PRINCIPLES AND CHALLENGES IN TRANSLATING IT TEXTS AND TERMINOLOGY

Abstract

 This article examines the main principles and challenges involved in translating information technology (IT) texts from English into other languages. It highlights the distinction between equivalence and adequacy in translation, and identifies key issues such as the lack of established target-language equivalents for new technical terms, the handling of abbreviations and acronyms, polysemy (multiple meanings) of IT terminology, and the need for consistency and standardization of terms. The analysis draws on examples from English-Uzbek and English–Russian translation to illustrate challenges in achieving functional equivalence. The findings show that translators must balance literal accuracy with necessary adaptation, using a mix of strategies – borrowing, calque, coinage, explicative translation – to convey meaning effectively. It is emphasized that maintaining clarity, accuracy, and functional equivalence often requires adherence to certain guidelines and the use of tools like glossaries and translation memory. Ultimately, the translator’s subject matter knowledge and careful strategy selection are crucial for overcoming the challenges and producing a high-quality technical translation.