. For example, the English term
joint
can refer to a structural
connection or a mechanical linkage, requiring contextual awareness to select the
appropriate translation.
Another challenge is terminology gaps, where an exact equivalent for a technical
term does not exist in the target language. In such cases, translators rely on strategies
such as transliteration, calque (literal translation), or descriptive translation. For
example, the term
reinforced concrete
may be translated into Uzbek as
mustahkamlangan
beton
or
temir-beton
, depending on the context.
Furthermore, the development of Uzbek construction terminology remains an
ongoing process. Many technical terms in Uzbek are borrowed from Russian or English,
leading to inconsistencies in usage. Some translators use direct loanwords, while others
attempt to develop new Uzbek equivalents. Standardization efforts are crucial to
ensuring uniformity and accuracy in technical translations.
The following pie chart illustrates the distribution of translation challenges
encountered in construction terminology.
Figure 1. Distribution of Translation Challenges in Construction Terminology
Strategies for Technical Translation
Translating technical texts in the construction and engineering fields requires
specialized approaches to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency. Due to the
complexity of technical terminology and differences in language structures, translators
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
269
must apply appropriate strategies to maintain the integrity of the original meaning while
making the text understandable for the target audience. Some of the most effective
strategies in technical translation include lexical-semantic equivalence, transcription, and
pragmatic adaptation.
Lexical-Semantic Equivalence
One of the most important translation strategies is lexical-semantic equivalence,
which ensures that the translated term conveys the same functional meaning as the
original. Unlike word-for-word translation, which may lead to misunderstandings, this
method focuses on finding precise equivalents that correctly reflect the technical concept.
For example, the English term
load-bearing wall
cannot be translated word-for-
word into Uzbek or Russian without losing its technical meaning. Instead, a functionally
accurate equivalent, such as
yuk ko‘taruvchi devor
in Uzbek or
несущая стена
in Russian,
is used. This strategy is particularly important in construction and engineering, where
technical terms must be consistent with industry standards and professional usage.
Transcription
Another commonly used strategy in technical translation is transcription, which
involves phonetic adaptation or direct borrowing of foreign terms when no equivalent
exists in the target language. This method is particularly useful for modern construction
and engineering terms that have no established translation or are widely used in their
original form.
For instance, the English term
prefabricated structure
may not have an exact
equivalent in Uzbek. Instead of creating a completely new term, translators often
transliterate the word to maintain clarity. In Uzbek, this term is frequently adapted as
prefabrik tuzilma
, reflecting the original pronunciation while making it accessible to the
target audience. Similarly, in Russian, it may be transliterated as
префабрикованная
конструкция
.
Transcription is especially useful in cases where creating a new translated term
might lead to confusion or when a borrowed term is already widely understood in the
target language. This approach helps maintain uniformity across technical documents
and aligns with international industry standards.
Pragmatic Adaptation
Technical translation must also consider pragmatic adaptation, which involves
modifying sentence structures and terminology to improve readability while maintaining
technical accuracy. Different languages have distinct grammatical rules, and a direct
translation may not always produce a natural-sounding text.
For example, English technical writing frequently uses passive voice (e.g., "The
foundation is reinforced with steel bars"), whereas Uzbek and Russian technical texts
typically prefer active constructions. A direct translation of this sentence might sound
unnatural in Uzbek or Russian, so translators must restructure it to follow the
conventions of the target language while preserving the technical meaning. In Uzbek, this
could be rewritten as "Fundament po‘lat armatura bilan mustahkamlanadi," making it
more natural and understandable.
Pragmatic adaptation also applies to units of measurement, abbreviations, and
formatting styles, which often differ between languages. For example, English documents
commonly use imperial measurements (feet, inches), whereas Uzbek and Russian
technical texts use the metric system (meters, centimetres). Translators must ensure that
units are converted correctly to avoid technical errors.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
270
In summary, technical translation in construction and engineering requires a careful
balance between semantic accuracy, phonetic adaptation, and structural adjustments.
By applying lexical-semantic equivalence, transcription, and pragmatic adaptation,
translators can ensure that technical documents are both precise and easily understandable
for professionals in the field. These strategies help maintain consistency, prevent
misinterpretations, and align translated materials with international industry standards.
The table below outlines key translation strategies used in technical translation.
