Translation technology

Alessandra VitaTraductora & Intérprete (IT, ES, EN, DE)

www.alessandravita.com * @AVinterpreter

Translation TechnologyCAT Tools, TMS, Processes & Features

INDEX1. CAT Tools

1. CAT Tools Evolution

2. Stand-alone CAT Tools

3. Client/Server-based CAT Tools

4. Web-based CAT Tools

5. Cloud-based CAT Tools

6. Mobile Translation Tools

INDEX

2. Translation Management Systems (TMS)

1. Document TMS

2. Localization TMS

3. TM & Terminology Management

4. QA Tools & Processes

INDEX3. Processes & Features

1. TM

2. Advanced Leveraging

3. Translation Process Management (TPM)

4. Terminology Management

5. Controlled Authoring

6. QA

1. CAT Tools

1. CAT Tools

CAT (Computer Assisted Tools)

Single workbench with glossaries, translation memories (TM), document editors, etc.

Aim: productivity and accuracy improvement

1.1. CAT Tools Evolution

Born with PCs introduction

First in only one PC (stand-alone tools)

1.2. Stand-alone CAT Tools Thought for independent translators working offline

E.g. SDL Trados, MemoQ

1.3. Client/Server-based CAT Tools

Central server (usually hosted on customer premises) interacting with client software

Include: TM, glossaries, document editing, spellchecking & (sometimes) project management tools

Born in late 90s

Standard until 10 years ago (now outdated)

1.3. Client/Server-based CAT Tools

CONTRAS :

Lack of cross-platform support (typically Windows-based)

Lack of native mobile support

Not user-friendly (thought for translators)

Outdated interfaces

High IT costs

1.4. Web-based CAT Tools

PROS (=> likely to substitute client/server-based tools) :

Cross-platform access (not only Windows-based)

Mobile support

Quick development processes

“Working ubiquity” (cloud-based asset management, TM => OK fordifferent devices)

SaaS business models

1.4. Web-based CAT Tools Web-based translation agencies with their own

workbench and CAT tools

Client

Translator

1.5. Mobile Translation Tools

Novelty in the CAT space

Mobile devices = translators’ primary means of accessing the Internet

HTML5 / Javascript or

Native iOS / Android apps

=> the future

2. Translation Management Systems (TMS)

2. Translation Management Systems (TMS)

Additional layer of process management and automation:

Management of translation work assignment

Document/Translation import/export to and from systems

2.1. Document TMSTMS ≅ content management system

Used to:

Manage resources to be translated

Choose TLs and assign translators, editors, etc.

Define workflow

Receive and automatically route feedback

Use MT, TM, term glossaries, etc.

Export translations to external systems

2.2. Localization TMSSpecial TMS for software localization

Unique requirements (e.g. word length)

Often turnkey cloud-based (customer can:

Upload prompt files and assets

Control TL(s) and the translation process

Order translations from provider offering it (if needed)

=> combine MT + crowd (own t.) + outsourced t.

2.3. TM & Terminology Management

Features within larger systems (e.g. TMS, but also stand-alone tools)

Term glossaries to pre-translate recurring words and phrases => consistency

TM = record of previous human translations => memory aid & style guide

2.4. QA Tools & Processes

TMS generally include tools and processes to maximase project quality

3. Processes & Features

3.1. TMCommon feature in CAT tools

Used to eliminate redundant work and as memory aid

Exact match TM = 100%

ICE match, if applied only when previous and following sentence also 100% match

Fuzzy match (≠ 100%): used as style/memory aid

3.2. Advanced Leveraging

or sub-segmented analysis

Used to get translations from sentence fragments

Like fuzzy matches, not fully automated

Intermediate approach between TM and MT

3.3. Translation Process Management (TPM)

Administrative and workflow control tools

Used to decide:

Which asset (class) are to be translated

(and control) when and how translations are done, QA processes, etc.

if autopprove translations or have them reviewed/post-edited (and by whom)

3.4. Terminology Management

Used to create, translate and manage dictionaries/term glossaries

Not about cost reduction, but consistency and style

Better if optional use (translators should choose) (

Required feature for any CAT tool

3.5. Controlled Authoring

Before translation begins

Aim: maximize source content’s quality and consistency through:

Spellcheck and grammar correction

Terminology management

Brand protection (e.g. proper use of certain names)

Edit source text for MT

3.6. QA

Before translation:

• protection of non-translatable elements;

• provide comments and context;

• choose best-match translator(s)

•During translation:

• CAT tools (e.g. spellcheckers, TM, glossaries)

3.6. QA•Post translation:

• Send it to reviewers/(post-)editors

• Randomly send it to one or more translators for review and score

•Post delivery:

• Provide a widget or API

• => Customer feedback: comments, score, re-translation request

Alessandra VitaTraductora & Intérprete (IT, ES, EN, DE)

www.alessandravita.com * @AVinterpreter

Translation TechnologyCAT Tools, TMS, Processes & Features