Theoretical/Practical Question on CAT Tools - Coursework Example

 Theoretical/Practical Question on CAT Tools Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 1.0 Introduction 2 2.0 Impact of translation memory tools on the work of the translator and the translation industry 4 3.0 How TM works and discuss what types of text you could use TM for 6 4.0 Factors to be taken into account when assessing the usefulness of a CAT tool 7 5.0 Conclusion 7 1.0 Introduction Over the years the translation industry as a profession had initially comprised of the following players: the professional translator, terminologist and an interpreter. In the traditional sense, we had a translator, a terminologist and an interpreter (Garcia, 2009, pp.199-214). A translator is a specialist who renders texts from one language to another in the written form in order to convey a message as faithfully as possible; a terminologist is a specialist whose work is to establish a specific vocabulary for a range of phrases or sentences from a given written context, they are usually concerned with standardizing and defining terms used in different literal works; lastly, we have interpreters who are oral communication specialists offering interpretation services for speeches being delivered to audiences at conferences, courts, tribunals, meetings etc. (Pym, 2010). However, due to the advent of technology, similar to almost every profession in the world, the translation industry has not been an exception to technological changes. Over the years, we have seen the advent of special computer programs which have been introduced to take up roles previously conducted by human beings. These have been generally referred to as artificial intelligent machines because of the way they perform most of the thinking roles that human beings do when fed with the correct information. The machines are able to process this information and output the required feedback just as human beings do and could solve some of the most complex issues. The introduction of Computer Aided Translators (CAT) and Translation Memory Managers (TMM) has completely changed the roles of the translator, terminologist and the interpreter and at the same time, redefined the translation industry to a great extent. Ideally, a translation memory, or TM, consists of a database comprised of "segments" of literature that have been previously translated (Garcia, 2007, pp.55-68). The segments are usually stored in form of words, headings or phrases. The database usually stores millions of such segments and usually uses algorithms to identify the best language pairs (units) that suit a written word, phrase or even a sentence. This is usually run to aid human translators. The computer programs that use translation memory are commonly referred to as translation memory managers (TMM). In the industry under discussion, it is unusual for professionals to use TM in isolation as they are not perfect in their translation processes. Instead, TM are used in combination with other computer programs like computer assisted translation (CAT) tools, multilingual dictionary, word processors and terminology management systems. In other cases, translators use TM with raw machine translation output. With such technology in usage, it is evident that the translation industry has embraced technology to greater lengths (Garcia, 2009, pp.199-214). 2.0 Impact of translation memory tools on the work of the translator and the translation industry It is quite evident that the usage of translation memory tools has greatly affected the translation industry both positively and negatively. Most researches have revealed that many translators, be it individuals or firms, are using translation memory systems in their works especially those companies, functions or individuals that are concerned with the production of multilingual documentation. A survey conducted by Lagoudaki (2006, p.16) revealed that more than three quarters of language professionals use Translation Memory Managers. Her survey showed that the translation professionals use TM in conjunction with simple sentence structure, text type characterized by technical terms, computing skills and repetition of previous content. Her study revealed that TM usage is almost unavoidable in the industry due its aiding abilities and enhancement of efficiency. Monteiro (2009) notes that the new technology has changed the landscape of the translation industry in modern times to a large extend. These notable changes include significant growth in revenues, more computer applications being used to hasten growing dramatically in terms of revenues, more computer applications being introduced in the market with the aim of speeding up translation services and improving effectiveness. Monteiro (2009) further asserts that among all the new technologies in the translation industry, the one that stands out is the use of translation memories. Translation memories are being used more and more to avoid repetition of previous works, thus, saving a lot of time and effort (Garcia, 2007, pp.55-68). It has been noted that if TM is applied consistently over a period of time, it can save translators considerable time and resources. It is such effectiveness that has seen translators increases their revenues. Decades ago, translators were poorly paid owing to industry limitations and stereotypes surrounding their work; however, globalization and improvement in technology have seen translator’s revenues increase (Monteiro, 2009). The main benefits that accrue using translation memory tools are numerous and probably outweigh its demerits. In application, TM is suitable in translating technical documents with specialized vocabularies. If applied appropriately, TM has been proved to deliver 100% translation on text run through it, thus, reducing level of effort and time for the translator. TM has also proved to ensure consistency in definition, phrasing and terminology in translated documents; it has enabled translators to cope with documents without owning the translating software. Other benefits of TM include