Using scientific terminology effectively in academic articles

A thorough command of scientific terminology is essential for ensuring that an academic article is translated accurately, fluently and credibly from Spanish into English or from English into Spanish. This requires the translator to use scientific vocabulary accurately and consistently, while at the same time adapting it to the conventions of the relevant discipline and academic publication.

I work with researchers and organisations throughout Spain in fields as diverse as philosophy, history, economics, nursing, and psychology. This disciplinary diversity shows, day after day, just how strongly terminological nuances influence the overall clarity of a text. In both translation and editing or proofreading, a specialised approach guarantees that the original intent of each piece is preserved without compromising its natural flow.

Scientific terminology: what it is and why it matters

Scientific terminology refers to the concepts and labels that allow phenomena to be described accurately and unambiguously in the social sciences, humanities, and clinical or experimental disciplines. Its importance stems from the fact that precise terminological choices:

• clarify the exact concept that the author wishes to convey,

• prevent misinterpretations within the discipline and beyond,

• ensure the overall coherence of the article, particularly when dealing with intricate concepts,

• enhance the article's credibility in the eyes of peer reviewers and specialist audiences.

In an environment where articles are shared globally, a translator with expertise in the relevant terminology is vital to maintaining the conceptual integrity of the text.

Building a solid scientific vocabulary

A strong scientific vocabulary is built from a variety of complementary sources, with the most helpful including:

• Specialised reading and keeping up to date with the latest literature.

• Targeted terminology research, especially in linguistically diverse fields.

• Academic corpora, providing insight into real-world usage patterns.

• Style guides and institutional glossaries, which help to standardise criteria.

In both translation and proofreading and editing, combining these resources with contextual analysis helps to avoid the pitfalls of rote translation and allows the scientific vocabulary to be tailored to the particular needs of each discipline.

Understanding the distinction between technical terminology and scientific lexicon

While there can be overlap, these are not quite the same:

• Technical terminology: refers to specific methods, procedures or instruments.

• Scientific lexicon: covers a broader set of discursive structures, expressions and concepts that underpin academic argumentation and rhetoric.

Striking a balance between the two is key in disciplines such as economics, history and psychology. A top-quality translation blends technical rigour with a style that resonates naturally within the target scientific community. A meticulous revision or translation will seamlessly merge these two layers —the technical and the discursive.

Strategies for using research language naturally in writing

Each field of research comes with its own conventions. To ensure that these are integrated seamlessly, the following strategies can be useful:

• Identify the expressions and structures most commonly used in the specific discipline.

• Respect the author's own voice, without artificially elevating the tone.

• Opt for wording that provides clarity and cohesion while keeping the text free of unnecessary clutter.

• Check the flow of the argument, making sure that transitions and discursive links reflect the style typical of the scientific community.

Whether in translation or proofreading and editing, careful attention to detail helps the article read smoothly and with authority, while remaining true to the original.

Common pitfalls in scientific terminology and how to steer clear of them

Some of the most common problems include:

• false cognates that alter conceptual nuances,

• inconsistencies within the text between terms that should be standardised,

• unnecessary loanwords that disrupt the natural flow of the text.

Preventing these errors calls for thorough linguistic, disciplinary and comparative review. Professional translation or editing offers the extra assurance of accuracy, consistency and clarity, boosting the chances of your article being accepted for publication.

Need help preparing your next article?

If you'd like help preparing your next article —whether it's translation, editing, or final proofreading ahead of submission to a high-impact journal— I'd be more than happy to assist. You can contact me here.