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14:38 Nov 17, 2009
This question was closed without grading. Reason: Answer found elsewhere
German to English translations [PRO] Printing & Publishing
German term or phrase:Polygraf/Polygrafin
I've seen the Wikipedia definition of this occupation but am not sure if there is a UK/US equivalent. I'm presuming it's a subset of graphic design, but which one?
I eventually decided to comply with the client's wishes and use the term 'prepress technology manager' but thanks very much indeed to everyone who contributed to the discussion and made suggestions!
I have since received notification from the client that the corresponding Swiss professional organisation translates 'Technopolygraf/-in' as 'prepress technology manager'. This sounds like a 'digital prepress technician' to me. So is a 'Polygraf/-in' less technical and simply a 'digital prepress worker' or a 'digital prepress specialist/professional'?
@Dr Lofthouse: It's a list of staff who work at a communications agency complete with their job titles. It's more of a technical than a creative job, so graphic artist wouldn't fit. According to the Wikipedia entry it's a new occupation combining the roles previously performed by typographers and lithographers.
do you have any more context?? I'd just use 'Graphic Artist' if it is an actual job - Techno version would be someone who copied technical drawings I guess, eg 'Medical Illustrator' or 'Technical Illustrator'.
Explanation: I agree with gangels and Michael Hudson that "print production professional" is a good match for the meaning of "polygraf" as indicated in the reference comments.
George Alexander United States Local time: 22:32 Specializes in field Native speaker of: English
Reference information: in support of gangels "print production professional" consider this entry on 'polygraphy' from the Prague Graphic School, Czech Republic; the emphasis is on sourcing/production.
"Polygraphy is a technically oriented department. It offers the complete know-ledge in the field of polygraphic production to our students. In the course of teaching we especially emphasise the importance of knowledge the process of preparation for production, text design, picture design, print producing and also the finishing process. Students gain knowledge on the base of theoretical lectures of the subjects followed by practical application at our schooI‘s studios. Graduates of this department gain employment in the production, technical, economic and business departments of polygraphic firms, publishing houses, production centres and advertising agencies and other Desk Top Publishing studios."
Michael Hudson United States Works in field Native speaker of: English
20 mins
Reference
Reference information: Polygraphy is the overarching term for how the printed word/image is generated, in other words, printing technology in general. I remember it from the fifties in East Germany. To become a manager in a publishing company, you needed a degree in polygraphy (not just this or that skill). You had to have a basic comprehension of paper-making, typography, printing processes and presswork, ink chemistry, lithography, bookbinding, estimating, marketing, cost accounting, anything even remotely tied to printing.
I guess 'print production professional' would be fitting.
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 22 hrs (2009-11-18 13:20:50 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
Are we splitting hairs, as there may not even be this type of graduate course available in the US. Perhaps 'Print Media Technician/professional' sounds more hi-tech. But the 'poly-' clearly implies a sort of sophisticated 'jack-of-all-trades' degree.
gangels United States Specializes in field Native speaker of: English, German PRO pts in category: 35
The translation workplace 
peer agreement (net): +1
