Eight key steps for translating scientific articles

Translating scientific articles is not just a matter of switching a text from one language to another. It involves understanding the academic context, respecting disciplinary conventions, and ensuring that the translated article is just as robust as the original.

If you are a researcher or part of a research group, read on to find out about the eight key steps for translating scientific articles with accuracy, clarity, and consistency—especially when publishing in English, regardless of your discipline.

1. Understanding the purpose and scope of scientific translation

The first step, and one of the most important, is to understand the purpose of the article and the context in which it will be used.

Preparing a manuscript for an international academic journal is not the same as working on a text for a different type of publication, with its own specific criteria, word count, and expectations. Similarly, the approach changes depending on whether the work is individual or developed collaboratively within a research group.

At this stage, very specific considerations come into play:

• The target journal and its editorial guidelines.

• The academic discipline and its own conventions.

• The context in which the article will be read and evaluated.

Clearly defining this framework from the outset ensures that the scientific translation has a clear direction and helps avoid unnecessary revisions later on.

2. Analysis of the text: terminology and style of the original article

Before translating any text, it is important to read the original text analytically. This step is what distinguishes a correct translation from one that is truly academic and ready for publication.

This analysis pays attention to:

• key concepts and specialised terminology.

• the discursive style of the article.

• the way the argument is constructed.

In any discipline, language shapes theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and conceptual nuances. That’s why rigorous scientific translation requires identifying how terms are used and how the academic discourse is developed, regardless of the field.

3. Documentation and specialised terminology research

Translating scientific texts requires thorough documentation and research. It’s not enough to know the target language; you also need to check and record how concepts are used in the academic literature of the relevant field.

During this phase, it is common to consult:

• articles published in international journals that specialise in the field of study.

• academic glossaries and specialist terminology databases.

• how terminology is actually used in the recent scientific literature.

This work allows for informed decisions about terminology and helps avoid literal translations that, while grammatically correct, do not sound natural in an academic context.

4. How to properly adapt scientific texts between languages

In practice, adapting a scientific article from Spanish to English involves:

• adjusting the syntax so that the text flows naturally.

• rephrasing structures that are appropriate in the source language but do not work the same way in the target language.

• respecting the stylistic conventions specific to the academic field of the article.

This work ensures that the article is read and understood as a well-written academic text in its new linguistic context.

5. Managing terminological consistency in translation

One of the most common mistakes when translating scientific articles is the use of inconsistent terminology, which can confuse readers and undermine the credibility of the article.

Several practical strategies can help maintain consistency throughout the text:

• Creating lists of key terms before embarking on the translation.

• Making decisions about terminology in consultation with the author or research team.

• Systematically reviewing the use of concepts throughout the article to ensure uniformity.

This approach not only improves the clarity and precision of the text, but also helps anticipate reviewers' queries and facilitates collaboration when multiple researchers are involved in writing the manuscript. Terminological consistency is not just a technical detail, but also a sign of academic rigour and professional diligence in presenting the work.

6. Final check for terminological consistency in translations

Terminological consistency is one of the aspects most valued by academic reviewers, yet it is also one of the most common mistakes in the absence of a professional translation process.

Because the same concept may appear in different contexts during the translation of scientific texts, it is necessary to ensure that the translation is appropriate and consistent in each case. It is therefore essential to:

• translate each term consistently, making subtle contextual adjustments as needed.

• avoid synonyms that could create ambiguity or confusion.

• ensure that concepts remain consistent within the article's theoretical framework.

This oversight is especially important in collaborative work and larger projects, where multiple authors contribute to the same manuscript and there needs to be accurate and consistent usage of each term.

7. Final review: quality control of the translation of a scientific texts

The final revision is not a mere formality. It is an opportunity to ensure that the text reads naturally and functions properly as an academic article in the target language.

The following aspects are reviewed at this stage:

• Clarity and cohesion of the argument.

• Fluency of the academic writing style.

• Compliance with the journal's conventions.

The goal is for readers to perceive the text as an article fully integrated into its academic context, rather than as a translation.

8. Communication and support throughout the entire process

The human factor in scientific translation often gets overlooked. Beyond the technical aspects, scientific translation is a collaborative endeavour. A specialised, professional translator will:

• communicate directly with the researcher or research team.

• seek to resolve conceptual issues in collaboration with the author(s).

• have an awareness of the time constraints and pressures of the university environment.

I have extensive experience in various areas of research and provide a friendly, thorough, and personalised service. This approach not only ensures the quality of the final result, but also helps build lasting professional relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.

Conclusion: a holistic approach to translating scientific articles

Translating scientific texts is a complex process that combines disciplinary knowledge, linguistic rigour, and interpersonal skills. Working with a professional, specialised translator makes all the difference.

Need to translate a scientific article?

If you are preparing a manuscript for publication in English in an international journal and need a scientific translation that is thorough, consistent, and tailored to your field, don't hesitate to get in touch. I work directly with researchers and research groups, offering a personalised service geared toward academic excellence.