First of all, it is important to distinguish between machine translation (or automatic translation) and computer-assisted (or computer-aided translation). In the case of machine translation (MT), the text is translated by a computer, whereas in the case of computer-assisted translation, the text is translated by a human translator who uses computer tools to facilitate his task.
The most common computer-assisted translation tools (CAT tools) are translation memory software, terminology management tools, localization software and alignment software.

Translation memory programs

Translation memory (TM) programs are databases that store previously translated texts in bilingual translation units, usually sentence by sentence. When the translator buys such a program, the database is empty. As he translates texts using the TM, every sentence in the source language is stored in the database together with the corresponding translation as entered by the translator. If, later on, the translator has to translate a sentence that is identical or very similar to a previously translated sentence, the TM will automatically show him the previous translation which he can then reuse or amend as needed.
Many TM programs have integrated terminology management programs which allow the translator to enter his own glossaries. When a term that is included in the glossary appears in a sentence to be translated, the TM automatically shows the glossary entry.
The main advantages of translation memory programs are:

- Saving time. No sentence has to be translated twice. TM programs are particularly useful for translators who often translate similar texts, such as user manuals or software documentation (i.e. the user manual of a new version of a product is highly likely to be very similar to the user manual of the previous version).
- Numbers and other non-translatable elements such as URLs can be automatically copied into the target text. This reduces the risk of errors as the translator does not have to copy them manually.
- Terminology integration. Easy access to the stored glossary. The translator can make sure that the terminology is consistent within a text or for all texts translated for a particular client (i.e. company-specific terminology)
- Translation memory databases can be shared between a team of translators or in a translation agency.
- Since the software automatically opens each sentence one after the other, the risk of missing a sentence or a paragraph is reduced.

List of translation memory programs:

SDL Trados
MultiTrans
Déjà Vu
Wordfast
ForeignDesk
MetaTexis
Transit
Across
Babeling
OmegaT
Synthema
Cafetran
TinyTM
Felix
BTT Translator
Fusion
Anaphraseus
Similis
Heartsome
Wordfisher
Transolution
AidTrans Studio
GlobalSight
LingoPoint
MadCap Lingo
Memorg
ppt.helper (for MS PowerPoint presentations)
Swordfish Translation Editor

Terminology management programs

SDL MultiTerm
TermiDOG
TermStar
crossTerm
GFT-DataTerm
LogiTerm
Beetext Term
EDITerm

Localization programs

Localization (L10N) refers to the translation and local adaptation of software and websites. It involves translation of texts, but also adaptation to the specific market.

Passolo
RC-WinTrans
Alchemy Catalyst
Visual Localize
Lingobit Localizer
Multilizer
WebBudget
Virtaal
The Translate Toolkit
MemoQ
Okapi Framework
CatsCradle

Other software for translators

Translation 3000
PractiCount and Invoice
ErrorSpy
Translator’s Abacus
Translator’s Office Manager
Productivity tools 4 translators
Transmissions for Photoshop
Transflow
NoBabel AutoAligner & NoBabel Enhancer

Advertising:

No related posts.