TAG Issues and How SDL Trados Solves Them

Technical translation between English and French is widely used in industries such as software, engineering, automotive, medical devices, and legal documentation. While these two languages share similarities, technical content introduces a layer of complexity where TAG handling, formatting integrity, and structural accuracy become critical.

Mistakes involving TAGs can easily corrupt files, break software builds, or render documentation unusable. This is why professional translators rely on SDL Trados to manage and solve these challenges.

1. Why English–French Technical Translation Is Risky Without CAT Tools

Technical texts differ from general content because they include:

• Structured file formats (XML, HTML, JSON, DOCX)

• Variables, placeholders, and inline formatting

• Repetitive and terminology-heavy segments

A single formatting or TAG error can invalidate the entire document or application.

2. English to French: Common Technical Translation Problems

a) Text Expansion

French translations are often longer than English, which creates problems in:

• UI labels and buttons

• Tables and forms

• Software strings

This increases the risk of TAG displacement or omission.

b) Terminology Precision

English technical terms may have:

• Multiple French equivalents

• Differences between EU French and Canadian French

Inconsistent term usage reduces clarity and professionalism.

c) Grammatical Agreement

French requires agreement in:

• Gender

• Number

• Articles

Incorrect handling can lead to awkward or incorrect technical instructions.

3. French to English: Typical Translation Pitfalls

a) Complex Sentence Structures

French technical texts often use:

• Long sentences

• Nominal constructions

When translated literally, English output can become unclear or overly complex.

b) False Friends

Words like actuel, éventuellement, or sensible can easily be mistranslated into incorrect English terms.

c) Implicit Logic

French texts may rely on context rather than explicit instruction, while English technical writing requires clarity and directness.

4. What Are TAGs in Technical Translation?

TAGs are non-translatable elements embedded in technical files, including:

• Formatting markers

• Code elements

• Variables and placeholders

• Structural metadata

TAGs must be preserved exactly as they appear. Any change can cause:

• File corruption

• Software malfunction

• Layout issues

• Failed QA checks

5. Common TAG Problems in English–French Translation

• Missing TAGs due to text expansion

• Incorrect TAG order after sentence restructuring

• Accidental modification of TAG content

• Duplicate TAGs from copy-paste errors

TAG issues are among the most frequent causes of rejected technical translations.

6. How SDL Trados Prevents and Solves TAG Issues

SDL Trados is designed to protect translators from TAG-related mistakes.

a) Visual TAG Protection

• TAGs are clearly separated from translatable text

• Accidental edits are blocked

• Inline and structure TAGs are easy to identify

b) Automatic TAG Validation

SDL Trados automatically detects:

• Missing TAGs

• Incorrect TAG order

• Extra or altered TAGs

Errors are flagged before delivery.

c) Segment-Level Control

Critical segments can be locked, ensuring file structure remains intact.

7. Quality Assurance (QA) with SDL Trados

SDL Trados includes built-in QA checks for:

• TAG consistency

• Number mismatches

• Terminology violations

• Incomplete translations

This significantly reduces post-delivery corrections and client complaints.

8. Best Practices for English–French Technical Translation

To ensure high-quality results:

• Always use SDL Trados or a comparable CAT tool

• Maintain clean Translation Memories

• Enforce terminology through termbases

• Run full QA checks before delivery

• Combine automation with expert human review

SDL Trados does not replace translators — it supports precision and consistency.

Conclusion

Technical translation between English and French presents hidden risks, especially when TAGs and structured files are involved. Language similarities can create a false sense of simplicity, while TAG errors can lead to serious technical failures.

SDL Trados provides the necessary tools to:

• Protect file integrity

• Eliminate TAG-related errors

• Maintain terminological consistency

• Deliver reliable, professional translations

For technical and localization projects, SDL Trados is not optional — it is essential.