Jan 03, 2009
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:
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