Challenges and Practical Considerations in Translating Legal and Technical Texts in the Food Production Industry

Abstract

Translating scientific and technical literature in the field of engineering and technology for the food industry is both challenging and intriguing, much like any translation work in scientific and technical domains. This area has distinct characteristics that set it apart. Practical experience with food product features and their verbal representation through taster's perception of a property involves individual professional experience and knowledge of analysis methodology, alongside unique complex compromise. This compromise stems from terms used in sensory analysis suggests that each combination of mental attitudes shaped by characteristics of the tasters, such as theanatomical structure and condition of each individual's oral cavity. Consequently, a single term may vary in its connotation each time it is used, reflecting different understandings. The practical outcomes of translation work focusing on profile structure analysis are documented in a multilingual glossary of pertinent terms. Examples of translation activities are provided, illustrating the application of professional terms from the meat industry, covering both products and specialized technological equipment. To ensure effective information retrieval from scientific and technical sources in countries with established beet-sugar production, a glossary of terms related to beet-sugar production was compiled. This glossary encompasses 444 terminological phonemes in Ukrainian, with corresponding terms in English, German, French, and three Slavic languages. The glossary includes fundamental terminology and groups terminological phonemes by stages in the beet-sugar production process, with each group covering related processes, equipment, materials, and products. Additionally, the article discusses the organizational and practical aspects of translating regulatory texts as part of harmonizing with European Union standards (EN), specifically those governing safety and hygiene rules for food industry equipment. This section underscores the significance of precise translation to ensure compliance with these standards and maintain industry safety.