Both professional translators and your average person who has no background in foreign languages have often wondered why software designers, programmers and linguists don't join forces to create a computer programme capable of automatically translating texts within set parameters. Today there are a number of such systems in existence including, ‘Translation Memory’. All respectable translation agencies now use translation memory software. However translators are quick to point out the limitations of machine translation which still lags considerably behind its human counterparts.
Translation Memory technology offers of a number of useful advantages for professional translators, including:
- a database of past translations;
- maintains a single glossary;
- enables large documents to be translated faster;
- raises the standard of translations;
- ease in checking terminology;
- reduces translation costs thanks to its ability to identify 100% matches (i.e. previously translated words and phrases) and so-called fuzzy-matches (close similarities to previously translated terms defined in percentage terms).
Every qualified translator of course understands that Translation Memory is merely a useful technical aid. Linguists remain highly sceptical of attempts to create a computer programme capable of translating as well as a human being. At the same however few if any, would deny that the technology has real practical applications.
When properly used, Translation Memory can improve the quality and speed of translations, particularly for large texts. This is why Word Perfect Translations uses the most up to date and effective Translation Memory system. We are convinced that translators who use Translation Memory software will remain one step ahead of their colleagues who fail to take advantage of the benefits offered by this new technology.
