Computer assisted translation is a technological resource that, if used well, can be quite useful. Having said that, in the hands of a novice or without proper use, it can bring about problems. The main problem is replacing a professional translation with a machine translation with insufficient levels of quality.
Computer assisted translation tools
CAT is the abbreviation for computer assisted translation, or a procedure that uses specific software to help those who undertake a translation. It is a valuable complement that reduces the time needed to undertake translation tasks. What are its advantages? We discuss them below:
· CAT helps to segment the text into smaller parts, making translation easier.
· CAT helps to maintain a homogenous style throughout the job.
· There is a translation memory for quick queries of terminology to compare and unify criteria.
· CAT reduces the necessary resources in terms of time and energy.
· CAT simplifies very technical translations that have especially specific vocabulary as terminology queries become automatic for these complex or unusual terms. Terminology bases are used to accomplish the aforementioned.
Having said that, not everything is rosy in the CAT garden. As CAT tools require internet availability, there are more online security needs and these tools have an additional cost that must be offset. The main thing is the use you make of CAT tools. These are complementary tools and that means that you still need to look for specialized translators to get a job of true quality.
Often, having a CAT tool makes you think that just the tool alone will be self-sufficient. That is not the case: human criteria is required to have optimal, professional translation results.
Computer assisted translation tool examples
This is a technological environment in which new innovations are frequent; therefore, any list of this type will soon go out of date. As of today, if you want to know what the most advanced options available are, you should consider the following:
· SDL Trados Studio. This is one of the leaders in the sector and it is available in several versions through different licenses. It is very common among freelance translators and some translation companies. It allows you to do the full translation, edit, and manage terms with linguistic quality guarantees.
· memoQ. In addition to offering a free preview version, it has a paid professional option that is comparable to Trados, although it is less well known.
· Déjà Vu. This one is also quite popular, probably because o fits ease o fuse and its very customizable interface. It requires a permanent license.
· Wordfast (Classic and Pro). This is a macro that can be applied to the different Microsoft Word formats.
· Across. This is another good alternative full of features and with a high level of quality. A monthly fee is paid to use it and it has a work portal known as crossMarket.
Undoubtedly, in the hands of qualified professionals, computer assisted translation is always something quite valuable. Now you know a lot more about it. Take advantage of it and get the best translations possible.
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