Table 2.
Technical Translation Strategies
Strategy
Description
Lexical-Semantic Equivalence Ensuring the translated term has the same functional meaning.
Transcription
Using phonetic or direct borrowing when no equivalent exists.
Pragmatic Adaptation
Adjusting sentence structure and terminology for readability.
By implementing these strategies, technical translators can enhance the accuracy,
consistency, and readability of construction-related texts. Ensuring a balance between
linguistic adaptation and technical precision is essential for effective translation in the
construction and engineering fields.
CONCLUSION
Technical translation in construction and engineering has specific lexical, syntactic,
and semantic characteristics that distinguish it from other types of translation. Due to the
highly specialized nature of construction terminology, translations must be accurate,
consistent, and clear to ensure that the original meaning is fully preserved. Any
misinterpretation or inaccuracy in translation can lead to serious consequences, such as
construction errors, legal issues, or safety risks.
One of the key aspects of technical translation is the standardization of
terminology. In the construction and engineering fields, various international standards,
such as ISO, Eurocode, and ASTM, regulate the use of technical terms. To maintain
consistency across multilingual documents, it is crucial to adhere to these standardized
terminologies. The lack of standardization can confuse professionals working on
international projects, making accurate and consistent terminology an essential factor in
technical translation.
A translator working in the field of construction and engineering must have not
only strong linguistic knowledge but also a deep understanding of engineering
terminology. Unlike general translation, technical translation requires familiarity with
industry-specific concepts, measurements, and materials. A translator with insufficient
technical knowledge may struggle to convey complex engineering terms accurately.
Therefore, continuous learning and collaboration with engineering specialists can help
translators improve the quality of their work.
In the future, artificial intelligence (AI) and automated translation systems are
expected to enhance the efficiency of technical translation. AI-powered translation tools
are already being developed to assist translators by providing machine-generated
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 1 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701
271
translations with post-editing capabilities. However, while AI can improve efficiency,
it cannot still fully understand complex technical contexts. Therefore, human expertise
will continue to play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of technical
translations.
In conclusion, technical translation in construction and engineering requires
precision, domain-specific knowledge, and adherence to standardized terminology.
As technology advances, the integration of AI in translation processes may further
improve efficiency, but human translators will remain essential for maintaining accuracy
and context in technical documents.
REFERENCES:
1.
Snell-Hornby, M. (2006). The Turns of Translation Studies: New Paradigms or
Shifting Viewpoints? John Benjamins Publishing.
2.
Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice Hall.
3.
Schäffner, C. (1998). Translation and Norms. Multilingual Matters.
4.
Vinay, J.P., & Darbelnet, J. (1995). Comparative Stylistics of French and English: A
Methodology for Translation. John Benjamins Publishing.
5.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 17100:2015 –
Translation Services – Requirements for Translation Services.
6.
Baker, M. (1992). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge.
7.
Gile, D. (2009). Basic Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator
Training. John Benjamins Publishing.
8.
House, J. (2015). Translation Quality Assessment: Past and Present. Routledge.
9.
Bowker, L., & Pearson, J. (2002). Working with Specialized Language: A Practical
Guide to Using Corpora. Routledge.
10.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM E2575-07 –
Standard Guide for Quality Assurance in Translation.
11.
Koehn, P. (2017). Neural Machine Translation. Cambridge University Press.
12.
Pym, A. (2010). Exploring Translation Theories. Routledge.
13.
Нишонов, У. И. (2019). Применение метода проектных работ на уроках
русского языка и литературы в нефилологических вузах. Вопросы науки и
образования, (18 (65)), 42-45.
14.
Нишонов, У. И. (2020). Особенности перевода технических текстов.
Вестник науки и образования, (14-2 (92)), 46-48.
15.
Ibragimovich, N. U. (2021). Translation hypothesis specifics and problems of
translation of scientific and technical multi component terms. ACADEMICIA: An
International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 11(4), 1359-1363.
16.
Нажмиддинова, М., & Нишонов, У. (2023, October). Стили и
грамматические особенности переводоведения. In Conference on Digital Innovation:"
Modern Problems and Solutions".
17.
Нишонов, У. (2023). Проблемы перевода научных текстов в современном
мире глобализации. In Fergana State University Conference (pp. 133-133).
