Conceptual Evolution in Scientific and Technical Translation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The interconnection between concept and translation has long been recognised. However, conceptual evolution poses great challenges in scientific and technical translation. While conceptual research is central to terminology standardisation, it is less clear how conceptual evolution influences scientific and technical translation, particularly in rapidly evolving fields. This study reviews existing literature over the past five years, analysing the research trends and challenges and strategies in scientific and technical translation. Based on two databases, it retrieved 22 articles from a broader sample of 518 publications. The analysis identified the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in scientific and technical translation. The findings indicate four main challenges: technological advancements, cultural and contextual differences, complexity of technical language, and regulatory challenges. The five main strategies for these challenges are: interdisciplinary collaboration, terminology standardisation and management, technological integration, ethical and cultural adaptation, and professional training and methodological innovation. However, it reveals the need for more systematic research into concepts for terminology standardisation in technical fields. These results bring practical implications for improving effective standardisation of terminology and enhancing translator training in specialised fields.