Scientific and Technical Register in Translation

Study Notes

Scientific and technical (ST) register has been extensively treated as a specific feature of Languages for Special Purposes (LSP).
Traditionally, ST register descriptions have focused on lexical-terminological and syntactic levels, usually not extending beyond the sentence level.
ST register is closely linked to the function of ST texts.
ST register reflects varying author-reader relationships and conventions.
Contrasting descriptions of ST register discourse phenomena are crucial for understanding and addressing translation problems.

There is confusion in defining register in general.
Ulijn's definition of register emphasizes its adaptability to ST texts.
ST register involves a verbal repertory chosen by the speaker or writer to suit the specific communication situation.
ST register aims to convey technical and scientific information with clarity and precision.

Most ST register research has focused on systems- or langue-oriented approaches, analyzing lexical features like term frequency, distribution, and formation patterns.
Syntactic analysis has identified the more frequent use of function words, participles, infinitives, and the present tense in ST texts.
ST texts typically have longer sentences, more frequent nominalizations, and a higher prevalence of the passive voice.
Systematic comparative studies on the discourse level are scarce due to a lack of linguistic criteria for description.
Comparative studies are essential for translation, as they reveal cross-cultural differences in ST texts.
ST register analysis should encompass parole phenomena, which are essential for translation.
Identifying and describing discourse phenomena in ST register, particularly Information Dynamics and Information Packaging, is crucial for understanding differing author-reader conventions.

English ST texts are often considered easier to read than their German counterparts, potentially due to their less theoretical and abstract nature.
The differences in author-reader relationships and conventions can pose challenges for translation.
Examples from Samuelson & Nordhaus, Economics, highlight potential translation problems arising from different information packaging approaches.
This study focuses on English ST register in economics and explores possible German equivalents.

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