Glossary entry (derived from question below)
English term or phrase:
N.O.S.
Malay translation:
NOS (Not Otherwise Specified/Nitrous Oxide Systems)
English term
Malaysia
On point, on time - every time!
Native in: Malay (Variant: Malaysian) 
Works in: English to Malay, Malay to English
N.O.S.
Question: When translating MSDS, should these acronyms be:
a) translated
b) left as is (but include the translated text in brackets)
c) not translated at all
Also does N.O.S. accurately translate to "tidak dinyatakan" in Malay?
Thank you.
| 4 +2 | NOS (Not Otherwise Specified/Nitrous Oxide Systems) |
yam2u
|
Nov 6, 2017 03:08: yam2u Created KOG entry
Nov 7, 2017 10:18: Nasima Sarwar changed "Level" from "Non-PRO" to "PRO"
PRO (3): yam2u, Muhammad Razin Ong Abdullah, Nasima Sarwar
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Proposed translations
NOS (Not Otherwise Specified/Nitrous Oxide Systems)
NOS in MSDS can also refer to Nitrous Oxide Systems. This acronym refers to manufacturer(s) of nitrous systems for high-performance automobiles.
Context should determine which is the correct translation. However please note that a professional translator's rule of thumb is: When in doubt, revert to the client for clarification and avoid hazarding a guess. Accuracy is crucial when translating, esp if a mistranslation cld lead to serious/legal repercussions.
When translating acronyms:
1. Terms should be translated. Look for them in DBP relevant glossaries. Those not specifically given can usually be translated/localised using MABBIM conventions for spelling of borrowed STEM's terms. When written as acronym (e.g. PAO here), then put the translation in parenthesis at the first mention if you wish to use the acronym in subsequent mentions in the document. Otherwise, use the translation throughout.
2. Acronyms for (foreign) government authorities, Acts & government standards should be left as is with their translations in parenthesis at the first mention.
3. In your list:
- apply rule #1 to NAO, PAO
- apply rule #2 to MSDS, NOS
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Note added at 2 hrs (2017-11-04 14:23:31 GMT)
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P.S. If NOS here turns out to be Not Otherwise Specified, then the translation is: Tidak Dinyatakan Sebaliknya.
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Note added at 2 hrs (2017-11-04 14:30:07 GMT)
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I think this is a question that should rightly be directed to PRO level, not Non-PRO. I hope you will change its status level accordingly.
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Note added at 1 day3 hrs (2017-11-05 16:03:41 GMT)
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Caveat: This is just my own practice. Other professionals may do it differently.
1. If an acronym is often used/understood in a Target Language, e.g. FAQ, then I'd use it. This is even more relevant when translating for audience in very specific field, such as MSDS. [But if you want to use TDS - no reason why not - put what it is in parenthesis at first mention.]
2. If a dept/div name of a foreign company is part of an address, I don't translate. If in body text, I use my own discretion. If there is space, I translate but put Source name in parenthesis at first mention. Otherwise I leave it as is. [re U.S. Coast Guard Compatibility Group 32, if I were to translate it, I'd leave USCG as is. It is a branch of the US armed forces and is a proper noun.]
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Note added at 1 day3 hrs (2017-11-05 16:18:03 GMT)
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To your question: "So the question is do we translate for the sake of having it written in Malay although it might risk confusion with readers?"
My rule of thumb is: inherent in the idea of translating as accurately as possible is communicating a message as clearly as possible, so I always try to keep confusion out of the equation. Usually, I try to put myself in the position of the audience reading my translation...
| Hi yam2u, Thank you for taking the time to answer my question in detail. I had already been referencing PRPM website for the Malay translations of most of the technical terms. But what I am struggling with is understanding which terms to translate and which ones to leave as-is, especially acronyms, because the English acronyms are readily understood by the Malay audience. Throwing in a new Malay acronym might confuse the readers. Eg N.O.S. for not otherwise specified vs T.D.S for tidak dinyatakan sebaliknya. So the question is do we translate for the sake of having it written in Malay although it might risk confusion with readers? Another example is division or dept names of companies. For example Mining Chemicals Division... should I leave it be? One other good example is U.S. Coast Guard Compatibility Group 32. Should I translate? If yes, then I would probably translate to Kumpulan Keserasian 32 Pesisir A.S. Yes - you are right... my question should have been directed to PRO level. I did try to edit it but it doesn't appear that I can change the level. |
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