overall improvements in translation times; long-term cost reduction; and cost savings in translation services, especially for large documentation projects (Garcia, 2007, pp.55-68). The demerits of the TMM can be approached from the view of the shortfalls of its applications and the perceptions of the industry about them. The working premise of TM is that it utilizes a previous translation which is recycling; however, the guiding principle of translation is that the translator is to translate the message and not phrases or sentences. Most TMs do not have the ability of localizing context but rather use a generic approach to translation. Another shortfall of TM is its inability to accommodate all documentation formats, file types and applicable filters. For great effectiveness, the translators must use the TM over and over again, meaning that there has to be a learning curve to be learnt by the translator (Garcia, 2009, pp.199-214). Other subtle demerits include supervision for outsourced translation services or the need for another software to recheck outsourced output in case the texts are generated by their TM; high costs of acquiring full versions of the TMM; costs of training in the use of TMM; cost of maintenance and updates of the translation databases; quality issues associated with user and computer problem. There are also instances of mechanical translations by the TM, thus, making the translations inaccurate and insensitive (Declercq, 2009). 3.0 How TM works and discuss what types of text you could use TM for Translation memory systems work by a method of re-using previous translations as opposed to the common notion of it being a translation machine. The system is simply a database of translations which contains sections of text in the language to be translated matched with the word to be translated. The computer program utilizes the source text into segments and runs through the database looking for words or segments that match the source word as previously translated (Garcia, 2007, pp.55-68). The results presented come from the translation memory of the program and are presented as translation candidates as either perfect matches (100 % matches); repetitions; fuzzy matches (75-99 % match) or no matches (0-74 % match). The human translator can then accept the matched word or modify it to fit the meaning intended. If there is a new or modified translation, it is automatically saved in the translation memory for future use. The translation memory has the following functions: off-line functions; import; analysis; export; online functions; retrieval; updating; automatic translation; networking; text memory; and, translation memory. Import function refers to the transfer of a text from a text file to the TM. Analysis involves the processes of textual parsin; linguistic parsin; segmentation and alignment. The export function transfers the text from the TM into a specified text file. The online function is used to retrieve optimum matches from the memory for the translator to choose the appropriate one. Retrieval function is used to retrieve an exact match, in-context exact (ICE) match or guaranteed match, fuzzy match or a concordance match from the TM. The updating function is used to update the databases once the translator accepts a match. TM function of automatic translation is used to provide automatic retrieval and substitution. The networking function enables a translator to collaborate with other translators to generate text. The text memory comprises of the author and translation memory (Pym, 2010). 4.0 Factors to be taken into account when assessing the usefulness of a CAT tool These are several factors that need to be taken into consideration before procuring TM software and in the process of usage. Before acquiring one, the translator must consider financial considerations and the intended use for such a programme. Most top of range TMs are above USD 1,000, which is quite significant for a budget-oriented professional. Most translation companies can afford the top notch TMs, like SDL Trados, which is not within the reach of a freelance translator. If you are interested in quality and more functions, you must be ready to pay. One also needs to consider the primary function and additional features, the higher the price. The issue of quality is dependent on the richness of the database of the TM; if the database is deficient, then the higher the chances of getting poor matches. However, at the end of the day the success of any translation is dependent on the qualities of the translator, as well as his power and knowledge of using the TM software (Garcia, 2007, pp.55-68). 5.0 Conclusion In summary, TM work best on highly repetitive texts, thus, cannot be appropriate for creative literature. However, with a TM which has a huge database, the functionality and the quality of translation are limitless. However, after acquiring experience with various translation tools like Word-Fast, Déjà Vu, Google Translator’s Toolkit, and SDL Trados Sets itself above all, the cost of acquiring one becomes inhibitory for an individual. In conclusion, the human aspect is the most relevant factor in the use of the TM. References Declercq, C. (2009). Video interview on CAT tools, Jostrans 11: [Online] Available at: [Accessed 20th February 2012] Garcia, I. (2007). Power Shifts in Web-based Translation Memory. Machine Translation 21: 55-68. Garcia, I. (2009). Beyond Translation Memory: Computers and the Professional Translator. Jostrans 12: PP 199-214. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 20th February 2012] Lagoudaki, E. (2006). Translation Memory systems: Enlightening users' perspective. Key finding of the TM Survey 2006 carried out during July and August 2006. Imperial College London, Translation Memories Survey 2006, p.16. Monteiro, L. (2009). Translators Now and Then- How Technology Has Changed Their Trade. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 20th February 2012] Pym, A. (2010). What Technology Does to Translation, [Online] Available at: [Accessed 20th February 2012] Read More